Want Big City Style Without Compromising Small Town Charm? Check Out These 6 Emerging Small Cities Near Major Metros
Don't want to give up big city life? Check out these smaller cities that don't skimp on small-town charm and opportunities.
The rapid expansion of remote work over the last several years has ushered in a new era of flexibility and freedom for professionals in a multitude of industries — not only on how they work but also where they live. One increasingly popular option for remote workers is the idea of relocating to a small town while maintaining proximity to major cities. This intriguing blend of rural charm and big city amenities offers some serious advantages, especially if you find yourself wanting to keep a foot in both worlds. You get to soak up everything smaller towns have to offer, like spacious parks and outdoor recreation and that iconic neighborliness that comes with fewer people. But you can also drive into the big city from time to time to take advantage of things like international airports and cultural attractions.
If you’re in the market to find a new place to put down roots and want the best of both worlds, check out these six burgeoning small towns that keep you close to major metropolitan areas.
In This Article
1. Muskegon, MI (Detroit, Chicago)
Population: 37,552 | Proximity to Detroit, MI: 196 miles | Proximity to Chicago, IL: 186 miles
Life in Muskegon, Michigan, combines family-friendly leisure with natural beauty and cultural attractions. Putting down roots on the shores of Lake Michigan offers unlimited opportunities to take in the sweeping waterfront vistas, soak up the sun on the beach and spend summer days swimming, boating and hiking to your heart’s content. Explore the Muskegon South Pier Lighthouse or take the kids to Michigan’s Adventure, the state’s most considerable amusement and water park just a short drive away. For those more interested in the urban side of things, the local cultural scene touts the Muskegon Museum of Art and Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts, as well as numerous events and festivals throughout the year. Furthermore, the convenience of being about three hours from the bustling cities of Chicago and Detroit makes it easy for residents to enjoy the best of both worlds — small-town charm and urban adventure.
2. Smithfield, NC (Raleigh)
Population: 11,630 | Proximity to Raleigh, NC: 30 miles
Southern charm and modern convenience await anyone interested in building roots in Smithfield, North Carolina. Locals here not only have easy access to Raleigh, which is a short 40-minute drive away, but their own picturesque hometown boasts a beautifully historic downtown packed with charming boutiques, antique shops, and cozy cafes. Those fond of old Hollywood will recognize the Ava Gardner Museum, dedicated to the iconic actress who called Smithfield home, and nature enthusiasts love the multitude of outdoor recreation, like the Neuse River and multitude of green spaces and parks that make it easy to work picnicking, hiking, and biking into everyday life. Smithfield is also known for its delectable barbecue, with local favorites like Holt Lake Bar-B-Q and Redneck BBQ Lab serving up more mouthwatering delights than you could ever hope to devour in a single sitting. When you need a little more big city in your life, you can make the easy jaunt into Raleigh for a weekend exploring the North Carolina Museum of Art, watching a game at PNC Arena, or catching a flight at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU).
3. Victor Valley, CA (Los Angeles)
Population: 135,950 | Proximity to Los Angeles, CA: 106 miles
If you want to be surrounded by stunning desert landscapes but still keep a close eye on all things urban, Victor Valley, California, has your name written all over it. This area is surrounded by high desert beauty and opportunities for hiking, off-roading, and camping in the Mojave Desert, Joshua Tree National Park, and the San Bernardino Mountains, as well as fishing and birdwatching in the nearby Mojave Narrows Regional Parks. When you need a break from the sun, it’s easy enough to soak up some local culture at places like the California Route 66 Museum in nearby Barstow or eat your way through the city’s culinary scene that features everything from family-owned eateries to hotspots like Emma Jean’s Holland Burger, known for its classic American fare and hip retro vibes. Everything about Victor Valley exudes peaceful, small-town charm. But the proximity to Los Angeles, just about 90 miles southwest, means you can easily hike over to the big city for access to even more entertainment, culture, and dining when the mood strikes.
4. San Joaquin County, CA (Silicon Valley, CA)
Population: 789,410 | Proximity to Silicon Valley, CA: 89 miles
Nestled in the heart of California’s Central Valley, San Joaquin County is a seriously wonderful place to put down roots. The region boasts a rich agricultural heritage, and its towns like Lodi and Stockton exude that perfect balance of historic charm and contemporary allure. Visitors and residents alike enjoy spending time in the renowned Lodi Wine Country, where rolling vineyards and boutique wineries beckon you to stay awhile for wine-tasting events and a slow afternoon in the California sunshine. Outdoor enthusiasts can also get up to no good meandering the waterways of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, embarking on boating excursions, fishing adventures, and picnics along the shorelines. Foodies won’t be disappointed with life here, either. San Joaquin County is also a haven for culinary connoisseurs, with eateries like Pietro’s Trattoria in Lodi and the popular Mezzo Restaurant and IBIZA Lounge & Tapas in Stockton serving up mouthwatering menus in friendly atmospheres. Moreover, this particular pocket of the state is a hotspot for professionals who want to keep close to Silicon Valley. The strategic location of San Joaquin County provides a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the world’s most renowned tech epicenter, but it’s just a hop, skip, and a jump away in case you need to make the trek every now and again.
5. Thornton, CO (Denver)
Population: 142,610 | Proximity to Denver, CO: 10 miles
Parks and recreation and healthy living are the name of the game in Thornton, Colorado. This growing city is just a ten-minute drive from downtown Denver, which makes it the perfect place to put down roots for anyone hoping to stay near a major city without paying major city prices. Plus, once you get a few miles outside Denver, you can breathe in everything the scenic landscape has to offer. The playgrounds, lakes, and picnic spots at Thornton Community Park appeal to families, and the nearby Big Dry Creek Trail is a haven for cyclists and hikers itching to get away from the urban hustle. Thornton takes great pride in their family-friendly atmosphere, hosting a myriad of community events like the locally beloved Thornton Harvest Fest, a lively celebration of culture and cuisine. Despite the cooler temperatures and snowy days, things don’t come to a halt in winter either. Expect the city to transform into a full-blown winter wonderland with its WinterFest, which invites you to create memories ice skating, sledding and participating in all manner of seasonal festivities that bring the community together. Another worthwhile note is that Thornton real estate is markedly more affordable than the state capital, making homeownership a more accessible for residents in all stages of life.
6. Columbia, TN (Nashville)
Population: 43,340 | Proximity to Nashville, TN: 46 miles
Nestled amidst some of the most scenic landscapes in the state, Columbia, Tennessee, blends small-town charm with accessibility to the vibrant attractions of Music City. Life in Columbia is marked by a sense of tranquility and neighborliness, which offers locals a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of a bigger city. Downtown is downright dripping with charm, from historic architecture and quaint boutiques to a surprisingly strong arts scene. It doesn’t hurt that the cost of living is significantly lower than its neighboring Nashville, with more reasonable housing prices that range from charming historic homes to modern developments and even small farms. The affordability even extends to everyday expenses, which makes it an attractive destination for families and young professionals who want to balance their budgets without sacrificing their quality of life. Activities run the gamut, from exploring Maury County Park with its playgrounds and walking trails to visiting the President James K. Polk Home & Museum. You’ll find plenty of live music in the evenings and can participate in events like Mule Day, a beloved annual festival celebrating the local agricultural heritage. When all else fails, Nashville is a mere 45-minute drive away and full of all the food, music, and entertainment you could ever want.
