Often overlooked in favor of larger cities, countless small towns in America offer residents an excellent quality of life, characterized by very low unemployment rates, access to better and affordable housing, a sense of belonging, and lately: Luck.
After assessing statistical indicators such as the number of inhabitants (in this case less than 8,000), average household income, accessibility to the real estate sector, education and crime, The journey, an online travel magazine called White Rock, New Mexico, the ‘Happiest Small Town in America’ in 2024.
“We are honored that White Rock is receiving such critical acclaim The journeyand we know the city certainly deserves this title,” said Ellyn Felton, a marketing specialist from Los Alamos.
According to Los Alamos consultant Denise Derkacs, several factors contributed to the city receiving the top honor: “We have a very low crime rate, we have excellent schools, these are both things that make it great to raise a family and live here to live. ”, says Derkacs.
Being home to three national parks, it’s also the perfect destination for people who crave outdoor adventures but aren’t too willing to leave the state they live in, the officer said.
Other charming small towns that made it into the top five happiest destinations include Sugar Creek; Ohio, Tybee Island, Georgia; New Harmony, Indiana; and Eureka Springs; Arkansas. View the full list here.
Why the ‘Happiest Small Town in America’ is a must-see in 2024
The appeal of this small town lies in the way people interact with its farmers markets, artisans, eateries and beloved natural attractions while enjoying “beautiful dark skies” and an extensive network of hiking trails.
Here are some reasons why you should do this White Rock on your bucket list.
Pig + Fig Café – Featuring a variety of tasty gourmet dishes, this White Rock location earned the distinction of Best Small Town Restaurant in 2021, according to TravelAwaits.
Bandolier – Nestled in a canyon, this 33,000-acre national monument is filled with a multitude of paved and ADA-accessible hiking trails, ancient petroglyphs, cliff dwellings, and masonry walls.
White Rock Overlook– Capture postcard-like sunsets as you explore the canyon on horseback or bicycle.
If you are feeling adventurous, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Los Alamos where “Oppenheimer” took place.
In recent years, Americans have shown themselves more and more interest in moving to small towns, as reported by Gallup News. As of 2022, small communities in the South welcomed 0.9 people per 100 inhabitants, compared to 0.6 in larger cities also in the South.
