Will Fleeson

North Dakota has something for everyone, whether you're looking for thrills like the Northern Lights or a relaxing and atmospheric retreat in the Old West. Visitors of all ages in North Dakota can observe wildlife and fresh agriculture, both of which are sure to delight. In addition, North Dakota is a heaven for sportsmen and outdoors fans who are looking for a place to take part in recreational activities, and might just catch (or shoot) a big one. With diverse social and natural heritage, the state of North Dakota and its small towns are a truly unique way to explore the American West for a few days or longer.

New Mexico, a mix of Native American, Spanish, and European cultures, joined the US in 1912. Its diverse towns, rich in history, are dynamic yet underrated.

Montana, known for open spaces and history, offers retirees natural beauty, healthcare, and a mix of past and present in "Big Sky Country."

From Maine down to Rhode Island New England covers six small states where retirement can feel a little like a weekend at the beach or a long walk through a college town.

Pennsylvania, known for diverse attractions like the Poconos, Gettysburg, and Amish communities, welcomes travelers with history, culture, and nature.

Indiana gives retirees a riverfront porch in Madison and an Amish-country pace up in Shipshewana.

America turns 250 this summer, and the Fourth of July is barely three weeks out. New Hampshire is not the kind of place to let a once-in-a-lifetime semiquincentennial slide past quietly.

Utah's national parks get all the attention, but the towns that stay easygoing through peak season are the ones worth knowing in 2026.

Appalachian gorges and river bends hold most of West Virginia 's small towns, and the summer crowds rarely follow.

Discover nine off-the-beaten-path Arkansas towns filled with historic river ports, Victorian architecture, scenic landscapes, and small-town charm.