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Related: Culture Forums, Support ForumsWhat are some small, vibrant US towns?
I lived in a small town in NC for 5 years in the 2000s and it felt like a cultural wasteland taken over by WalMart.
Spectacularly gorgeous environment/surroundings, hardly a single person to talk to that wasn't concerned about the devil coming out of their computer b/c the preacher said the Internet was evil.
I'd love to know of thriving small towns that aren't necessarily bedroom communities for big cities - towns with their own identity, economy, etc. Do we have any left?
backwoodsbob
(6,001 posts)Love it here
Flaxbee
(13,661 posts)My husband is from Columbia.
Glad you're happy there. Hot hot hot hot hot and humid.
backwoodsbob
(6,001 posts)It's ...different here.We have live theater and every third Thursday downtown is shut down for a themed festival.Lots of small shops and cafe's.
Summerville definately stands on its own.
Chan790
(20,176 posts)It's conservative by New England standards but that only means that Republicans can win local office if they talk about their love of social welfare and municipal services as often as they talk about low taxes (Mind you, they fail to explain how they intend to pay for their robust law enforcement and shiny new firetrucks and new schools if they're cutting property taxes by 60%.) and they publicly disclaim the religious idiocy of the national party.
Flaxbee
(13,661 posts)Sounds like an interesting little place, if you don't mind winter
Chan790
(20,176 posts)Hiring has picked up but the state has been losing population for a decade because population consistently outpaces entry-level employment statewide. Most of Torrington's economy is manufacturing and fabricating; it used to be a major US mill town. They're currently in the middle of a redevelopment effort to draw populations and business to the city.
madinmaryland
(64,933 posts)such wonderful Repukes as Phil Giordano and John Rowland.
I met Toby Moffett in a bar in Waterbury when he was working his way up the totem pole in the mid 80's. He was pretty much a douchebag, and was more interested in making money. That why he has been a lobbyist for the 20 years since being humiliated in his attempts at a higher office.
elleng
(131,138 posts)My cousin just moved her family from Kill Devil Hills, NC, to a 'town' near Asheville, for the things you mention plus good schools. Don't know the name of the town.
Flaxbee
(13,661 posts)our place was about an hour from Asheville. Backwards as hell, but beautiful.
By 'town', I guess I mean an area with a distinct identity, unique businesses (not overrun by chain stores and restaurants).
elleng
(131,138 posts)Hope to visit some time.
Looks thrilling!
http://www.visitweaverville.com/
Flaxbee
(13,661 posts)close enough to Weaverville that it's an easy place to go for dinner or museums or whatever...
dawg
(10,624 posts)It's kind of a small town.
AND THEY HAVE A ZOMBIE WALK!!!!
Art_from_Ark
(27,247 posts)It's got a little of everything-- New Agers, artists, old hippies, limestone caves, two big lakes nearby, Ozark Mountains, and a huge statue that some people say resembles Jesus
Flaxbee
(13,661 posts)What's the economy? How's the health care?
Art_from_Ark
(27,247 posts)A large number of people are employed in the hospitality, restaurant and other tourist-service industries. There are a few galleries as well, and of course there are also the kinds of jobs one would expect in a town of 2,000+. Here's a link to some of the health care providers:
http://www.vitals.com/specialists/emergency-physicians/arkansas/eureka-springs
Rogers and Bentonville, both about 30-35 miles away, have far more employment opportunities, but it can be a pretty tiring commute (although some people do it), and health care in those cities can be pretty expensive. Also, Rogers and Bentonville are very red areas, and bu$h and McCain both made campaign stops in that area (not to meet the riff-raff, of course, just to meet those who could afford the $1000/plate dinners).
Flaxbee
(13,661 posts)Though the CNN list has a few warmer areas ...
geardaddy
(24,931 posts)is a younger Cheney and family.
dawg
(10,624 posts)It's not perfect, but it's a nice little island of blue in the middle of a red, red sea.
RebelOne
(30,947 posts)Great town. Lots of shopping, access t many great historic sites, such as Kennesaw Mountain, and away from the big city of Atlanta.
Flaxbee
(13,661 posts)Our veterinarian was in Clayton...
Plus a good little Mexican restaurant.
Yet a very religious, very racist, but extremely naturally beautiful area. With a tough economy (unless you were up in the $$$$$$ Highlands area).
Tom Ripley
(4,945 posts)high poverty and unemployment
crumbling infrastructure
arts scene is dying
Wal Mart coming downtown
It's a goddamn shame
charlie and algernon
(13,447 posts)Maryland State Capital - Oldest State House still in use, place where Washington resigned from the army. You can see his actual letter. You might catch Governor O'Malley walking to one of the bars in town to watch a Ravens game.
Bustling downtown with tons of quaint shops and excellent restaurants
Naval Academy
TONS and TONS of history all over the town
Thriving sailing scene - Always a hundred or more boats out in the harbor, sailboats galore.
Chan790
(20,176 posts)Albeit one with a vast wasteland of rural AAC between its' downtown and DC...with the right traffic, it's a 20 minute drive and because of the pretty city and reasonable cost-of-living it's a highly-attractive place to live for DC commuters. At the same time, its' individuality and unique charm is disappearing. Think Old Town Alexandria, just on the MD side rather than the VA side.
madinmaryland
(64,933 posts)Unfortunately, that's about it for HoCo, except for Ellicott City and parts of Laurel.
Chan790
(20,176 posts)Nearly a decade ago. Right near the Mall.
I don't know about the schools but my roommate and I found the best NY-style pizza I've found this far south...which still sucks compared to New Haven-style...and it was $5/pie. We used to go weekly: me, him, his now-wife, her best friend, his brother and my on-and-off girlfriend. Me and the gf are the only ones on the low side of 300#. 5 or 6 people, 4 pizzas, factor in sodas and it was under $30. It was in the same plaza as the Giant near Fairway Hills next to a Blockbuster. I wonder if it's still there. The guy that owned it was a Italian guy, just off the plane and he was the only one there who spoke English. He was an incorrigible flirt.
madinmaryland
(64,933 posts)Yeah, I know where that is. We looked at apartments across from Fairway Hills when we moved down here in 04.
I assume you are referring to Dorsey Hall Village Center. The is a pizza joint there called "Trattoria - Pizza, Pasta & More" Not sure if that is the one, but if it is, we'll definitely give it a try.
The only blockbuster I know of in Columbia is on Dobbin Road on the back side of the skankee Wal-Mart there. Across the street from the Express Motor Vehicle (Now that really is an oxymoron!!)
Our physician and eye doctor are a block down from the Giant there.
Chan790
(20,176 posts)but that sounds like the plaza. It wasn't every night on the $5 pizza special, it was one night a week. Mondays, I think. I can ask my roommate the name of the pizza place, he's been more recently than I because I don't drive.
elleng
(131,138 posts)I've heard that about Howard County schools, too, from my daughter, who's in RURAL P.G., and may use Howard for schools if/when. Compared with Montgomery???
madinmaryland
(64,933 posts)Montgomery County has good schools also. Just partial to the HoCo schools.
elleng
(131,138 posts)as grandkids, who don't exist at the moment, may go there.
AACo schools not so much??? High school classmate taught there for years, just retired and fled to Manhattan. (We grew up in/near NYC.)
Friends went to and did well in MontCo schools.
JonLP24
(29,322 posts)It has a Wal*Mart but it is its own town. College town as well--NAU.
Beautiful land, located in a forest. San Francisco Peaks are visible in most places around the city.
To me--I eventually was bored and it isn't much of a walkable town though the buses pretty much can get you anywhere.
Flaxbee
(13,661 posts)left - state continually voted against a raise in teacher's salaries for something like 5+ years running so they left for greener pastures.
Definitely not walkable.
I had a great time visiting when I was younger, though. Loved Sedona, too
geardaddy
(24,931 posts)GeorgeGist
(25,323 posts)Great Barrington, Mass.,Taos, N.M.Red Bank, N.J.; Mill Valley, Calif.; Gig Harbor, Wash.; Durango, Colo.; Butler, Pa.; Marfa, Texas; Naples, Fla.; Staunton, Va.; Brattleboro, Vt.; Princeton, N.J.; Brunswick, Maine; Siloam Springs, Ark.; Menomonie, Wis.; Key West, Fla.; Laguna Beach, Calif.; Ashland, Ore.; Beckley City, W.Va., and Oxford, Miss.
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/The-20-Best-Small-Towns-in-America.html
Flaxbee
(13,661 posts)will bookmark it.
DFW
(54,445 posts)Although a gay Mecca, especially in the summer, it is also a town with a permanent cultural life, and quite an environmental center as well. It probably won't even be there in 300 years, maybe less. A combination of global warming and erosion will eat it up and put it underwater. But for now, it's one of the coolest, whackiest, fun tiny towns I know (and my wife and I are straight as can be).
Added bonus--you might even run into Rachel Maddow there on occasion! I did, anyway.
madinmaryland
(64,933 posts)Went there on our honeymoon in JANUARY!!
It was still fun!
DFW
(54,445 posts)I love the informality, too. I live in Europe, but I just walk into the local community radio station and play live music and hang out on the air with one of the program hosts every year. Where can you do that?
cbayer
(146,218 posts)Don't tell everyone about SLO. or my favorite, Los Osos right next door.
cbayer
(146,218 posts)That's why I didn't put the area I am in, lol!
Flaxbee
(13,661 posts)Yes, it is beautiful.
Hmm. Los Osos, you say... never visited there.
NV Whino
(20,886 posts)Small town. Beautiful coast line.
mnhtnbb
(31,405 posts)But housing prices are through the roof.
cbayer
(146,218 posts)some live very simply and manage to make it.
Arugula Latte
(50,566 posts)greatauntoftriplets
(175,751 posts)Woodstock, Illinois -- where "Groundhog Day" was filmed.
On edit, Culpeper, Virginia.
rug
(82,333 posts)dimbear
(6,271 posts)Makes it hard to keep glassware.
WilmywoodNCparalegal
(2,654 posts)beach, college folk, thriving arts and they're filming "Iron Man 3" as well as a bunch of other movies.
mnhtnbb
(31,405 posts)riderinthestorm
(23,272 posts)Dunes, charming town. Really fun little town. Another gay friendly town as well but my family and I love it and we're straight.
TBF
(32,102 posts)college town - University of Virginia
There is a bit of industry in the area - it is out in the western part of Virginia about 2.5 hrs from Wash DC and an hour from Richmond.
Housing is a little high with the University, but you also have some small quaint towns surrounding it and lots of culture.
Flaxbee
(13,661 posts)I live in Virginia now and know those areas...
I'd love to live someplace warm and colorful like Key West or Taos, but for now, might just try to find some land near Staunton/C'ville...
TBF
(32,102 posts)mostly in Northern Virginia and then 3 years in Charlottesville
I'm more of a beach person and agree Key West is fantastic. I've visited there but I haven't seen Taos yet - that's one to add to my list.
Flaxbee
(13,661 posts)I'm a beach person, too - spent much of my life pre-NY and DC area in San Juan Capistrano, San Diego and Santa Monica. *sigh* But California is so crowded and $$$, I miss what I remember it used to be.
Never been to Key West. Need to change that soon.
Also spent a large part of my life in/near deserts (Palm Springs) and love the desert, would love Taos or Sedona or ___________
TBF
(32,102 posts)I worked there and loved the museums. At that point I was still running so I had my running groups and it is a great place to be when you are in your 20s - lots of other new grads there to hang out with. Now that I am older and have kids I'd rather visit C-ville to be honest. It's beautiful in the mountains.
I dream of living in California! It is one place my husband's company has offices and I'd love to have a chance to transfer there for awhile. I've heard the housing is astronomical. Of course with my arthritis I'd probably be better off in the desert.
panader0
(25,816 posts)Both cool small towns with small colleges. Great scenery, old buildings, music scene. I could add Bisbee,Az.
mrmpa
(4,033 posts)the industry is a paper mill, which on a bad day you can smell. Great fishing. A couple of colleges, Potomac State College ( a 2 year branch of WVU) and Frostburg State in MD (7 miles away).
A nice Main Street. Good architecture. Didn't see a lot of churches, so I didn't get the feel it was a bible thumping town.
Lydia Leftcoast
(48,217 posts)NickB79
(19,274 posts)Couple of private colleges, a cute downtown with lots of small shops, lots of wilderness and farmland around it, still only a half-hr drive from the Twin Cities. If you can get a job at Malt-O-Meal, you're set for life ($20+/hr with good benefits and all the cereal you can eat).
Oh, and it's where they shot up the Jesse James gang!
mike_c
(36,281 posts)eom
crunch60
(1,412 posts)mnhtnbb
(31,405 posts)MorningGlow
(15,758 posts)Interesting story about the rejuvenation of their once-dead Main Street.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/12/nyregion/12morris.html?pagewanted=all
http://mtmorrisny.com/
The Velveteen Ocelot
(115,869 posts)Very small, cute, scenic town along Lake Pepin.
Tuesday Afternoon
(56,912 posts)Aristus
(66,467 posts)Home of the Western Washington State Fair.
I suppose one could argue that it is a bedroom community for Tacoma and Seattle. But I love this place. If you stay away from South Hill, which is just a huge strip mall, with chain restaurants, gas stations, and tire shops all the way out to Graham, you'll love it, too.
Down in the Puyallup Valley, the "original" Puyallup, you have Main and Meridian, a hub of small, family-owned restaurants, sandwich shops, and coffee houses. You have wonderful, lively street art comprised of lovely sculptures on every street corner. The Puyallup Public Library in town square, with a clock tower, and a bell that chimes the quarter-hour. Town square itself, with its moving memorial statue commemorating the sons of Puyallup who died in America's wars. Town square boasts a grassy park that hosts great concerts by local musicans every weekend over the summer, and a farmer's market every third Saturday from May to September. Meeker Mansion, the preserved Victorian-era home, now a museum, of Puyallup's frontier founder, Ezra Meeker. The Powerhouse, a brew-pub housed in an old, turn-of-the-century brick power station for the railroad.
And of course, the Western Washington State Fair, the fourth-largest state fair in the country, where you can "Do The Puyallup" for a week every Spring, and two weeks every Fall.
I love this place!