7 Most Laid-Back Small Towns In The Northern United States
When it’s time to choose a place to visit or relocate to, figuring out how laid-back certain towns are can be a hugely defining factor. Choosing towns that are too congested with tons of residents means you’ll often be forced to deal with heavy traffic. You might also deal with long lines at grocery stores, sold-out movie theaters, and unfortunate waiting periods at restaurants. The more relaxed a town is, the easier it will be for you to enjoy different experiences that may be on your radar. Luckily, the Northern United States has plenty of small-town options that are pleasantly easygoing without too much chaos or noise. Towns like Middleton are fabulous for folks interested in fresh fruit picking. Dover is ideal for museum lovers of the world, while the historical landmarks in Lewiston are enough to grab anyone's attention. Stick around for some of the most tranquil small towns in the northern United States to consider.
Middletown, Connecticut
The busiest places in Connecticut are Bridgeport, Stamford, New Haven, Hartford, and Waterbury. Middletown, on the other hand, is a lovely small town in Connecticut with a population of 48,152. Since there aren't too many people calling Middletown home, this is one of the most serene small towns in the Northern United States. In line with how unruffled it is, there are a few pleasant things locals and tourists can enjoy.
Outdoorsy folks can enjoy boating excursions on the Lady Katharine Cruise ship, the Powder Ridge Ski area, and fruit-picking at Lyman Orchards. These activities are all dependent on the time of year, of course. Those who would rather spend their time indoors can enjoy tall glasses of beer at the Stubborn Beauty Brewing Company or lively poetry readings at Middletown’s performing arts venue, The Buttonwood Tree. Shopping for simple souvenirs and trinkets in Middletown proves to be another mellow experience with a shop like Amato’s Toy & Hobby Store Open and available on Main Street.
Dover, Delaware
The most common city in Delaware to attract permanent residents is Wilmington. Dover isn't nearly as busy, with a population of 39,894 people. While it’s true that there aren’t too many people living in Dover, that doesn’t mean you won’t find tons of laid-back activities to enjoy during your time there. The museums in Dover are attention-grabbing without creating a high level of chaos. In other words, you won’t deal with long lines when stepping inside the Air Mobility Command Museum, Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village, and Delaware State Police Museum.
Easygoing foodies will also get the chance to chow down on delicious bites at special stops in Dover like Countrie Eatery, McGlynn’s Pub, and Rail Haus Beer Garden. If you consider live entertainment to be a leisurely activity, Dover has you covered there as well. The Schwartz Center for the Arts, Dover Symphony Orchestra, and Smyrna Opera House all function today with talented stage performers.
Lewiston, Maine
After Portland, Lewiston is Maine’s second-most populated town, with a population of 38,404. Lewiston won't overwhelm a local or tourist the way Portland might. History buffs who are interested in keeping things super low-key are welcome to check out some of Lewiston's most historical landmarks.
These include St. Mary’s Church, Bates Mill, and the Petit Canada / Little Canada neighborhood. Lewiston also has a slew of outdoor wonders that are perfect for nature lovers ready to avoid a great deal of hustle and bustle. In Lewiston, you’ll have access to the Androscoggin Riverlands, the Androscoggin Riverlands, and Thorncrag Nature Sanctuary. These are three places where walks, hikes, kayak rides, and picnics can happen.
Arlington, Massachusetts
If you’re truly aiming for a carefree vibe, busy cities in Massachusetts like Boston, Worcester, Springfield, and Cambridge might not be at the top of your list. A more low-key town like Arlington makes much more sense with its reasonable population of about 45,906 people. Keeping things simple in Arlington is certainly possible since it isn't overly crowded. The artsy vibe of this Massachusetts town comes to life thanks to Arlington’s theater scene with Regent Theatre and Capitol Theater.
Taking in a show could potentially be a super pleasurable thing to do at one of these theaters - unless you’re the type of person who prefers to be outside. If that’s the case, Arlington also offers lovely outdoor settings where folks can soak up the sunshine. These include Magnolia Park, Spy Pond, and Minuteman Bikeway. Guests can also learn more about the history of Arlington at educational and historical places like Old Schwamb Mill, Battle Road Byway, and Cyrus Dallin Art Museum.
Henrietta, New York
One of the most calming things a person can do is take a stroll through a beautiful park with lush greenery. That’s possible in Henrietta, with options like Breese Park, Martin Road Park, and Tinker Nature Park open and available to the public. The Tinker Nature Park is especially popular and features nature trails, an exercise trail, a wildflower meadow, several museums, and a Snake Hibernaculum. In winter, you can enjoy skiing and snowshoeing in the park. Coming to entertainment options, you’ll be able to enjoy plenty of low-key experiences in Henrietta at Genesee Country Museum & Village, the New York Museum of Transportation, and Rochester Museum & Science Center.
West Orange, New Jersey
People often compare New Jersey to New York since both states are located so close to each other in Northern America. West Orange happens to be a town in New Jersey that doesn’t have the biggest population ever. Its small population allows it to present itself as a more low-key place to visit or relocate. About 47,871 people currently call West Orange their home. But what is there to do in such a relaxed small town?
Folks who adore the great outdoors are welcome to admire the majestic animals at the Turtle Back Zoo, enjoy tasty picnics at South Mountain Reservation, and go on hiking adventures at Eagle Rock Reservation. If honoring the arts and culture scenes in different small towns appeals to you as a way of keeping things easygoing, West Orange has a few great places you can visit as well. The art-centered places you can visit include West Orange Arts Council, Pleasant Valley Productions, and Luna Stage.
Woonsocket, Rhode Island
Woonsocket's population of 43,029 people proves that it’s one of the more simplistic Northern American towns to spend your time. What could be more mellow than treating yourself to some relaxing spa treatments? In Woonsocket, spas are easy to come by. You can set an appointment at places like All About You Salon & Day Spa, Artful Healing Spa, or Avah's Oasis Day Spa.
Precious Blood Cemetery is considered an unusual attraction in Woonsocket since the granite headstones scattered across the land look like intricate pieces of art. Additionally, Chan's Fine Oriental Dining, Jazz & Blues is located in Woonsocket as a charming place where locals and visitors can enjoy live musical performances and a dinner menu that includes delectable Chinese cuisine.
Ultimately, these destinations are each brilliant in their own ways. The tranquil bliss of Middletown, Connecticut, is a top-tier place to consider since it’s less busy compared to other Connecticut cities like Bridgeport or Stamford. The museums and restaurant options in Dover, Delaware, are also undeniably appealing. In Lewiston, Maine, the historical landmarks are enough to attract tons of locals and guests on a yearly basis.
Arlington, Massachusetts, offers a wonderfully artsy vibe along with some gorgeous outdoor settings worthy of exploration. Henrietta, New York, is also another pleasant town in Northern America with its long list of top-of-the-line parks for nature lovers of the world. Honoring the arts and culture scene is something just about anyone can do in West Orange, New Jersey. The spa options in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, are also top-of-the-line. There’s obviously much to enjoy in these happy-go-lucky small towns located across the Northern United States, even though the populations aren’t very high.
