100 Best Small Towns In America: 3 FL Towns Make List

FLORIDA — Three small towns in Florida have been named among the best in the country, according to a new report.

The travel media company Far and Wide recently ranked the 100 best towns with fewer than 10,000 residents.

The list includes well-known towns across the country — including Harpers Ferry in West Virginia, Rehoboth Beach in Delaware, and Cooperstown in New York — and as well as lesser-known gems such as Monowi, Nebraska. Monowi, with a population of one, has ranked as the No. 1 small town in America.

These three Florida towns made the list:

No. 44, Apalachicola, Population: 2,328

"Tucked away on the Florida Panhandle is one of the last remaining towns from the state's original Deep South days. Here, shrimp boats drag the brackish waters that meet with the Chattahoochee River," the website says. "Life is sleepy in town, which features romantic bed and breakfasts. Be sure to visit during the Florida Seafood Festival if you want to see the town come alive for its visitors."

No. 56. Crystal River, Population: 3,396

Dubbed the town “Where Man and Manatee Play,” these gentle animals can be viewed from a distance via boardwalks or get in the water in a kayak or a boat to see them on the water.

"You’ll find that the name of this town is not a lie as you enjoy waters clear as crystal, teeming with wildlife. Several animal refuges and state parks surround the town, making it one of the top destinations for Miamians and Orlandeans who want to get away from the city and enjoy the natural beauty Florida offers," said the travel writers.

No. 86. Sanibel Island, Population: 6,828

Here's why the travel site loves this popular vacation spot: "Sanibel Island is the definition of relaxed, but it still takes wildlife conservation seriously: There are several nature refuges in town, with the J.N. "Ding" Darling being the largest. You can learn surprising facts about seashells at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum."

The Midwest and South regions were home to several of the best small towns in America, according to the report. Towns in Nebraska, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Missouri, Alabama, West Virginia, South Dakota, and Kentucky all cracked the top 10.

1. Monowi, Nebraska
2. Mooresville, Alabama
3. Stockholm, Wisconsin
4. Medora, North Dakota
5. Watch Hill, Rhode Island
6. Rocheport, Missouri
7. Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
8. Keystone, South Dakota
9. Trinidad, California
10. Grand Rivers, Kentucky