We determined the best small towns in the united states by comparing the 541 cities in our database across 5 categories. Each category is evaluated over a range of metrics with each metric being judged on a different point scale, as indicated below. Cities that receive the maximum points for each metric are determined to be the most desireable and appear higher in the list.
Growing Economy - Total Points: 28
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- Population growth (1-year) - Points: 7
- Population growth (10-year) - Points: 7
- Employment rate - Points: 5
- Employment growth (2010-2018) - Points: 3
- Employment growth (2017-2018) - Points: 3
- Employment rate (full-time) - Points: 3
Weather - Total Points: 27
- Days of temperature 32°F or less - Points: 19
- Days of temperature 90°F or more - Points: 8
Recreational Activities - Total Points: 27
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- Bars per household - Points: 5
- Restaurants per household - Points: 5
- Performing arts centers - Points: 3
- Performing arts centers per household - Points: 3
- Museums per Households - Points: 3
- Golf courses - Points: 3
- Casinos - Points: 3
- Museums - Points: 2
Outdoor Activities - Total Points: 18
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- Beaches - Points: 7
- Parks - Points: 7
- Ski resorts - Points: 4
Population under 250,000 - Required
- Population less than or equal to 250,000
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Points doubled for value calculation
**
Points doubled for fun calculation
