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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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The Nicest Place in Idaho: Hidden Springs

When illness nearly caused a beloved shop owner to close the doors, one group came to the rescue: Her customers.

The Nicest Place in Michigan: Armada

A beautiful public park full of butterflies and doves is a living, loving monument to a young girl taken too...


The Nicest Place in Minnesota: Fertile

A dying veteran gave his all to his town after nearly giving his life for his country. His neighbors decide...


The Nicest Place in Mississippi: Jourdan River Estates

Hurricane Katrina wiped out 58 of the 60 homes here. But the town’s back with a bang, celebrating their recovery...


The Nicest Place in Missouri: Columbia

A faraway tragedy inspired this community to work hard to bring goodness into the world.

The Nicest Place in Montana: Ovando

A tiny town in the middle of nowhere has an outsized reputation for helping strangers.


The Nicest Place in Arizona: Kingman

After an ugly incident split this town, the citizens found common ground when they anointed a homeless poet their “Adopted...


The Nicest Place in Nebraska: Sehnert’s Bakery in McCook

Don’t be in a hurry when you visit the local bakery. Order the “bieroc,” grab a seat, and make a...


The Nicest Place in Arkansas and Texas: Texarkana

In most places, a dividing line acts to separate people. In this border town, the line brings folks together.


The Nicest Place in North Carolina: Sunset Hills in Greensboro

One family’s silly lark leads to a city realizing the true spirit of Christmas.


The Nicest Place in Nevada: Dayton

A woman felt disconnected and alone in the city she lived in. Then she moved to Dayton, and suddenly, everyone...


The Nicest Place in Alabama: Drexell & Honeybees Donations Only Restaurant

Drexell & Honeybees gives food and dignity to people who need it most and has inspired the surrounding community to...


The Nicest Place in California: Anaheim

It isn’t every city where someone can be elected mayor by running on the slogan, “Make Kindness Contagious.”

The Nicest Place in New Hampshire: Pembroke

We have a collective image of the perfect 1950s era town—pretty, tight-knit, caring. Some people call it Paradise. Others, Pembroke.


The Nicest Place in Colorado: Pueblo West Women’s League in Pueblo West

This small community can’t afford all the niceties. Lucky for them they have a fairy godmother watching over them. Make...


The Nicest Place in New Jersey: Hunterdon County YMCA in Flemington

All YMCAs offer fun and companionship. This one also offers family.


The Nicest Place in Connecticut: Clintonville Elementary School in North Haven

The students at this elementary school go out of their way to make sure everyone feels included.


The Nicest Place in Delaware: Estates at Saint Anne’s in Middletown

Here is the unique town where being different is normal and people banded together to demand respect for those who...


The Nicest Place in Ohio: Columbiana

Two businessmen plow their money into a community theater that hires special-needs actors.


The Nicest Place in Wyoming: S. Chestnut St. in Casper

When snow falls, it's a race to the snowblowers to see who can do their neighbors' walks first. Everyone wins!


The Nicest Place in New Mexico: Las Cruces

How would your city respond if 1,600 asylum seekers were sent there? In Las Cruces, they were greeted with food,...


The Nicest Place in New York: Harding Park in the Bronx

Crimes of compassion are nothing new in this melting pot, where everyone gets along, no matter what part of the...

The Nicest Place in Indiana: Lafayette Transitional Housing Center in Lafayette

It started with a plastic bag and a need for a warm blanket. Now it's a movement that's making hundreds...


The Nicest Place in Oklahoma: Country Aire Estates in Broken Arrow

When our nominator traveled abroad, she returned home to find her lawn neatly mowed. That’s just how this neighborhood rolls.


The Nicest Place in North Dakota: Watford City

Newcomers discover that a population explosion couldn’t diminish just how friendly this town is, even after tragedy strikes.


The Nicest Place in Oregon: Molalla High School in Molalla

The students’ goal was to fill a jar full of money for the needy. It’s two decades later, and they...


The Nicest Place in Florida: The Villages

A community of senior citizens remember the young men and women serving overseas by sending them goody bags chock-full of...


The Nicest Place in Pennsylvania: Delta Pizza in Delta

The local pizzeria owner made sure his Amish neighbors never went hungry. When his restaurant burned down, they repaid the...