During the first nine months of 2020, New York City reported a 40% increase in murders year over year. In the summer, Rehoboth Beach hosts a free concert series. From when to retire to how much to save, here are expert-backed answers to crucial retirement questions. New Jersey led the pack with 27 safe small towns, followed by New York with 17, Massachusetts with 13 and Pennsylvania with eight. For more safe city data, check out our list of the, , and watch for our ranking of the safest (and most dangerous) metro areascoming soon. Between Fort Pierce and West Palm Beach sits Jensen Beach, a vibrant community known for its major shopping centers, fine dining, and water sports. - Median home value: $175,400 (85% own) Golfers and anglers alike won't have trouble filling their days in this town that spans the island bearing its name and parts of the coastal mainland. Socioeconomic factors certainly play a role. Honesdale's Main Street is lined with historic buildings, many dating back to the 1800s. Americans are living longer than ever, and that creates some challenges for retirees. The percentage of residents living below the poverty line ranges from 4% to 22%. This community created its Design Review Board "to preserve, protect, and enhance the ecologically and historically unique environment and aesthetic charm of the village." Mississippi is the most conservative state in the U.S., with 50% of the population being conservative. Meanwhile, Sauk Village, Illinoisa suburb of Chicagowhich was named the second most dangerous town in America overall was ranked as the most violent small town in the country. Current market conditions bring both opportunity and risk. - Median rent: $1,450 (11% rent). 1. Folks who get the blues from high taxes and cold weather can find plenty of tax-friendly, warmer settings to establish new roots. Read the2020 study here. Eau Claire also ranks 22nd out of 291 for its high number of healthcare establishments, at 14.08% of all establishments. The community also has a community college campus that offers lifelong learning opportunities. During our analysis, we also noted the small towns that reported the most crimes. Whether your city made our list or not, we encourage everyone to be proactive about home security. Larceny-theft was the most common property crime reported, accounting for 92% of all reported incidents. New Jersey leads the pack with 27, followed by New York with 17, Massachusetts with 13, and Pennsylvania with 8. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Joseph sits in northeast Oregon's Wallowa County, renowned for both its natural beauty and remoteness (there are no stoplights, and it's a four-hour drive to Boise, Idaho, the closest big city). So what are the most conservative cities in the United States? Among them: The Maker, an 11-room boutique hotel spread across three historic buildings, founded by the owners of Fresh beauty products, Lev Glazman and Alina Roytberg. The draw of idealized Normal Rockwell communities may be growing as headlines continue to highlight big crime in big cities across the country, says Rebecca Edwards, a security expert, safety and tech reporter for SafeWise. The United States is full of beautiful small towns. Retirees in Florida enjoy the financial benefits of having no . - Median household income: $122,228 An extensive new trail system is also in the works along the river. - Median home value: $402,100 (79% own) You may also like: 50 Best Value Public Colleges in America, Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters, great weather and bountiful outdoor activities, great weather, pristine setting, and wealth of outdoor activities, Delaware is a great place to retire in general, six miles of sugary beaches, wildlife, resorts, spas, golf, and restaurants, resort vacation lifestyle and country club living, 46 Best Lake Towns to Call Home in America, spans the island bearing its name and parts of the coastal mainland, The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. - Median home value: $415,000 (89% own) Here's the list of the most conservative towns: Hereford, Texas Princeton, Texas Appling, Georgia Cripple Creek, Colorado Monahans, Texas Orange City, Iowa Sumiton, Alabama Delhart, Texas. This is SmartAssets fourth study on the most livable small cities. Perched on Lake Palestine in eastern Texas, Emerald Bay is a top spot in the state for retirees because of its small population (approximately 1,300 residents), rural feel, and affordable cost of living. Learn more about your home security optionsand find out which companies we recommend for every budget and lifestyle in our roundup of the Best Home Security Systems. Plus, it's just 12 miles from bustling Charleston and all the activities and services of a major Southern city. - Median household income: $181,667 Menu burger Close thin Facebook Twitter Google plus Linked in Reddit Email arrow-right-sm arrow-right Loading Home Buying Calculators - Median home value: $346,400 (89% own) It also lays claim to year-round warm weather. Accessed October 6, 2021. Annuities provide steady income in retirement, but some financial planners prefer alternatives. 1. - Median household income: $104,850 The region hosts a number of baseball spring-training camps, and the scenic islands of Sanibel and Captiva are nearby. America's most conservative cities are skewed toward being more liberal than one might expect, according to an analysis by The Economist. Flickr/U.S. - Median rent: $1,261 (18% rent). - Median household income: $187,778 The average percentage of people with a high school diploma or higher in the safest small towns is 94.3, 3.7% higher than the US average of 90.9%. A bunch of former river guides running things. With numerous water trails and a temperate climate, the coast is a paddler's paradise. It also reported the highest number of property crime incidents in2019. Small businesses surround Public Square, including Bleu 32 Vintage Marketplace, Duck River Books, Hattie Jane's Creamery, and Trek Bicycle Shop, co-owned by American Pickers's Mike Wolfe and housed in a circa-1857 building. - Population: 2,433 (19% age 55-64 and 33% age 65+) - Median household income: $50,945 Only 1.9% of Flower Mound residents live beneath the poverty line, the third-lowest rate for this metric in our study. The Southern California town also sponsors a number of sporting and cultural events, including the BNP Paribas Open, the tennis tournament. Here's a look at the fastest-growing small cities in the U.S. with between 50,000 and 100,000 residents, according to Census Bureau data. Union County, N.C. Largest city: Monroe. The percentage of residents with a high school diploma ranges from 75% to 91.5%. on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. - Median rent: $2,846 (13% rent). The self-proclaimed "California desert sanctuary" in the Coachella Valley lives up to its moniker with amazing mountain views, 350 days of sunshine, renowned golf courses, and several residential country clubs. "Columbia is focused on preserving its architecture and history, while at the same time supporting new businesses," Mike says. 1. This affluent St. Louis suburb is the home of the Bellerive Country Club, which hosted the PGA Championship back in 2018. There's also a massive retirement community for those age 55 and older called Sun City Texas, which has over 15,000 residents. - Median rent: $869 (25% rent). - Median home value: $1,194,200 (100% own) Contact press@smartasset.com. Lexington, Kentucky. SafeWises answer: Almost nothing. These towns are scattered across the country, from Idaho to Michigan to Pennsylvania to New York. Time to drop the disability coverage and review your other plans. For more safe city data, check out our list of the 100 Safest Cities in America, and watch for our ranking of the safest (and most dangerous) metro areascoming soon. Getting to New York City's Penn Station takes about 35 minutes by train, but there are plenty of reasons to stay close, including the activities and programs offered by the Great Neck Park District. Many of the students are excited to make new friends. Average Retirement Savings: How Do You Compare? - Population: 1,557 (14% age 55-64 and 36% age 65+) The 18th century Philipsburg Manor in Sleepy, Hollow, New York, which was named one of the safest small towns in America in 2021, The marina in Emeryville, Californiathe most. The town reported 211.9 property crimes per 1,000 incidents (US 21.1). - Median household income: $59,429 And, as weve stated before, small towns still see their share of crime. What's not to love about this beachfront town on Florida's southern Gulf coast? The town's name traces back to the Civil War, when Union soldiers captured by the Confederates were held at Camp Parole. Get all the details about how we rank the safest cities in our, Latest City and Town Population Estimates of the Decade Show Three-Fourths of the Nations Incorporated Places Have Fewer Than 5,000 People. The fact is that urban areas consistently see more crime than rural areasthree to four times more according to some analyses.. The county in which this Texan city is located has the 14th-highest concentration of restaurants, 9.07% of all establishments. - Median home value: $169,300 (80% own) - Median home value: $754,200 (89% own) Besides the fact that the first five places on the list reported zero incidents of both violent and property crime, the majority are in the Northeast, which traditionally has the most safe small towns on the list. Olmos Park is surrounded by San Antonio, offering the community quick access to all the attractions found in the larger city. Lewisboro Town, New York 1. 3/3/2023 0 Comments - Median home value: $1,001,800 (81% own) For those who are leaving the bustle behind for bucolic reverie, the sense of safety associated with small-town life may play a factorbut small towns have crime too. Popular with retirees, in Cypress Lake, four in 10 residents are age 65 or older. Wilson Grange, the town's agricultural and culinary venue, hosts wine tastings and a weekly farmers' market. are burned into our brains, but an unending parade of town festivals and folks relying more on the sheriff than locks to keep their home safe dont necessarily line up with reality. So we report on both, Its easy to conjure an image of life in a small town. There are also loads of hiking trails throughout Montgomery County. - Median household income: $52,196 - Population: 8,852 (15% age 55-64 and 31% age 65+) Nebraska is the lone exception with a unicameral legislature. The new spending bill makes it easier to save for retirement. The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores offers a different kind of fun, as well as volunteer opportunities. A health savings account is a beneficial tool for retirement planning. "You can ski Monarch Mountain, then kayak, and have time left for mountain biking," adds mayor emeritus P.T. Median household income ranges from around $36,000 per year to over $158,000. - Median home value: $736,700 (75% own) (And a note: SafeWise used the terms safest and dangerous to refer to crime rates calculated from FBI data. One of the best ways to stop a burglary before it happens is to add a home security system. In addition, it ranks 30th for its relatively low proportion of residents living below the poverty line, at 4.0%. - Median home value: $145,800 (79% own) US Census Bureau, Semega, Kollar, Shrider, and Creamer. It might surprise you to learn that most Americans live in small towns. - Median home value: $454,300 (65% own) There are no guarantees that working with an adviser will yield positive returns. The average median household income among the 100 safest small towns is $110,602, 61% higher than the US average of $68,703. For residents of Sauk Village, the risk of being a victim of violent crime was 1 in 18 last year. Things to do in Orlando with your kids Orlando is America's playground, and millions of people visit each year. SafeWise defined a small town as a place with 5,000 to 15,000 people. Lafayette is a small city with a number of colleges and universities. Georgetown's focus on affordable and eco-friendly initiatives is a huge draw. - Median rent: null (2% rent). It has a staggering violent crime rate of 54.9 violent crimes per 1,000 residents, which is 15 times higher than the U.S. violent crime rate and 13 times higher than the violent crime rate for all of Illinois. These Are the Best Places to Raise a Family in the U.S. Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce offers a relocation guide, the restaurants, attractions, and shopping, water activities and observing the many bird species, Here's How Much Parental Leave You Get in Every U.S. State, shopping centers, fine dining, and water sports, four waterfront neighborhood parks and a private boat ramp, Everyone Practices Cancel Culture | Opinion, Deplatforming Free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion. SmartAsset compared almost 300 cities with populations between 65,000 and 100,000 to identify and rank the most livable small cities in our 2021 study. Cedar Key, Florida. - Median home value: $734,800 (85% own) - Population: 11,077 (15% age 55-64 and 30% age 65+) - Median rent: $995 (15% rent). The tight-knit island community was built along 500 acres of pristine natural beauty and prides itself as a perfect place for retirees thanks to its quiet and serene atmosphere. Local Lingo: "El Paso de Robles" (the Pass of the Oaks) is just "Paso" to locals. ", - Population: 20,902 (14% age 55-64 and 80% age 65+) "Highlands has really become a year-round town," says Jason Reeves, owner of the new Highlander Mountain House hotel and The Ruffed Grouse Tavern. Located in Sarasota County, which is full of beaches and attractions, Ridge Wood Heights scored particularly high with Niche on health and fitness. Accessed October 6, 2021. - Median rent: $1,420 (15% rent). Part of St. Tammany Parish, which boasts more than 160,000 registered Republicans, Slidell has become a hub for right-leaning voters and conservative values. The small town enjoys a great perch from which to access the busier cities, as well: Chapel Hill is an hour-and-a-half away and Charlotte is two hours away. The town has two swimming and recreational facilities for residents, and a thriving senior center offers classes, trips, guest speakers, and art exhibits. Holland is also on the water, so there's beach time, too, at spots like Holland Beach State Park, home to the iconic Big Red Lighthouse. The Louisiana city of Slidell ranked No. "Young entrepreneurs are taking notice." - Population: 3,901 (20% age 55-64 and 51% age 65+) - Median home value: $159,900 (82% own) Among the 100 safest small towns, there was a 17% decline in property crimes compared to the cities that made the list last year. But even small town America isnt immune to crime. Consider your health care plans, income sources and tax bracket before making the transition. "When we moved back from college, there was almost nothing in downtown," says Ben. And, as weve stated before, small towns still see their share of crime. Urban Crime: Are Crime Rates Higher In Urban Areas? and have not been previously reviewed, approved or endorsed by any other Aggravated assault was the most common violent crime reported, with 490 incidents. Nearby is the Friendship Heights shopping district and the National Institutes of Health and National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda. The total number of violent crimes reported is more than 3 times the number of violent crimes that took place in the 100 safest small towns combined. Yet "it is completely unpretentious," says Alexis Negranti, founder of Negranti Creamery. - Population: 15,095 (18% age 55-64 and 51% age 65+) - Median household income: $180,000 County-level data shows that Winnebago County, where Oshkosh is located, has the highest concentration in the studyof bars compared to all establishments (2.63%) and ranks 20th for entertainment establishments compared to all establishments (2.46%). Emeryville, California (also had the highest property crime rate in the U.S.), 2. Heres a rundown of what we learned: Overwhelmingly, when compared to big cities, the 100 towns that made our list have higher numbers when it comes to median household income and the number of high school graduates. - Median home value: $371,800 (76% own) She was 30 years old, just a "regular person," she said, when she gave up her career to . - Population: 1,400 (24% age 55-64 and 48% age 65+) So what else makes the five safest small towns similar? A 2013 regional planning commission report noted that Leland Grove's "high-quality residential character represents its greatest strength," and that its "community spirit is a valuable asset. - Median household income: $218,603 - Population: 14,778 (15% age 55-64 and 35% age 65+) #3 Most Conservative Colleges in America Bob Jones University Greenville, SC 4 Year 1,094 reviews Sophomore: Bob Jones has a great staff! Your risk of being a victim of violent crime is 1 in 18. Heres what we learned about property crime in Emeryville. It's one of the largest of the islands, and one of the most beautiful and quintessentially Southern. - Median household income: $114,583 - Median home value: $264,000 (80% own) - Population: 7,985 (15% age 55-64 and 20% age 65+) - Median home value: $261,000 (55% own) But anyone who's enjoyed a quiet afternoon swinging on a front porch or hiking up colorful mountains knows America's small towns are, in their own way, just as appealing. This data was used to provide additional insight into any trends or patterns that may correlate to why some cities or states may be more likely to report lower crime numbers than others. - Median household income: $58,250 - Population: 2,272 (20% age 55-64 and 37% age 65+) - Median rent: $932 (20% rent). - Population: 16,050 (14% age 55-64 and 41% age 65+) In 2021 that number grew . Howard), it's also attracting a growing group of entrepreneurs. This Long Island hamlet is home to the luxury shopping center Americana Manhasset. But its not all bad news. 3. Beaches and golf courses aren't far, and neither is Manhattan, which is 20 miles away. The low-key beach town has two state parks, Stump Pass Beach State Park and Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park. However, in this case, 64.6% of residents consider themselves to be Republicans. More Galleries From Forbes. Shared by Charlotte and Sarasota counties, Englewood's beaches are wide and uncrowded, making them popular spots for water activities and observing the many bird species that call this part of the state home. - Median home value: $267,900 (86% own) These potential retirement spots provide natural beauty, entertainment options and convenient access to a larger city when you need it. The communities on the border nearest Charlotte are among the richest in the U.S., while the rest of the county is moderately prosperous. This college town is the home of Southwestern University, the oldest higher education institution in Texas. Indeed, Sun Lakes has five adult country club communities represented by three homeowner associations, numerous golf courses, and hundreds of special-interest clubs. Community members may join the semi-private Whiskey Creek Country Club for access to an 18-hole golf course and a bar and restaurant, as well as social activities such as bridge and dancing. A new report has ranked the safest and most, An aerial view of Emeryville, California, which. - Median household income: $170,417 Taking money from your IRA may seem like a simple matter, but it's a decision that must be timed right. - Median household income: $85,200 Big cities have nabbed the most headlines for rising murder rates in 2020, but small towns werent immune. - Median rent: $1,130 (20% rent). Flickr/Delilah Hinman. Its stated mission is to provide "high-quality public services to a community which values limited government. (Shutterstock) Share with friends. The cost of living in Shenandoah is lower than the U.S. average, and the poverty rate is low. It hosts concerts, movies, and bonfires in the summer when its population swells and is close to the peaceful Assawoman Bay State Wildlife Area. - Median household income: $107,500 Sunset Beach is also a short walk from Bird Island, the undeveloped barrier island that is home to threatened or endangered species like loggerhead sea turtles. - Median home value: $852,700 (86% own) - Median household income: $75,552 Transformative Travel: I look at how travel can change lives. Winters in the subtropical climate are mild. Questions about our study? Wetlands, open spaces, ponds, and marshlands add to the town's visual appeal. These 5 cities hail from all across the countryIdaho to New Yorkalthough the majority are in the Northeast, which traditionally has the highest concentration of towns with little or no crime reported. Rebecca is the lead safety reporter and in-house expert for SafeWise.com. Although it didnt impact rankings, we also examined poverty rates, median income, and education attainment. Wayland, Massachusetts 7. Jensen Beach has two golf courses and hosts an annual arts and crafts show. SmartAsset does not review the ongoing performance of any Adviser, participate in the management of any users account by an Adviser or provide advice regarding specific investments. - Median rent: null (9% rent). Palm Valley is a veritable nature lover's paradise, with hiking and biking trails, the Harlingen Country Club, and the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. Garrett Park retains its historic, small-town charm with potluck town dinners, farmers markets, a swim club, and historic homes and buildings. 19. , May 21, 2020. "It was an opportunity to not only restores Wilson to its former glory, but make it a hub of food and culture in the Delta while staying true to its roots," says Norbert Mede, who heads up the town's development. 5 states had only 1 city each on the list: Idaho, Connecticut, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Virginia. The analysis also shows that the most conservative cities are not as conservative as the most liberal cities are liberal. Taking classes keeps your mind sharp, helps you network and may even be free. The community is only a 15-minute drive to Siesta Key, a Gulf of Mexico barrier island with sandy beaches, tidal pools, and coral reefs. - Population: 14,362 (20% age 55-64 and 27% age 65+) - Population: 17,074 (16% age 55-64 and 32% age 65+) SmartAssets services are limited to referring users to third party advisers registered or chartered as fiduciaries ("Adviser(s)") with a regulatory body in the United States that have elected to participate in our matching platform based on information gathered from users through our online questionnaire. - Median household income: $132,955 - Median home value: $460,100 (97% own) This Central Coast town has plenty to boast about, with more than 200 wineries and award-winning restaurants. St. Paul is second in the U.S. in the number of higher education institutions per capita. Her safety expertise is sought after by publications, broadcast journalists, non-profit organizations, podcasts, and more. - Median household income: $114,750 One-Time Checkup with a Financial Advisor, 7 Mistakes You'll Make When Hiring a Financial Advisor, Take This Free Quiz to Get Matched With Qualified Financial Advisors, Compare Up to 3 Financial Advisors Near You. - Median rent: unavailable (0% rent). But ranks 215th for its concentration of restaurants, which account for only 6.72% of all establishments at the county level. Stroll Holland's downtown shopping district for a mix of longtime, family-run businesses rooted in the town's Dutch heritage, like DeBoer's Bakery, and newer offerings like garden and home-goods shop Gezellig. It's perfect for those who enjoy winter weather, as it gets an average of 23 inches of snow a year, and its average annual high temperature doesn't quite hit 70 degrees Fahrenheit.