3 Md. Communities Rank As 'Best Small Towns' in America
BEL AIR, Md. (WJZ) — Three Maryland communities made the list of "Best Small Towns" in America, according to a new ranking.
Livability.com says it looked at more than 12,000 towns with populations between 1,000 and 20,000 to come up with its ranking of the Top 100 Best Small Towns, led by Lebanon, New Hampshire.
But three Maryland communities made the list too -- two in the top 50.
Takoma Park ranks at number 32 for its Spring.
"Spring in Takoma Park is marked by the blooming of thousands of azalea bushes which gave the city its nickname, "Azalea City." Located near Washington, D.C. Takoma Park features a range of houses from historic bungalows to Victorian mansions."
Bel Air also made the list at number 42.
"Founded in 1780, Bel Air has 25 homes and buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries, including an entire Bel Air Courthouse Historic District and Harford Furnace Historic District. The town today has amenities like Harford Mall as well as five neighborhood parks, and residents are proud of a thriving arts community with theater, art galleries, concerts and festivals."
Finally, a town in Talbot County also made the list -- Easton -- at 77.
"Colonial and Victorian architecture, an old-fashioned soda fountain, bakeries and barbershops help provide small-town charm in Easton but residents say it's far from what they'd call a "sleepy" town. The city's assortment of entertainment options includes the historic Avalon Theatre and independent restaurants."
The Top 5 Best Small Towns
1. Lebanon, New Hampshire
2. Los Alamos, New Mexico
3. Durango, Colorado
4. St. Augustine, Florida
5. Bar Harbor, Maine