#76. Merriam
From the simple pleasure of casting a line into a small fishing pond to a stimulating venture into an IKEA, Merriam, Kan., provides residents with an assortment of experiences. A handful of barbecue restaurants and quaint shopping centers give the community a small-town feel, while an aquatic center, art galleries and a 20-screen movie theater provide a more cosmopolitan atmosphere. Students attend Shawnee Mission School District One, a well-rated system.