Press Release: 20 Best Small Towns

Press Release: 20 Best Small Towns
Written by Sunset March 4, 2009

For Immediate Release: February 27, 2009

Media Contacts:
Dadascope Communications
Dana Smith
510-524-2066/m: 510-682-3141
[email protected]

Jennifer Spoerri
415-563-2363/m: 415-577-0171
[email protected]

SUNSET  MAGAZINE NAMES THE 20 BEST SMALL WESTERN TOWNS IN MARCH ISSUE

Menlo Park, CA –The March issue of Sunset Magazine (www.sunset.com), the premier guide to life in the West, names the 20 Best Small Western Towns (p. 62). Broken down by category―”Oceanside Views,” “Food & Wine Havens,” “Earth-Friendly Spots,” and “Outdoorsy Burgs” ― the small towns were selected because they inspire dreams (and maybe moving plans).

“Small towns have a lot of allure right now as the recession forces us to take stock of what’s really important and simplify our lives,” said Katie Tamony, Sunset’s editor-in-chief. “Small town living means a shorter (if any) commute, a tight-knit community, and in many cases, a lower cost of living that allows residents to chase their dreams instead of a paycheck.”

When determining the list, Sunset’s editors based their selections on a variety of subjective criteria, including “a sense of connectedness,” where people “commute less, know their neighbors” and “follow their passions.” In addition to general information on each town, including population and median home costs, readers will find insider tips on everything from great places to eat and drink to local surf spots, hikes, and bike paths.

Sunset’s 20 Best Small Western Towns are:

Oceanside View

  • Capitola, CA
  • Astoria, OR
  • Del Mar, CA
  • Hanalei, Kauai, HI
  • Homer, AK

Food & Wine Haven

  • Walla Walla, WA
  • McMinnville, OR
  • Ojai, CA
  • Woodinville, WA
  • Yountville, CA

Earth-Friendly Spot

  • Corvallis, OR
  • Boulder, CO
  • Palo Alto, CA
  • Salt Lake City, UT
  • Truckee, CA

Outdoorsy Burg

  • Moab, UT
  • Downieville, CA
  • Hood River, OR
  • Kamuela, Big Island, HI
  • Lander, WY

***Editors available for interviews.
Sunset magazine is the premier guide to life in the West, covering the newest and best ideas in Western home design and landscaping, food and entertaining, and regional travel in 13 Western states. Sunset and sunset.com are part of the Lifestyle group of magazines and websites published by Time Inc., the largest magazine publisher in the U.S., and a leading publisher in the U.K. and Mexico.

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