If small-town life appeals to you, but you can’t say goodbye to the culture and convenience of urban living, these quaint towns are off the beaten path and just a short drive to the airports, theaters, and restaurants of a big city.
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The mountain town of Leadville is just 100 miles from Denver‘s tech startups, concert halls, and restaurants.
Leadville is near Denver, Colorado.
Pop. 2,693
An hour and 45 minutes from downtown Denver, this historic mountain town perches at 10,152 feet, making it the highest incorporated city in the U.S. and home to the highest marathon in the country. The surrounding area is a playground for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, with Fourteeners like Mount Sherman nearby, and the area also is rich with mining history. “This is an untouched mountain town,” says Adam Schuknecht, owner of Leadville’s City On A Hill coffee shop. “The draw of Leadville is that it’s off the beaten path. We don’t have a lot of commercialized things.” What they do have, though, are quaint locally owned eateries and boutiques, the family-friendly slopes of Ski Cooper 10 miles outside of town, and an annual skijoring festival, when horses pull skiers down the town’s main street through a snowy obstacle course of jumps, hoops, and gates.
Interested? Leadville’s downtown is dotted with Victorian homes, and as you drive out town you’ll find charming log houses in the woods, like this rustic home on sale for $407,500. Standing on two acres of forested land, the 2,300-square-foot house has big views of the Sawatch Range from the back deck.Check out more homes for sale and for rent in Leadville.
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Hill Country Lavender is one of several fragrant farms around the town of Blanco, 48 miles outside Austin.
Blanco is near Austin, Texas.
Pop. 1,956
Smack dab between Austin and San Antonio, this historic Hill Country town is the Lavender Capital of Texas, even hosting an annual festival celebrating the fragrant flower. Residents belly up to the bar at Andalusia Whiskey and Real Ale Brewing Company, and outdoor enthusiasts hit the swimming and fishing holes in the pristine Blanco River. “It’s great to live out here, but be able to be in San Antonio or Austin in just an hour,” says Libbey Aly, of the Blanco Chamber of Commerce. “We’re at the center of the most beautiful section of the Hill Country, yet with a short drive in any direction, you can get at absolutely anything you could want.”
Interested? This recently renovated 6,800-square-foot ranch has classic Hill Country architecture and a sprawling layout. Listed at $575,000, the nearly 10-acre gated estate also is home to an airplane hangar that’s been converted into a six-stall horse barn. Kick back in a rocking chair and breathe in the country air from one of the cooling covered porches.Check out more homes for sale and for rent in Blanco.
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Brewster is near Boston, Massachusetts.
Pop. 9,820
Even on Cape Cod, which has no shortage of charming coastal towns, Brewster stands out for its long history—it was founded in 1659—picturesque architecture, and wide-open natural preserves. With miles of sheltered bay-side beaches and 5,000 acres of conservation land, including 80 sparkling kettle ponds formed from glaciers, it’s considered the Cape’s eco-tourism destination. The town is also bike-friendly, with the 22-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail linking Brewster to five nearby towns. “For people who love the outdoors and love to be in nature, Brewster is a fabulous place to live,” says Kyle Hinkle, director of the Brewster Chamber of Commerce. “It’s rural—the outdoors is the biggest draw.” Once known as “the sea captain’s town” because of the large number of wealthy ship captains who resided here, Brewster is still lined with beautiful waterfront mansions, many of which now operate as inns.
Interested? This 1815 beachside cottage is the quintessential Cape Cod home with shingle siding and original architectural details like fireplaces and exposed wood beams. The one-acre property also holds a two-car garage and workshop, small barn with horse corral, shed, and commercial space that’s currently a quaint antique shop. Listed at $675,000, the house is less than a half-mile walk to the beach.Check out more homes for sale and for rent in Brewster.
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Mosier is near Portland, Oregon.
Pop. 451
Hanging out in this tiny riverfront town, you’d never guess it’s just over an hour from Portland. Unless it’s a weekend, that is, when this part of the Columbia River Gorge, the largest national scenic area in the country, fills up with city types who make the drive to hike, windsurf, buy local cider, and enjoy the roadside restaurants and wineries. “The close-knit community is inviting and welcoming to everyone who comes here,” says Brenna Campbell, owner of local grocery Brenna’s Mosier Market. For the moment, Mosier remains less-well-known than larger nearby towns, like Hood River. But that may not last forever. “A younger population is being drawn to Mosier,” says Campbell, “which is reviving it but still keeping that small-town charm and small-town values. It feels like it’s on the brink of blossoming into the vibrant town it once was.”
Interested? Currently listed at $569,900, this charming country house has panoramic views of both Mount Adams and Mount Hood. With a greenhouse, chicken coop, and four sheds, the 20-acre property is suited for a farmette or a quiet weekend getaway for city dwellers. A wraparound porch and gazebo make the most of the outdoorsy setting.
