Top LOOKS for Small Cities
Best Small Cities to Live In (2025 Rankings & Lifestyle Guide)
Why Small Cities Work
Not everyone wants to live in a huge metro. Small cities give you a complete community without the pressure of scale. Most have between 25,000 and 200,000 residents — large enough to have schools, healthcare, and real downtowns but still easy to move through.
After the pandemic, more people started paying attention to these places. Rising housing costs and remote work pushed movers to look for cities that feel connected yet manageable. Many found what they wanted here, including historical stability and culture, and breathing room for kiddos or the grownups to play.
What Makes a Small City?
At LookyLOO, we classify small cities as places with 25,000–200,000 residents. They’re often regional centers that serve nearby towns. You’ll usually find independent restaurants and small galleries, and perhaps most importantly, civic events that keep residents involved and tight.
If you want a city that has a real downtown and neighbors who recognize you at the farmers’ market, this size hits the mark.
Best Small Cities to Consider
Bend, Oregon
Bend grew around the outdoors. The Deschutes River runs through town, and Mt. Bachelor is close enough for weekend skiing. Breweries and coffee shops fill the downtown core, and many residents work remotely.
Why It Works: A small city where outdoor life feels like the main economy.
Boulder, Colorado
Boulder feels intentional in how it mixes nature and daily life. Trails start at the edge of neighborhoods, and the University of Colorado keeps the population curious and engaged. Denver is close enough for bigger-city access when you need it.
Why It Works: Everyday life happens against a mountain backdrop, not apart from it.
Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City faces Lake Michigan and lives at a slower but spunky pace. Its downtown is full of small shops and restaurants, and the surrounding region supports vineyards and farms. Summers bring festivals and visitors, but locals keep the rhythm steady year-round.
Why It Works: A place where lake life and local economy blend naturally.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville sits in the Blue Ridge Mountains and feels creative without trying too hard. Street art, music, and food are part of the culture, and the landscape makes outdoor time easy.
Why It Works: Art and mountain life share the same space here.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe holds onto its heritage while drawing artists from around the world. Adobe buildings, local markets, and desert trails set the tone. It’s small but layered with depth.
Why It Works: A city that proves “small” can still feel global.
Eugene, Oregon
Eugene feels open and green. The University of Oregon adds big energy, and the city’s bike culture is genuine. Rivers and forests are close enough that outdoor plans never need much planning.
Why It Works: You can live simply without feeling limited.
Madison, Wisconsin
Madison edges toward mid-sized, but its heart is local. The lake shapes life here, and the university keeps the intellectual and social energy buzzing. Winters can be long, yet the sense of community runs deep.
Why It Works: A small-city scale with the spirit of a capital and a campus.
Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara feels like a coastal retreat that just happens to function as a city. The downtown is walkable, the beaches are clean, and the weather rarely fails. It’s expensive, but the setting explains why. If it's good enough for Harry and Meghan, it's good enough for you.
Why It Works: Everyday life feels like the reward for choosing carefully.
Is a Small City Right for You?
Small cities are good fits for people who want a community that feels reachable. You’ll trade a big job market for better balance and a stronger local identity. If that sounds right, these cities make sense to explore.
FAQ About Small Cities
Q: Are small cities growing?
A: Yes, many are. Remote work and high housing costs elsewhere have put them on more people’s radar. Check each for co-working if you're working remote but want to get out of the house.
Q: Do small cities still have good amenities?
A: Most do. You’ll find reliable schools, hospitals, and small but strong cultural institutions. Retirees need to double-check the proximity of good hospitals. Business travelers need to see if the local airport works for their travel needs.
Q: What’s daily life like?
A: Simpler. Commutes are short, and people know the places they frequent. You’ll likely recognize faces downtown after a few weeks.
Q: Who moves to small cities?
A: Families seeking affordability, and retirees who still want culture. You also see young couples making the move in advance of a family, just to get their home-ownership aspirations moving.
Q: Any downsides?
A: Job options can be narrower. And if you thrive on constant newness, small cities can feel predictable over time. Even if you're not looking for work, check the LookyLOO job board to see how many openings the city typically has available, just in case you need backup.
Find Your Small-City Match
Start exploring which small cities line up with your goals. Take the LookyLOO Quiz to discover your next city.