While few American cities live up to the glitz and glamor of New York and Los Angeles, there are countless lesser-known neighborhoods that are just as cool. From the northern tip of Idaho to the coast of South Carolina, many U.S. towns have recently seen their population numbers tick upwards as people flock to these budding communities.

Featuring sandy beaches, stunning mountain peaks, and walkable downtowns, these understated destinations are well on their way to becoming the hottest locales in the United States. We’ve rounded up a few desirable cities that stand out above the rest, so book a trip and experience their cool factor for yourself.

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

From its mighty mountains to tranquil waters, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho perfectly encapsulates the beauty of the Northern Rocky Mountains. No feature is more striking than Lake Coeur d’Alene, a 26-mile-long body of water dotted with parks, campgrounds, and beaches along its 135 miles of shoreline. If water activities aren’t your thing then traversing up the hilly terrain of the Bitterroot Range will pay off with spectacular views from atop Grizzly Mountain. Coeur d’Alene is a must-visit for animal lovers as well, especially bird watchers. There’s perhaps no better time to plan a trip than between November and February, when migrating bald eagles feed on spawning salmon in Wolf Lodge Bay, with over 200 of these majestic birds having been during seasons past.

Though the city’s topographical beauty may be its main selling point, Coeur d’Alene also boasts a thriving arts scene — which explains why the town has attracted Hollywood A-listers including Matthew McConaughey and George Clooney as part-time residents. With its Broadway-quality theatrical performances and galleries highlighting the work of regional artists, there are countless reasons why Coeur d’Alene has proven to be one of the most alluring small towns in all of America.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Given its name, it should come as no surprise that Myrtle Beach lies adjacent to the water. But what helps this beachside city stand apart is its prime location on “The Grand Strand,” a scenic 60-mile-long section of uninterrupted Atlantic coastline. Residents and visitors alike can dive into the water on a deep-sea fishing excursion, sit and bask in the sun’s rays, or take a trip up the awe-inspiring Myrtle Beach SkyWheel. This freestanding observation wheel hoists riders nearly 200-feet in the air as they glance out toward the sea for unobstructed views of the seemingly endless horizon.

Myrtle Beach is more than just a oceanside haven—it's also a food mecca that rivals cities like Rome and Paris. This small South Carolina town features 480 restaurants per 100,000 people, greater per capita than either of the aforementioned European capitals. With a cost of living that’s lower than the national average, settling in any of Myrtle Beach’s 14 distinct coastal communities offers a unique opportunity to explore variety within this small, yet heavily desirable jewel of the American South.

Provo, Utah

The optimism shared by the residents of Provo is unmatched. Over the last decade, this Utah metropolis has consistently ranked atop lists ranging from residents who feel their community is trending in the right direction to those who have the highest level of general well-being. It’s understandable why Provo’s residents are so positive when you step foot in the city and gaze upon the serene geographic beauty. A trip to the summit of Mount Timpanogos will confirm just how gorgeous the region is, with recommended stops along the way to view some scenic waterfalls plus the last remaining glacier in all of Utah.

While modern-day Provo is great in its own right, part of what makes this city so interesting is its connection to America’s very distant past. Located in Provo, the BYU Museum of Paleontology is an active research space at which six prehistoric species have been discovered. The center is open to the public, allowing visitors an up close look at dinosaur bones that would be worthy of enshrinement at any natural history museum nationwide.

Bend, Oregon

Few communities across the country offer a greater sense of ‘90s nostalgia than Bend, Oregon. It’s in this small town that you can find the last Blockbuster video rental store, a distinction the local franchise has held since March of 2019. But it’s not just nostalgia that makes Bend so appealing. Bend’s 51 miles of Urban Trail System have earned it the honor of being named “America’s Best Trail Running Town” by Outside magazine. If an exercise trail isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other “trails” to explore. Take for instance the Bend Ale Trail, on which you can find 30 regional craft breweries to delight any palate (but only for people 21 and up, of course).

Missoula, Montana

Don’t be intimidated by the poisonous-sounding name, because Missoula’s Rattlesnake National Recreation Area & Wilderness offers a wide variety of outdoor activities. Whether snowshoeing, horseback riding, or hunting and fishing, the recreational opportunities found within Missoula’s untouched wilderness can’t be beat. Missoula isn’t just an ideal destination for adults, but features one of the coolest attractions imaginable for kids as well. A Carousel for Missoula is a giant, wooden carousel that required over 100,000 hours of volunteer work to construct, and remains one of the town’s most beloved local symbols. With lower than average home values and property taxes, Missoula is the perfect escape for families who are looking for a little less hustle and bustle and a lot more serenity.

Fayetteville, Arkansas

Few American cities can claim to be as bike friendly as Fayetteville, Arkansas. In 2021, Fayetteville became the first city in the United States to be awarded the designation of Bike City by the world governing body of cycling thanks to its 100 miles of biking and walking trails. Fayetteville is also in the midst of enacting an Active Transportation Plan, which seeks to ensure that 97% of residents will live within .5 miles of a shared-use trail by 2040. From the serenity of exploring nature to the chaos of college game day, Fayetteville is also a devoted sports town and home to the University of Arkansas. On Saturdays during football season, townsfolk come out in droves to support their beloved Razorbacks, and you can be a part of that action too. But if you’re looking for a bit more peace and quiet during Razorback games you can always visit the Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks, home to twelve themed regional gardens and a native butterfly house.

The Woodlands, Texas

Located just miles north of downtown Houston, the Woodlands has been ranked as the number 1 best city to live in America — that’s a lofty claim, but not an outlandish one. Despite the phrase “everything is bigger in Texas,” the Woodlands actually offers a small-town feel that can be hard to find elsewhere throughout the Lone Star State. The city’s homey atmosphere doesn’t mean that the Woodlands is devoid of culture, however. The Woodlands is home to the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion amphitheater, offering music lovers an idyllic outdoor concert setting, and is also known for a colossal downtown mall complex catering to any need. For nature lovers, consider taking a kayak out on the Woodlands waterway that runs through the center of town and witnessing the Woodlands’ beauty for yourself.  Who knows, it may just end up being the perfect place to follow trends and lay down some roots with a forever home.