California has one of the best small towns to live in US, Travel+Leisure says. This is why

California has to one of the best small towns to live in the nation, according to Travel+Leisure.

Carmel-by-the-Sea landed at No. 4 on the publication’s list to the top 12 best spots in the United States with fewer than 25,000 residents.

“While big cities may be an essential part of our country’s economic and social life, small towns are becoming an increasingly popular option for settling down,” Travel + Leisure’s real estate experts said.

The best small towns in America offer the amenities of larger cities — such as hospitals, schools and entertainment — on a smaller scale, while providing a stronger sense of community and tranquility, the travel site said.

Incline Village, Nevada, nestled on the northeast shore of Lake Tahoe took the No. 1 spot for the best small town to live in, Travel+Leisure said.

Moab, Utah, came in second place, while North Potomac, Maryland, was third.

Only one California spot made the list.

What makes Carmel-by-the-Sea the best in California?

Travel+Leisure described Carmel-by-the-Sea — a town of about 3,000 residents — as “a village in a forest overlooking a white sand beach,” with every stroll offering a scenic journey.

“Carmel-by-the-Sea offers an enchanting lifestyle characterized by its walkability, strong sense of community and vibrant local businesses,” Susan Cardinale, a representative with Sotheby’s International Realty — Carmel Brokerage, told Travel+Leisure.

However, the travel site said, real estate in the Monterey County city comes at “a steep price.”

The average sales price for a home for June 2024 was $2.53 million, Cardinale said, with a year-to-date average price of slightly more than $3 million.

What are the top 12 small towns in the US?

According to Travel + Leisure, these are the 12 best small towns to live in the United States, according to Travel+Leisure:

1. Incline Village, Nevada
2. Moab, Utah
3. North Potomac, Maryland
4. Carmel-by-the-Sea
5. Taos, New Mexico
6. Beaufort, South Carolina
7. Rutland, Vermont
8. Berry Hill, Tennessee
9. Williamsburg, Virginia
10. Branson, Missouri
11. Davenport, Florida
12. Whitefish, Montana

Angela Rodriguez

The Modesto Bee

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Angela Rodriguez is a service journalism reporter for The Bee. She is a graduate of Sacramento State with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. During her time there, she worked on the State Hornet covering arts and entertainment.