We are looking for a great small town near some sort of major metropolitan area of developed college town that offers plenty of places to walk, parents who still read to their kids, community events, and a great coffee shop to unwind (preferably not a seattle chain). Would like nice springs and falls, good schools, not too hot, not too cold, not too rich, not too poor. Why does the good American small town be so elusive? They all seem to have been papered over in strip malls and filled with people who commute hours a day. I want a real community filled with real people. Is it out there?
2006-06-23 12:51:06 · 8 answers · asked by echick425 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
Asheville, North Carolina
Tell no one.
2006-06-23 12:54:36 · answer #1 · answered by Dr. Brian 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would have to recommend Kalamazoo, Michigan.
The Michigan climate is wonderful--hot summers, snowy winters, breathtaking springs and colorful autumns. In Michigan, you can participate in lots of activities and sports: downhill and cross-country skiing, ice skating, snowmobiling, boating, swimming, walking, hiking, sailing, hunting--you name it.
Kalamazoo is surrounded by a number of smaller communities (like 10,000 and under) that offer historic homes, gift shops, coffee shops.
Kalamazoo is a college town, with a fine theater (search for Miller Auditorium on the web--they have wonderful Broadway series and many other productions). Kalamazoo is within a couple of hours of Chicago and Detroit (both easy to reach on I-94 or by train).
Additionally, Kalamazoo is near Lake Michigan, but something unique about Michigan is that no matter where you stand within the state, you are never more than 6 miles from water. Michigan has hundreds of things to do with families--Mackinac Island, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Soo Locks, and tons of state and national parks.
Kalamazoo is in the upper Midwest--the most affordable place to live in the nation. The cost of living here is very, very reasonable. Kalamazoo is also home to some of the best healthcare in the nation. Both Bronson and Borgess Hospitals are consistently ranked among the nation's best hospitals, and the HMO available in the area, Priority Health, is also one of the nation's best.
And finally, some anonymous individuals just set up a scholarship fund for children who graduate from Kalamazoo schools. Although I don't recall the details, it's an impressive scholarship, and the only requirement is graduation from a Kalamazoo school.
Don't overlook Southern Michigan. It might be what you are looking for!
2006-06-23 13:43:24 · answer #2 · answered by knowitall 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Madison Wisconsin. It was rated as one of the 10 best small towns in the United States.
2006-06-23 12:56:11 · answer #3 · answered by erika_fekas 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Plumsted Twp, NJ also known as New Egypt or Cream Ridge.
2006-06-23 17:52:54 · answer #4 · answered by mdemo1 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the best place would be the Kodiak Island in Alaska
2006-06-23 12:55:05 · answer #5 · answered by Timmy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chewelah,WA
2006-06-23 17:56:27 · answer #6 · answered by nathangru 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Pickens, South Carolina (I'm not kidding)
2006-06-23 12:55:29 · answer #7 · answered by MAK 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
small texas town
2006-06-23 12:57:58 · answer #8 · answered by Rebekah 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋