Real Life Stories

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When five traveling women found themselves stranded in Dalton, they met a welcoming, friendly and helpful community. (Credit: Bob Beck)

Named a Finalist Because: From sick children in the hospital to newcomers with a story to tell, Providence finds unique

People from Winona are friendly! (Credit: Yash Ravi) Winona is a quaint little lake town with cute local shops —

Nordin skiing champions volunteer to groom trails around town. (Credit: Jim Soubly) Our town was a booming manufacturing town with

Toastmasters spread season cheer among themselves and others. (Credit: Cara Wasden) Come to Toast of Petaluma in Petaluma, CA, and

Residents gather to dig a memorial garden in honor of Jayden Cho Sargent, a middle school boy, who was struck

Dawn Lowenstein, Manor resident, cuts footloose on the dance floor at one of the many celebrations thrown at the retirement

Kevin Weitkamp, co-operator of Weitkamp Farms proudly waves the American flag atop a grain bin to thank his community for