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The 10 best small towns to visit, ranked in a new report
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The 10 best small towns to visit, ranked in a new report

Dreaming of a charming, tranquil getaway full of stunning scenery and warm hospitality? A new report from InsureMyTrip ranks the 10 best small towns to visit in the US – places in the country that are perfect for travelers looking for a true escape from our chaotic world.

The report looked at 75 small towns across the country with populations between 1,000 and 6,000, using data from sources such as Global Peace IndexTHE USA.com crime indexGoogle rankings of cafes and restaurants, as well as factors such as space, local festivals and hotel quality. Using a standardized scoring system, each city was given a score from 0 to 10.

Topping the list as America’s most charming town is Red Lodge, Montana, with an overall score of 7.6. “With its scenic mountain backdrop and Western hospitality, Red Lodge offers both adventure and tranquility in equal measure,” write the report’s authors. Known for its proximity to Yellowstone National Park and the scenic Beartooth Highway, this city is a nature lover’s paradise.

In fact, the Northwest dominated the list. In addition to the winning city in Montana, Oregon and Idaho each had two locations on the list.

In second place is Cannon Beach, Oregon, with a score of 7.54. This coastal town offers visitors a breathtaking view of Haystack Rock and serene oceanfront paths. “Cannon Beach is a small town where art meets nature,” the report said, referencing the annual Earth and Ocean Arts Festival, which celebrates the region’s vibrant culture and peaceful environment. High ratings for cafes and restaurants further cement Cannon Beach’s appeal to travelers.

Oregon had one other city on the list: Sisters, Oregon, which came in 10th with a score of 6.94. Surrounded by mountains, Sisters is known for its annual rodeo and arts festivals and rustic atmosphere.

Third on the list is Cape May, New Jersey, with 7.5. This charming seaside town is a National Historic District with over 600 restored Victorian buildings and a walkable Main Street lined with galleries, boutiques and restaurants. “Cape May combines history, architecture and beachside charm into one welcoming package,” the report says. The city also ranks highly for its festivals and events, plus its appeal to families and history buffs.

Fourth on the list is Sun Valley, Idaho, with a score of 7.38. Known as America’s premier ski resort, Sun Valley offers a year-round getaway, with skiing in the winter and wildflower-covered trails in the summer. The hotel’s spaciousness and ratings contributed to Sun Valley’s charm score, with the report calling it “a tranquil haven for travelers seeking stunning scenery and outdoor adventure.”

The other Idaho city on the list is McCall at number seven. McCall is popular with outdoor enthusiasts for its summer lake trips and winter skiing.

Read on for our list of the 10 most charming small towns in the US. You can get more details on the methodology and see the scores for all categories in the original report.

The 10 Most Charming Small Towns in the US

Here is the list with the ranking and score of each city:

  1. Red Lodge, Montana – 7.6
  2. Cannon Beach, Oregon – 7.54
  3. Cape May, New Jersey – 7.5
  4. Sun Valley, Idaho – 7.38
  5. Panguitch, Utah – 7.33
  6. Welch, West Virginia – 7.3
  7. McCall, Idaho – 7.28
  8. Deadwood, South Dakota – 7.08
  9. Ferndale, California – 7.05
  10. Sisters, Oregon – 6.94

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