Now that we have snooped around a few places, it’s time to establish some criteria for our discussions about “The Best Towns.” With this blog I hope to inspire an exploration of quality settings for people to visit or to live. Take a closer look at the town in which you live. Or go hunting for “The Best Towns” candidates on your next business trip. In either case, seize opportunities to evaluate features such as:
- human scale
- relationship to nature
- pedestrian friendly
- effective mobility and transportation
- urban design that works
- safe for all members of the community and for visitors
- appealing architecture
- a definable style with variety that delights
- evidence of civic appreciation or civic pride
- thriving commercial activity and employment
- sustainable economy
- sustainable environmental footprint
- fantastic people*
*What comes first, great people or great towns? Though the list above is in no particular order, and one or another feature may be lacking even in a great town (at any given time), I posit to you that no town can qualify in anyone’s “best town” list if it does not have fantastic people. In fact, this may be the only necessary criteria.
Any town, no matter its size, may qualify. Even distinct parts within a city may qualify as “best towns” as some “best towns” stood alone in their beginnings, but now have been absorbed by cities and converted into neighborhoods.
I hope this gets you thinking. Please provide comments about features for the criteria list or places you would like to discuss. ‘Anyone have experience outside what we refer to as Western Civilization? What about rustic, agrarian or nomadic cultures? Comment with your observations! I am so excited to explore “The Best Towns” with you!
The Best Towns 