9 Most Neighborly Towns In The United States
As a neighbor to the north (that is to say, a Canadian), I have repeatedly found Americans to be polite, inviting, conversational, and actively helpful when in a pinch. Whether it's offering travel tips, roadside assistance, tableside chit-chat, or the simple act of acknowledging fellow pedestrians, Good Samaritan Americans consistently emerge from all corners. And as far as I have observed, this friendly phenomenon is not state-specific. That's right, from the down-to-earth towns of Middle America to the warmth of mountain enclaves to the renowned hospitality of the South to the charm of coastal communities, amiable spots abound. Here are nine such neighborly towns throughout the United States that deserve highlighting.
Saint Charles, IL
Every time I visit my relatives in St. Charles, Illinois, I am impressed by the familial vibes that emanate from the entire Chicago satellite town. Neighborhood kids play in the streets, morning walkers say hello to one another (or "buenos dias," for there is a non-trivial Latino population here), dogs chase frisbees in the off-leash areas, families picnic in Pottawatomie Park, bookworms gather for the used book sales at the public library, and students, remote workers, and retirees alike gather in the fresh and modern public spaces. To cozy up with the locals, sit down to a cup of joe at Arcedium Coffeehouse, Town House Cafe, or Maple Leaf Roasters, or grab a craft pint at Alter Brewing (preferably on open mic night) - all of which are steps away from the serene Fox River.
Mendocino, CA
While cruising down California's coast, I found Mendocino to be a shining beacon. Ultimately, it's what I hoped the entire shoreline would look and feel like. This cozy northern California community is squished into a walkable notch that borders the namesake bay and juts ever so slightly into the majestic Pacific Ocean. Likewise, Mendocino's pastel, frozen-in-time homes, shops, and museums are framed by the steep shorelines, sandy beaches, and grassy nature trails of Mendocino Headlands State Park. Contrary to some of its coastal peers, this place is both safe and inviting to a full spectrum of visitors - from affluent vacationers to adventurous van lifers. In the morning, the eclectic crowds gather at the cabin-themed Waiting Room coffee shop, and at the end of the day, many of those same folks flock to Big River Beach for surfing, bonfires, and reflective walks.
Sandpoint, ID
Idaho's Panhandle region is easy to overlook but unexpectedly delightful for all who enter. If I had to single out one particularly neighborly focal point, it would be Sandpoint. This tasteful city sits at the top of beautiful Lake Pend Oreille. Thus, as the name suggests, sandy beaches invite summertime crowds to sunbathe and mingle. In addition to Sandpoint City Beach Park, the other social epicenter is that of 1st Avenue. All sorts of restaurants - from grab n' go grub to ethnic and organic goodies - complement a wealth of independent shops and watering holes. Whatever you do, don't skip over Cedar Street Bridge - a unique public market at the north end of 1st filled with artisan outlets and pop-up vendors, all overlooking Sand Creek. Still not convinced? Why not scoot west to the community space shared by Evans Brothers Coffee, Matchwood Brewing Company, and Sandpoint Rock Gym for a morning morale boost, a mid-day belay, or an evening sociable in front of the outdoor stage?
Marfa, TX
During my southbound van camping tour of the States, several people advised me to skip over West Texas. Their reasoning was pragmatic and, therefore, well-intentioned, but after spending five days in Marfa, I'm so glad I ignored them. In the wake of Donald Judd, who boldly moved to Marfa from New York in order to convert an old army base into a massive contemporary art project (i.e., the Chinati Foundation), this quirky enclave continues to draw spirited, creative folks who are on a quest to do things a bit differently. Rather than get swept up in the hustle culture of modern-day America, Marfanians prefer to open small businesses that are more about aesthetics and vibe than profits. In fact, rather than nine-to-five franchises, the hipster cafes, fringe cocktail lounges, and avant-garde galleries make up Marfa's core post hours such as 12-4 or 7-10, Thurs-Sat. But during those fleeting phases, some Austin emigrant, young mother, or blue-collar local is likely to strike up a memorable conversation with fellow patrons. Check the local posters (how refreshingly old school!) for upcoming events, including live music at El Cosmico, indie film shoots, and weekly yoga classes.
Marquette, MI
The Great Lakes have a way of bringing the best out of people. Perhaps it is their humbling grandeur, or perhaps it is the dichotomous seasonal swings that soften the souls of those living around their shores. Either way, Michigan's Marquette is a great example of this. Situated on the Lake Superior side of the Upper Peninsula, the relative isolation, sunny summers, and harsh winters all work to bring people together. This mid-sized city has an inventive downtown filled with red-brick buildings, inviting establishments, and eye-catching murals. It is also home to one of the most spacious and appealing local parks I've yet to come across. Presque Isle Park occupies the 322-acre peninsula on the north end of town. It offers health-conscious residents and U.P. explorers a well-kept place to hike amongst evergreens and enjoy sweeping views of the world's largest freshwater lake.
Bayfield, WI
Michigan's neighbor to the west has a jovial lakeside community of its own. Bayfield, Wisconsin, also enjoys the wild and wondrous presence of Lake Superior - accented all the more by the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Board a local cruise of the 21-island archipelago, replete with historic lighthouses and expressive sandstone caves. The biggest and closest of them all, Madeline Island, is home to Big Bay State Park - a lovely spot to congregate for a beach day or a casual stroll on the seven miles of nature trails. As for Bayfield proper, catch up on history at the artifact-rich Bayfield Maritime Museum, and then scoot over to Rittenhouse Avenue to join the smiling collective. Here, a crowd-pleasing coffee shop, well-regarded bookstore, hippie-dippie market, and a slew of other one-off shops intersperse the impressive collection of boutique hotels/guest houses.
Whitefish, MT
This Rocky Mountain resort town is a prime base camp for one of the nation's most beloved, family-friendly national parks and a four-season destination unto itself. Northern Montana's vibrant community of Whitefish is less than 30 miles southwest of Glacier National Park (and the start of its famed Going-to-the-Sun Road), less than seven miles south of Whitefish Mountain ski, zipline, and mountain bike resort, and it sits at the base of the titular, beached-speckled lake. So no matter the weather, whether by water, road, or mountain slope, good company is guaranteed. Likewise, downtown Whitefish always has something crowd-pleasing going on. For example, the Whitefish Farmers' Market sprouts every Tuesday evening in Depot Park, complete with local musicians. More live music can be enjoyed at the adjacent, food-truck-lined outdoor venue known as Thirty-Eight. And yet more tuneage is sure to resonate from the packed breweries throughout the surrounding square blocks.
Ferndale, CA
Another quaint and welcoming Californian gem can be found in Humboldt County, a few minutes inland from the Pacific Ocean. What it lacks in waterfront views, it more than makes up for in Victorian charm and amiable ways. Ferndale looks and sounds like something out of a fairytale. The entirety of this one-strip village is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. With its classic churches, decorated mansions (some of which are now unique accommodations), regal inns, artsy boutiques, historic hilltop cemetery (open to the public), and iconic Fernbridge (i.e., the world's longest poured concrete bridge currently in operation), it's easy to see why. Ferndale is also a stone's throw from the soothing groves of Humboldt Redwoods State Park and the treasures of the Lost Coast. But the best part about Ferndale is its 1,400 down-to-earth residents and a steady stream of delighted tourists. It's simply impossible to be in a bad mood while meandering this microcosm.
Coos Bay, OR
This final entry is unpolished by comparison to its predecessors but is all the more authentic for it. The port and timber city of Coos Bay is anchored on Oregon's Adventure Coast. It, therefore, enjoys quick access to the water, the verdant wilderness, the moveable mountains of Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, and the wooded trails of Sunset Bay and Cape Arago State Parks. But Coos Bay also has an extroverted side. For example, I hit the jackpot during my September weekend trip. The whole town rallied behind the Prefontaine Memorial 10k (in honor of its favorite citizen and U.S. Olympian, Steve Prefontaine), which I happily participated in, and then showed up in even greater numbers for the annual Bay Area Fun Festival later that day. In the evening, the Egyptian Theatre (which is exactly what it sounds like) played Stanley Kubrick's classic, 2001: A Space Odyssey, to a faithful crowd of gushing cinephiles. In the interim, I was impressed by the ever-populated So It Goes Coffeehouse, community-oriented and Christian-centric (love thy neighbor, right?) Kaffe 101, the bubbly atmosphere of 7 Devils Public House, and one-two homely punch of the Coos Bay Boardwalk and Visitor Center.
Won't You Be My Neighbor?
Say what you will about the states (for the old Red, White, and Blue is simultaneously the envy and punching bag for much of the world), its everyday citizens are class acts. From tip-to-tail, my real-world experiences have been overwhelmingly positive - particularly in these neighborly towns. So if you're looking to connect with wholesome people in stunning natural environments, then these nine places are well-worth checking out.
