12 Beautiful Small Towns in the United States You May Not Have Heard Of
Small towns in America are not only rich in culture and history, but they can also be quite beautiful.
We’ve put together a list of 8 small towns in the United States that you may or may not have heard of before. These are places with a population size of fewer than 10,000 people.
Many of these towns have been thriving for centuries and boast some of the most spectacular views and landscapes you’ll ever come across.
If you’re looking for a weekend getaway without the hustle and bustle of the big city. Read on to find out some great small towns in America you may want to visit.
12 Beautiful Small Towns in the United States:
1. Scottsville, Kentucky – Population: 4,316
Scottsville is a census-designated place (CDP) with its own post office in northeastern Boyle County, Kentucky, United States, at an elevation of 681 feet (208 m).
Although it is unincorporated, it has a post office with the ZIP code 42164. It lies along U.S. Route 460 and Kentucky Route 80 northeast of Danville, the county seat of Boyle County.
Its elevation is 681 feet (208 m). Although Scottsville is unincorporated, it has a post office with the ZIP code 42164. It lies along U.S. Route 460. And Kentucky Route 80 northeast of Danville, the county seat of Boyle County.
2. Gruene, Texas – Population: 1,148
Gruene is a village in the Texas Hill Country located within the original township of New Braunfels. It is now a part of the Boerne Independent School District. It was founded in 1877 by brothers Richard and Schoener Gruene as a lumber town. And river crossing on the Guadalupe River.
The town’s population was 1,090 at the 2010 census. The community is known for its shops, music venues, and historic downtown district featuring the Gristmill restaurant and Miss Minnie’s hotel.
Gruene Hall, located in the heart of the district, is a popular music venue. And the former dance hall was built in 1878 by the Gienger brothers. The building was renovated in 1983 by Walter Lingo and has since hosted numerous festivals and concerts.
3. Sammamish, Washington – Population: 25,389
Sammamish (Lushootseed: sxwáiməc) is a city in King County, Washington, United States.
According to CNN Money Magazine, it is a suburb of Seattle that is ranked as one of America’s best places to live. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 30,302.
The city is large enough to potentially host a significant number of commuters who work in Seattle. Many Sammamish residents commute to downtown Seattle, Redmond, and Bellevue by car or bus.
The Sammamish Plateau is an integral part of this rural-urban mix.
4. Alcatraz Island, California – Population: 260-320
An Alcatraz Island tour will lead you into one of America’s most historically significant prisons.
One of the biggest tourist attractions in San Francisco is Alcatraz. It is a former military prison that was turned into a federal penitentiary and gained infamy worldwide.
Visitors can get on a ferryboat at Pier 33. And be whisked to the island, which is just 10 minutes away.
At the dock, you can choose from a variety of tours. You can either take a self-guided audio tour from the dock. If you are short on time and want more background information on Alcatraz history.
Hop onto a ferry that takes you to a different point on the island, walk around, and explore.
If you opt for an alternative tour, then an audio guide is provided and narrated by former inmates and guards. The tour details the prison, the correctional officers, and their crimes. And prisoners and their crimes. The execution schedule, and much more.
Besides, the audio tour includes a visual display of prisoners on Alcatraz when it opened in 1934. It depicts all of the prisoners that passed through its doors while it served as a prison.
This includes notorious criminals like Al Capone, Alvin Karpis, and the Beast of Alcatraz, Robert Stroud. You can take Alcatraz Tour from top travel agencies and have a look at the beautiful and unique island.
5. Southport, North Carolina – Population: 7,545
This small town is located just east of Wilmington and south of Cherry Point, NC, on the mainland side of Leland and Bertie Counties.
John Jones found the town in 1832. They originally named it Atlantic due to his shipping business being at sea when he first settled there.
Although it was a thriving port until after WWI and has grown enormously, it retains much old charm. Known to locals as “Puff” due to its size with the surrounding area.
6. Auburn, California – Population: 12,313
Auburn is a census-designated place in Placer County, California, USA. The population was 11,287 at the 2010 census.
The town is located 20 miles (32 km) north-northwest of Sacramento. And about 5.5 miles (8 km) east of the Auburn State Recreation Area.
A large portion of Nut Tree Ridge is located in Auburn. And part of the town is included in the Lake Tahoe Watershed Restoration Project.
John Reed first settled in Auburn in 1852. A post office opened at Auburn in 1857.
The town was named after Auburn, New York, the original home of a large share of its early settlers. It is one of the most beautiful small towns in the USA.
7. Knoxville, Tennessee – Population: 28,351
Knoxville is a city in the county seat of Knox County, Tennessee, United States. The 2010 census population was 208,649. Knoxville is the third-largest city in Tennessee (behind Memphis and Nashville).
And the fourth-largest city in Tennessee Region (after Memphis, Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin).
The city had an estimated population of 232,070 according to the 2013 Census Estimate Records. Especially, as well as an estimated metropolitan population of 871 364.
In 2010, the Knoxville Metropolitan Statistical Area had an estimated population of 1,134,641.
Knoxville is the primary city of the Knoxville Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). Which is 2013 had an estimated population of 1,132,641.
8. Branson, Missouri – Population: 8,634
Branson is a city in the county seat of Howard County, Missouri, United States. It is located in the northwestern portion of the state.
Approximately 50 miles west-northwest of Kansas City and 60 miles east southeast of St. Louis.
The population was 14,979 at the 2010 census. Branson is famous as a tourist destination for its country music venues.
9. Athens, Georgia – Population: 11,000
Athens is a consolidated city-county in the U.S. state of Georgia. Certainly in the northeastern part of the state, comprising both the former city of Athens proper and Clarke County. The University of Georgia (UGA) is located in this college town.
10. Rogersville, Tennessee – Population: 855
Rogersville is a town in Hawkins County, Tennessee. The Tennessee General Assembly established it on February 19, 1809. Incorporated as a municipality on March 31, 1905.
The population was 797 the 2000 and 901 in the 2010 census. Joshua Rogers found Rogersville, whose ancestor James Rogers was living in the area in 1794.
Also Check: 5 Reasons Tennessee Must Be On Your Vacation Bucket List
11. Aledo, Texas – Population: 7,065
Aledo is a city in western Jones County, Texas, United States. The population was 6,530 at the 2010 census. Aledo is located 18 miles east of Abilene near Interstate 20 and State Highway 110.
The town is a tourist attraction and its celebration of the High School football team “The Hornets”.
Aledo’s motto is “Where life makes sense.” The primary economic activities are cattle ranching and farming – mainly cotton, peanuts, hay, and grain. The Aledo Independent School District serves the area.
Texas Historical Commission erect a Texas historical marker in 1973. Designating “Aledo” as the site where Billy and Frank James were captured on March 27, 1880.
12. Hockley, Texas – Population: 4,430
Hockley is a city in Austin County, Texas, United States county seat. The population was 3,924 at the 2000 census.
The town is named after John R. Hockley, a Confederate officer during the American Civil War. It is located along State Highway 36. Apart from that, you can also take Grand Canyon Tour which is a very beautiful and amazing place.
