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10. Sheridan, Wyo. Sometimes referred to as the “King of Cowboy Towns,” Sheridan, Wyo. is nestled between Yellowstone National Park and Mount Rushmore. North Tongue River in Bighorn National Forest (shown here) is one of the area's great fishing spot. Population: 17,517 (U.S. Census)Nearest Big City: Billings, Mont. – 129 miles![smalltowns_danville]()
9. Danville, Ky. Danville, Ky. is a charming town bustling with community events and outdoor activities. Popular attractions include the Norton Center for the Arts on the campus of Centre College and the Great American Dollhouse Museum. Population: 16,273 (U.S. Census) Nearest Big City: Lexington – 34 miles![clive_aquacenter]()
8. Clive, Iowa People who live in Clive, Iowa get the best of both worlds: their beautiful suburb is only eight miles from Des Moines. Visitors can spend the day at the Clive Aquatic Center, which has slides, fountains, separate pools for kids young and old, and a lazy river where you can float on tubes, and then head into the city for a night on the town. Population: 15,858 (U.S. Census) Nearest Big City: Des Moines – 8 miles![smalltown_yankton]()
7. Yankton, S.D. Yankton's location on the Missouri River makes it a go-to place for all of your favorite outdoor activities. Lewis and Clark Recreation Area (shown here) features South Dakota's largest collection of camp sites. Population: 14,564 (U.S. Census) Nearest Big City: Sioux Falls – 56 miles![bedfordva]()
6. Bedford, Va. Bedford, which is in southwestern Virginia east of Roanoke and west of Lynchburg, is surrounded by apple orchards, wineries and scenic trails. It is also the home of the National D-Day Memorial, which draws many visitors to the historic town. Population: 6,181 (U.S. Census) Nearest Big City: Roanoke – 29 miles![Chardon_brandywine_falls]()
5. Chardon, OhioChardon, the smallest town to make the list, has a town square that makes you feel like you are in New England and all kinds of community events. About 27 miles outside of Chardon is Brandywine Falls, a 67-foot natural wonder in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Population: 5,139 (U.S. Census) Nearest Big City: Cleveland – 33 miles![Boerne_Riparian_Forest]()
4. Boerne, Texas Boerne is home to seven art galleries as well as the longest continuously playing German Band outside Germany. No visit to Boerne is complete without a trip to the Cibolo Nature Center where you can get up close to nature, go bird watching or trek through the Riparian Forest. Population: 10,884 (U.S. Census) Nearest Big City: San Antonio – 27 miles![smalltown_brattleboro]()
3. Brattleboro, Vt. Brattleboro boasts tree-lineed streets, a number of live music venues and more than a dozen festivals It is also the home of the Harris Hill Ski Jumping Competition. Population: 7,414 (U.S. Census) Nearest Big City: Springfield, MA – 58 miles![smalltown_golden]()
2. Golden, Colo. A gateway to the Rocky Mountains, Golden is near several ski resorts, biking trails and rock climbing sites. Golden is also home to the National Earthquake Center, and popular events like Buffalo Bill Days and the Golden Fine Arts Festival. Population: 19,035 (U.S. Census) Nearest Big City: Denver – 15 miles![werner_park]()
1. Papillion, Neb. Papillion is known for its excellent schools and low crime rate. Visitors can take advantage of the city's brand new retail and restaurant complex, loads of parks and catch a game at Werner Park, home to the minor league's Omaha Storm Chasers. Population: 19,331 (U.S. Census) Nearest Big City: Omaha – 8 milesTop 10 small towns 2012
Livability.com, an online resource for everything you need to know about America's best places to live, has identified 10 of today’s real-life Mayberrys. What these small towns lack in population they more than make up in community and quality of life that make them worth the trip. From Vermont to Wyoming, check out these charming towns.
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- Top 10 small towns 2012
