Delightful Small Towns Offering Big City Access
- adriana
- Jun 24
- 5 min read
Want to escape the noisy, populated big cities? That’s one thing. But rural countrysides - despite being rich in natural beauty - don’t really hold much growth in terms of career or education. In addition, it takes hours of driving to see a doctor or to visit a Target for a shopping spree.
But what if we tell you that there are small towns offering big city perks with the same suburban charm? Why choose a particular lifestyle when you can have both?
Let’s go through the underrated “delightful” small towns that also offer big city perks at the same time.
What Makes A Town Delightful Anyway?
Image by Herrte / Pixabay
We tend to throw the word “delightful” very casually. But before we move toward our list, we want you to understand what makes these cities more “delightful” than other small towns across the country.
Low Cost of Living
Yes, you are not constantly broke. Small towns usually have a 15% to 40% lower cost of living, including groceries and utilities. I am talking about two-digit restaurant bills, coffee within $5, etc. In short, you can have a more manageable and decent lifestyle than in big cities like NYC or LA.
Affordable Housing
Buying houses in NYC bleeds your pocket with some properties asking for $ 1.2 M. Tired of hearing such prices? Then you are in for a treat. Because in the small cities we have listed down below, there are cute houses listed for $250K to $350 K. And, if you want a family-size house, there are plenty of options below $100,000.
Cozy Yet Connected To Major Cities
Imagine living in a small town and driving every day for work (if you don’t have the luxury to work from home). However, the city should be well-connected with the help of multiple public transit systems. So, it doesn’t take you more than 30 to 40 minutes to reach your workplace. Plus, this much distance is needed to enjoy a honk-free, peaceful suburban life.
Handpicked 6 Small Towns Offering Big City Access
Beacon, New York
Just an hour train ride from the heart of New York City, and you enter the charming small town of Beacon. Previously, it was a rare hidden real estate gem only seasoned players knew about. But it all changed after 2003, when the famous art museum Dia Beacon moved here.
Why We Love It
Don’t like to drive around? No worries. Beacon has a very well-connected public transit system. So, even though you are quite far away from NYC, you never really feel that way. Dia Beacon, being its major tourist attraction, is a city mostly adored by creative minds.
We Recommend It To:
Weekend workers. If you only need to travel to NewYork City one to two times per week, the 1.5-hour train journey is fine. 9-5 office workers might not like to commute for so long every day.
Winthrop, Massachusetts
Imagine sunrise jogs on the beach every day. That’s right. In Winthrop, Massachusetts, beaches are not a luxury; they’re in your backyard. However, unlike the cutthroat coastal cities, the rent and house price here is actually affordable.
Why We Love It
You can plan weekend beach trips to the nearby Yirrel & Winthrop beaches, take long walks across the scenic pathways, and still be only 20 minutes away from Downtown Boston.
We Recommend It To:
Full-time, on-site workers. The journey to Downtown Boston is quick and easy. So, it’s actually viable to travel every day to the main city and work. Take your time exploring this hidden gem in Boston.
3. Franklin, Tennessee
Nashville is pretty known for its lively nightlife with concerts, musical festivities, and all. But, just go 21 miles south, and a small town called Franklin will welcome you with an opposite vibe. It feels like you are in the faraway countryside.
Classic red brick pathways, old Hollywood style buildings, family-owned eating spaces, boutiques, it’s everything you imagined in your dream community.
Why We Love It
Just a 30-minute drive and you can still attend all the fun cultural festivities of Nashville. Then, come back to your tight-knit neighborhood.
The best thing about Franklin is that it’s super clean and safe for raising young kids. Neighbours will actually speak to you and invite you into their well-connected community.
We Recommend It To:
Retirees and couples with young kids. The education scene in Franklin is solid. It is home to some of the top-rated public schools in the whole state. You can easily ensure the best education for your little kids while enjoying a more laid-back living.
4. Gig Harbor, Washington
A big seafood person? Then, Gig Harbor is going to win your hearts with its authentic seafood restaurants lined up on almost every street. And, the taste? Umm, it wouldn’t be incorrect to call it the best in Washington.
Okay. Now, time for a serious talk. Just 45 minutes from Seattle, Gig Harbor is packed with loads of riverfront and mountain-front properties with a salty touch of sea air, of course. It’s literally a world in its own.
Why We Love It
Most small towns are designed for retirees who want to live a low-profile, calm life. But Gig Harbor stands out with its massive appeal for young couples or families. Think about sailboats, kayaking, paddleboarding, and hiking every weekend.
We Recommend It To:
Adventure-loving individuals who can’t fit into the small box that big cities offer.
5. Boulder, Colorado
The last town on our list is in Colorado. We kept it for last, because housing here is usually on the pricier end. But that’s understandable considering you are getting so many big city perks while enjoying a storybook-type community.
Why We Love It
Unlike other small towns, Boulder, Colorado, doesn’t make you feel less connected to people. According to recent reports, nearly 100,000 people reside in this town. The very famous Pearl Street Mall in the center of the town is surrounded by local bookshops, cafes, restaurants, etc.
Also, being home to the University of Colorado Boulder, the town is packed with students and researchers from diverse backgrounds. In short, the town is nothing short of a thrill.
We Recommend It To:
Eco-conscious, active, and progressive families who care about education and being a part of an upscale community.
Image by Lewis Westwood Flood / Unsplash
Outro
You can start your own “looking for the perfect town” journey. But keep the points we discussed here in mind while evaluating whether one is suitable for your lifestyle or not. And, if you don’t know where to start from, give the five towns we listed here a chance.