Discover The 15 Best Small Towns in the Southeast USA – Beautiful & Charming

We found the best small towns in the Southeast USA that all deliver beauty and charm that the cities and suburbs of America just cannot match.

The Southeast USA is filled with great small towns that offer a strange mix of charisma, history, and untamed character. Whether you’re meandering as a tourist or pondering the idea of calling one of these hidden gems home, here are the best small towns in the southeast that may just have you packing your bags.

Methodology

First things first, we kept it cozy: towns with fewer than 20,000 residents were the only contenders.

We measured not just vibes, but real, data-driven facts—cost of living, job prospects, crime stats, livability factors, and those tantalizing little “extras” called amenities. These places aren’t just eye candy; they deliver a full package of life worth living, whether you’re in it for a visit or a lifetime.

The 15 Best Small Towns in the Southeast USA

15. Brevard, North Carolina

Population: 7,700
Location: Check on Google Maps

Brevard’s got waterfalls like most towns have stop signs. This tucked-away North Carolina jewel is surrounded by Pisgah National Forest, where the water doesn’t just fall—it hurls itself off cliffs with enthusiasm.

The town, with its slow-burn artsy vibe, throws in white squirrels for good measure. Yes, white squirrels—legends on tiny paws. From the local galleries to the earthy coffee shops, Brevard feels like the universe slowed down for a second just to savor its own creativity.

14. Dahlonega, Georgia

Population: 7,000
Location: Check on Google Maps

Dahlonega’s claim to fame is that gold practically leaked out of the ground here back in the day. Nowadays, this former gold rush town is a land of vineyards, festivals, and oddly satisfying history lessons.

If you like your wine with a side of Blue Ridge Mountain views, this is your spot. Dahlonega somehow manages to be both a historic relic and a fresh face all at once, with its buzzing town square and breezes straight from the 1800s.

13. Apalachicola, Florida

Population: 2,300
Location: Check on Google Maps

If Apalachicola were a person, it would be the elder who always has a fish tale—except this one happens to be true. Known for its oysters, this Florida fishing town is slow, salty, and impossible to forget.

Wander the weather-beaten streets lined with old-world buildings, where time seems to hang in the air like Spanish moss. But don’t let its sleepy vibe fool you; this town knows how to live off the land and sea, in the most delicious way possible.

12. Beaufort, South Carolina

Population: 13,500
Location: Check on Google Maps

In Beaufort, the ancient oaks loom large, their limbs tangled in centuries-old stories. This is Lowcountry magic—where the air moves slowly, and the pace of life hums at half-speed.

The antebellum mansions line the streets like old friends who’ve seen it all, while the waterfront seems to stretch into forever. With galleries tucked into creaky buildings and cafes that serve more than coffee, Beaufort isn’t just a destination; it’s an invitation to linger, to wander, to lose track of time.

11. Abingdon, Virginia

Population: 8,000
Location: Check on Google Maps

In Abingdon, history sits heavy in the air—but not like a dusty museum. The Barter Theatre, one of the oldest stages in the country, still dazzles, while the Virginia Creeper Trail pulls you into nature’s embrace, offering bike rides that stretch for miles through old railroad paths.

The brick-lined streets are full of quaint shops and surprises at every corner. Abingdon isn’t just a town; it’s a bridge between the past and the now, a place where history isn’t just remembered, it’s lived.

10. Fairhope, Alabama

Population: 16,000
Location: Check on Google Maps

Fairhope is like a beautiful Southern secret that seems to be rarely mentioned. It just sits there, pretty as can be, along the edge of Mobile Bay, catching sunsets like nobody’s business.

The town’s charm is in its simplicity: art galleries, bayfront parks, oak trees that make you sigh a little, and the kind of sunsets that don’t even seem real. Fairhope doesn’t need to try too hard; its beauty is effortless, like the way a painting quietly draws you in.

9. Oxford, Mississippi

Population: 19,000
Location: Check on Google Maps

Oxford, Mississippi, is a Southern literary beacon with roots deep in history, where the past strolls alongside the present in the town square. William Faulkner haunts the corners, not in spirit, but in story, as his home, Rowan Oak, is a must-visit. The University of Mississippi adds a youthful energy to a town otherwise steeped in the wisdom of years gone by.

Oxford is part academia, part artistry, and all charm, with just enough eccentricity to make it feel like a place you’ve always known but never quite understood.

8. Blowing Rock, North Carolina

Population: 1,200
Location: Check on Google Maps

Blowing Rock isn’t just a town—it’s a phenomenon. Perched high in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this tiny gem is defined by its views. Vistas stretch out as far as the eye can see, and if you stand on the famous Blowing Rock itself, legend says the wind will carry you upward.

While you’re grounded, however, you’ll find cozy inns, locally owned shops, and a slower pace that invites reflection. Nature here doesn’t just surround you; it engulfs you in a warm, leafy embrace.

7. Covington, Louisiana

Population: 11,200
Location: Check on Google Maps

Covington is like stepping into a slow-motion film where each frame savors the lush greenery and laid-back vibes of Southern Louisiana. Tucked away across Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans, Covington is the antidote to the city’s energy. Here, art galleries, antique shops, and cozy cafés spill out onto historic streets, while towering oaks shade you from the world.

It’s a town that embraces both the arts and the outdoors, where farmers markets and festivals swirl in a symphony of flavor and culture. Covington might be small, but its heartbeat echoes loudly through its vibrant streets.

6. St. Augustine, Florida

Population: 15,000
Location: Check on Google Maps

If you’re into history, then St. Augustine is basically Disneyland for you—except with pirate tales, Spanish forts, and haunted alleyways. Founded in 1565, it’s the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement in the U.S.

You’ll find cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and centuries-old architecture, but don’t be fooled into thinking it’s all about the past. The town buzzes with lively restaurants, eclectic shops, and, of course, miles of Atlantic beaches.

Castillo de San Marcos, an imposing fortress overlooking the water, offers a stark reminder of its storied past, while Anastasia State Park is a haven for outdoor lovers. From history buffs to beach bums, St. Augustine has something for everyone.

5. Bluffton, South Carolina

Population: 3,400
Location: Check on Google Maps

Bluffton sits like a pearl on the banks of the May River, where the old blends seamlessly with the new, and the marshlands create a serene environment.

This Lowcountry town is alive with art galleries, old churches, and a riverfront that stretches out like an invitation to slow down. Bluffton’s historic charm is balanced by its vibrant arts scene, with festivals, markets, and local artisans breathing life into its sleepy, sun-soaked streets.

It’s the kind of place where you might lose track of time watching the tide roll in, or get caught up in the rhythm of life beneath the oaks.

4. Seaside, Florida

Population: 2,000
Location: Check on Google Maps

Seaside looks like someone designed a postcard, got carried away, and turned it into a real town. Known for its pastel houses and perfectly manicured streets, this Gulf Coast spot is picture-perfect—but it’s more than just a pretty face.

This is a town that invites you to slow down, take off your shoes, and let the sugary sands of the beach erase all sense of time. Throw in food trucks, bike-friendly streets, and an air of blissful simplicity, and you have a place that feels almost too good to be true.

3. Mount Dora, Florida

Population: 15,200
Location: Check on Google Maps

Mount Dora feels like Florida fell asleep under an oak tree and dreamed up a world that defies the typical heat and hustle. This lakeside town is where antique shops meet art festivals, where historic inns are dotted like breadcrumbs leading you into a whimsical escape.

Mount Dora is quirky, with a dash of Southern charm and just enough offbeat energy to keep you intrigued. Whether you’re wandering through the town’s famous festivals or exploring its scenic lakefront, Mount Dora knows how to surprise you with quiet elegance and endless character.

2. Helen, Georgia

Population: 2,500
Location: Check on Google Maps

Helen is where Germany’s Alps take a detour and decide to plant roots in Georgia. Yes, you read that right—a Bavarian-style village in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This tiny town’s cobblestone streets are lined with half-timbered buildings straight out of a fairy tale, but don’t let its quaint size fool you.

Helen is a hub of festivals, outdoor adventures, and the kind of local charm that makes you question whether you’ve crossed some hidden border into another world. From the local breweries to the winding river that snakes through the town, Helen is a postcard come to life.

1. Black Mountain, North Carolina

Population: 8,400
Location: Check on Google Maps

Black Mountain sits cradled by the peaks of the Blue Ridge like a secret waiting to be uncovered. This town is a haven for artists, hikers, and anyone seeking a slice of mountain serenity with a dash of bohemian flair.

With trails that beckon you into the wilderness and a downtown filled with independent bookstores, coffee shops, and local artisans, Black Mountain feels both isolated and alive with energy. The views are breathtaking, but it’s the town’s creative pulse that’ll keep you coming back for more.

Frequently Asked Questions

How were these towns chosen? We selected these towns based on population (under 20,000), cost of living, job opportunities, crime rates, and overall livability. Each town offers something unique, whether it’s natural beauty, history, or a vibrant arts scene.

Are these towns good for tourists and long-term living? Absolutely. Each of these small towns offers attractions and amenities for both visitors and potential new residents. Whether you’re staying for a weekend or the rest of your life, these places are packed with charm.

What’s the cost of living like in these towns? Generally speaking, small towns offer a lower cost of living compared to larger cities. However, towns located in popular tourist areas or near the coast may have higher real estate prices.

What makes these towns unique? Each town on this list offers a distinctive mix of history, culture, natural beauty, and community spirit. From mountain getaways to coastal retreats, these are places where life slows down just enough for you to enjoy it.