A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World

Nicest Places

After hearing all your stories and submissions, we’ve found some of the nicest places in America. From metropolitan miracles to small-town hidden gems, our nation’s capacity for human kidness will amaze you. Did your town make the list?

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New Baltimore, MI

A proud American town raised money to build the tallest flagpole in Michigan. (Credit: Robert Earle) A great place for


Pflugerville High School, TX

Named a Finalist Because: In an era when kids get trolled for being different, the student body at Pflugerville High


La Crosse, WI

A smile or hello from a stranger is guaranteed walking down Main Street. (Caption: Thomas Donovan) There is a lot


Duquesne Heights in Pittsburgh, PA

Residents frequently visit Grandview Overlook for picturesque views of Pittsburgh. (Credit: Carrie Rodzwicz) Not only does it have spectacular views


Ottawa, IL

For four years the 26.2-mile Samuel Adams Starved Rock Country Marathon has become the “must do” event for avid runners.


Battleship Texas Historic Site in La Porte, TX

Tourists from around the world and history buffs alike love exploring the Battleship Texas, the last remaining battleship in the


Coffee Carrousel in Sarasota, FL

Locals from all walks of life pack into the coffee shop for great conversation and an even better cup o’


Progressive Field in Cleveland, OH

Jason Kipnis, Indians second baseman, signs autographs for kids from the Miracle League of Northeast Ohio, an organization that serves

Payson, AZ

During the three brief hours I spent in Payson, I met the most compassionate people. Everyone from the nice woman at


Miamisburg, OH

Lynda’s neighbors placed this sign in their front window to welcome she and her family to the neighborhood. (Credit: Lynda


Washington Island, WI

A father and his daughters proudly show off their catch for the day. (Credit: Charles Stults) Seven hundred people live


Sugar Hill Assisted Living Community in Dalton, MA

The employees at Sugar Hill care about their residents. (Credit: Kate Garcia) My husband and I moved into a cottage


Alexandria, MN

Kids take a tour of a fire truck during Operation Appreciation, an event that recognizes the contributions of those who


Clarendon Hills, IL

Jurassic Jimmy arrives at Prospect School — the first installation of Arts in the Park. Funds were raised to purchase


Eagar, AZ

Friends of all ages four-wheel together in Eagar. (Credit: Dorie Haws) It’s a little place in the White Mountains of


Oriole Park in Baltimore, MD

Named a Finalist Because: By holding its powerful spotlight at the right angle, Orioles Park has gone beyond its role


Ridgefield, CT

The tranquil town park gardens are perfect for residents who want solitude and time to reflect. (Credit: Karen Dalessio) There

Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, CA

After 41 years, two long-lost brothers are reunited thanks to their love of rock music and the power of Facebook.


Tucker’s Restaurant in Cincinnati, OH

Tucker’s has grown through the years with the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, remaining a mainstay for more than 70 years. (Credit: Elizabeth


Plano, TX

Volunteers from Plano CARES pose in front of the Love Plano heart. Everyone’s favorite spot. (Credit: Shannah Hayley) There’s a


Sinaloa Estates in Simi Valley, CA

Local residents reap the rewards of their neighborhood’s free ice cream party hosted by Dreyer’s ice cream company. (Credit: Shelly


Monkiewicz Playground in Philadelphia, PA

Young Yarden is being told that the Phanatic is looking for him! (Credit: Bonnie Clark) A wish from a young


Franklin, IN

The Franklin courthouse down on Main Street. (Credit: Jill Bode) Franklin is not the town I was raised in, but

Franklin, TN

A little girl asks Cinderella for her autograph at Pumpkinfest. (Credit: Jennifer Rader) Franklin has some of the nicest and


Pass Christian, MS

Mayor Chipper McDermott stands in front of the harbor that he helped rebuild after Hurricane Katrina destroyed everything in its


Petco Park in San Diego, CA

Fans crowd into the stadium to cheer on their beloved home team at the San Diego Padres 2017 home opener.


Rock Hall, MD

Named a Finalist Because: On Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay, this town treats strangers like neighbors and neighbors like family. “Nice” is


Rochester, MN

Rochester is full of people who are always willing to lend a helping hand to their neighbor or new resident


KidsCycle: NS in Shorewood, WI

Named a Finalist Because: This town outside of Milwaukee created a Facebook page to ensure that all of its citizens