These Are the Best Small Cities in the U.S., According to Research

For big city dwellers who love the bright lights and crowded spaces that come with larger cities, moving to an area with a smaller population may be something that’s totally unappealing. But, partially thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, big city growth is actually slowing down as people start to embrace the many benefits of moving to a smaller city. Shorter traveling times, cheaper property, and a larger sense of community are just some of the advantages that may come with putting down roots in a small city.

WalletHub, a personal finance education site, has recently released its report on 2021’s best small cities in America, comparing more than 1,300 U.S. cities with populations between 25,000 and 100,000 across 43 key indicators of livability. Factors include cost of living, homeownership rate, number of restaurants and attractions, and school-system quality.

Interested in seeing what life is like outside of the urban jungle? Here, the five top small cities in the U.S.:

Population: 33,340
Median household income: $186,201
Median home value: $889,700
Median monthly rent: $2,475

Lexington, MA has had a 6,20% increase in population since the 2010 census (31,394 vs. 33,340). Known for Lexington Common, or Boston Green,  where the first shot of the American Revolutionary War was fired, Lexington has a rich history, vibrant culture, and is know for its highly-rated school system.

Population: 99,577
Median household income: $112,765
Median home value: $333,200
Median monthly rent: $1,207

Carmel, Indiana has often be cited as one of the best places to live in the United States, and has also been honored for being one of the safest in America, and best place to launch a career and to raise a family. Points of interest include Midtown Plaza Carmel and the Museum of Miniature Houses and Other Collections.