We set out with Reader’s Digest to find the place where “nice” is the golden rule. For some, that’s their local coffee shop where neighbors mingle and share a cup of coffee before they start their day. For others, it’s a local high school football field, where families, friends, and neighbors alike come together to cheer on their team and make lasting memories.
Beloved places across America were nominated, and the final ten have been selected. Read about them below, and cast your vote for your favorite place. Voting is open through July 7, 2017.
Finalists: Nicest Place in America, 2017
Franklin, NE: A small town that bands together when tragedy strikes, most recently to raise a large amount of money for a family fighting cancer.
The India Point Park Area in Providence, RI: Every Wednesday night for three minutes at 8:30 P.M., buildings across the city flicker their lights on and off to wish the Hasbro Children’s Hospital patients good night. The Providence police also participate in this “Good Night Lights” tradition, parking their cruisers along the shoreline overlook to flash their blue and red emergency lights.
KidsCycle in Shorewood, WI: A local group of families swapping and selling used goods online has turned into an authentic civic movement that works to help the afflicted and make the lives of everyone in the community better.
Pflugerville High in Pflugerville, TX: Pflugerville High is known for its supportive and welcoming environment. This is the high school everyone wishes they went to – everyone is accepted, bullying is stamped out, and teachers and students all work to better the school community.
Rock Hall, MD: Rock Hall’s small town charm has put it on the map. Everyone who lives in or visits Rock Hall is welcomed with a “Rock Hall Wave”, a friendly salute that becomes habit for visitors and natives alike. It’s also a town that never leaves anyone behind.
Gallatin, TN: Outside of the booming metropolis of Nashville, Gallatin is a suburb doing things differently. It’s choosing to be diverse and welcoming to all, even in the face of tragedy.
South Whidbey on Whidbey Island in Puget Sound, WA: Everywhere in America should see South Whidbey as an example of how to live together even when they disagree. You can’t escape issues on an island, and while residents here debate issues fiercely, they come together as friends at the end of the day.
The Doak’s House in Waterford, OH: A place that exemplifies everything that is good about small-town America. The Doak’s house is one of generosity and friendliness, where, once every other year, friends, neighbors and strangers come together to make apple butter in what has become a heartwarming local tradition.
Hayesville, NC: When wildfires ripped across the region, threatening the small town of 400 people, local and federal firefighters came to town to fight the blaze. The firefighters who responded to the area called it the most hospitable town they’d ever served.
Oriole Park in Baltimore, MD: This Major League Baseball ballpark is known as one of the friendliest and most welcoming to hometown fans and those of opposing teams. But it’s a Nicest Place in America finalist because of a unique program it has to honor the city’s real heroes.
The above ten finalists will be profiled in the November issue of Reader’s Digest, and the winning place will be featured on the cover!
We’re proud to partner with Reader’s Digest to find the Nicest Place in America. The publication has been bringing its readers the best of health, family-friendly humor and insights, and heartwarming stories for almost 100 years, and is read by nearly 18 million people every month. Together, we’re honored to help find and celebrate the places that matter most to neighbors like you.
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