Nicest Places

Dozens of people gather on a main street to form a massive heart in downtown Ludington as a show of

The community hosts many parades and festivals on the London Bridge each year to honor and pay their respects to

Apartment residents celebrate their neighbor and friend’s birthday. (Credit: Joyce Massey) I moved in three months ago and everyone welcomed

Locals hold a special place in their hearts for the closed down Imperial Sugar refinery, an integral part of their

Asadah Kirkland, founder of the Soulful Chicago Book Fair, happily basking in the positive energy the fair brings to the

A Sunbury resident places roses on the memorial crosses for Valentine’s Day to express his love and gratitude for all

A scenic hike through Coolidge Park. (Credit: Vicki Roginsky) After living out west most our lives we up and moved

A pancake fundraiser for kids at Waldron Street Christian Church. (Credit: Delores Topliff) Here, when you meet people for the

When kids come back to Lexington, they visit with everyone in town who made them who they are, not just

A Charlie’s Place client gets a kiss from a therapy dog named Dala. (Credit: Dana Territo) Close your eyes and

After the tornadoes hit, it took a huge effort to get the state park cleaned. Now that it’s clean, it’s

"The friendliest seaside community"

Randy Fossom’s annual Wheel Around Lake Almanor ride raises money for local charities. (Credit: Bill Mahaffey) I fell in love

Orange Elks were there for Zack Collie when he sustained a life-changing injury. They supported him from his initial recovery

"1,000 heros"

Dalhart is home to nice, caring people who aren’t too busy to help and pay it forward. On a trip

The Ohio State University Medical Center has a laid back, polite and supportive culture. My family has said that I

Greenville is a friendly place where everyone is welcome. (Credit: William Hehmann) With lots of trails, restaurants, friendly people, broadway

The Villages bills itself as the “Florida’s friendliest hometown.” (Credit: Vincent DeSantis) This retirement community of over 100,000 residents lives

A community spirit of helping and giving fuels the largest single-day of service at any university in the country. (Credit:

It’s easy to make new friends in a friendly place like Fargo. (Credit: Dinah Stephens) Just new to Fargo, I

Jim Oliver’s Smoke House has been a safe haven for stranded travelers and folks down on their luck for 50

The people of Darrington faced a terrible tragedy, pulling together and overcoming it with hard work, determination and fortitude. (Credit:

Named a Finalist Because: The nation could use a lesson from this opinionated island community, where combatants leave even the

Neighbors help each other make this beautiful landscape with the cycle of the crops. When someone is injured or sick

Austin has experienced more major disasters in the last ten years than in the previous 100. The community has pulled

When more than 200 homes in Ruidoso burned, neighbors helped everyone who lost recover. (Credit: Dorrie Tyler) Residents of Ruidoso

A local enjoys the Hands on Children’s Museum. (Credit: Margaret Stockert) Olympia may be a small city, but we have

When a local resident lost his life at war, the town pulled together to remember and honor him. (Credit: Anne