Top LOOKS for Town

Best Towns to Live In (Population Under 25,000)

When people start thinking about moving, they often picture big cities or sprawling suburbs. But for many, the right move is to a smaller town, the kind with a population under 25,000. These places trade speed for space. They make it easier to feel known and to be part of daily life.

Towns like these offer more breathing room and closer access to nature. They sit near larger metros but keep their own identity. You don’t have to leave for everything — that’s part of their appeal.

Best Small Towns in the U.S.

Sebastopol, CA

Sebastopol sits in Sonoma County between redwoods and vineyards. It has an independent streak, with local galleries and community markets dominating the culture. The town feels rural but stays connected to Santa Rosa and San Francisco.
Why It Works: Small-town creativity mixed with real-world access.

Los Olivos, CA

Los Olivos is tucked into Santa Barbara County’s rolling hills. It has tasting rooms and farm-to-table restaurants that pull in locals and tourists, and long stretches of quiet roads, much appreciated by daily drivers. Days here move slowly, and that’s exactly what draws people in.
Why It Works: A countryside rhythm that feels genuine, not staged.

Middlebury, VT

Middlebury is anchored by its college and its sense of continuity. The downtown is compact and walkable, with cafés and bookstores that locals actually use. Outdoor life, filled with hiking and winter sports, sits close to the center of town.
Why It Works: Academic energy meets small-town habit.

Bennington, VT

Bennington feels grounded. Its Revolutionary War history and covered bridges give it texture, while a small but growing arts community adds momentum. Life here runs on local relationships more than trends.
Why It Works: A place that values steadiness over change.

Sturbridge, MA

Sturbridge leans on its New England heritage but keeps life practical. Families choose it for its schools and proximity to Worcester and Boston. Lakes and trails fill weekends once the workweek slows down.
Why It Works: A manageable commute paired with a real sense of home.

Lockhart, TX

Lockhart is famous as the “Barbecue Capital of Texas,” but it’s also a laid-back town with growing appeal. Located just south of Austin, it’s popular among people priced out of the city who still want to be within commuting distance. The community vibe here is friendly and down-to-earth.
Why It Works: You get Austin’s access without Austin’s pace.

Laramie, WY

Laramie sits high on the plains with open sky in every direction. The University of Wyoming brings cultural events and sports that keep the town lively. Step outside the city limits and you’re in pure wilderness.
Why It Works: A town that balances frontier quiet with bursts of energy.

Blacksburg, VA

Home to Virginia Tech, Blacksburg has the feel of a tight-knit town but with enough of a splash of college-town vibrancy to make it punch above its size in cultural weight. It consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in Virginia thanks to its mountain scenery and strong sense of community.
Why It Works: A true community that grows around its university, not under it.

South Lake Tahoe, CA/NV

While it’s best known as a tourist destination, South Lake Tahoe also has a full-time community that enjoys year-round mountain living. Skiing in the winter, hiking and boating in the summer, and a tight-knit small-town culture make it a special place to settle.
Why It Works: Year-round nature with a core group that stays put.

Why People Choose Towns

  • Community connection: In towns this size, people know their neighbors and show up to local events.
  • Access to nature: Many towns are close to mountains, forests, lakes, or farmland.
  • Slower pace: Without the rush of city traffic or crowds, life feels more relaxed.
  • Affordability: While not always true (think California wine country), towns often come with lower housing costs.

Is a Small Town Right for You?

Towns under 25,000 aren’t for everyone. If you thrive on nightlife or public transit, you'll find them limiting. But if you’re drawn to community and more space for less money, these towns can offer something larger metros can’t.

FAQs About Town Living

Q: Do small towns have enough jobs?

A: Many residents commute, work remotely, or run small businesses. It depends on the town’s economy.

Q: Are they good for families?

A: Often yes. Schools tend to be smaller, and parents are part of the fabric of community life.

Q: What’s the pace really like?

A: Slower. Errands take longer because you stop to talk. People plan around weather and local events more than traffic.

Q: How do towns handle growth?

A: Some resist it; others welcome it cautiously. The best ones adapt without losing their character.

Q: Who fits best in town life?

A: People who value space, quiet, and consistency. It’s for those ready to trade convenience for connection.

Find Your Town Match

Explore smaller places that still feel complete. Take the LookyLOO Quiz to discover your next city and save it to your Movebook to start planning.