Tired of the hustle and bustle of big city living? Swap the hectic daily grind for a slower pace of life in one of America's quaint small towns. With friendly tight-knit communities, idyllic landscapes and stunning real estate to boot, escaping the rat race never looked better!

A tiny town with less than 60 residents, Mooresville in Alabama has just six picturesque tree-lined streets. Among the state's smallest settlements, it's also one of the most historic places in Alabama and the entire town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. One of the most historic buildings is the post office, pictured here, which was built in 1840 and is Alabama's oldest in operation.

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This palatial home sits on one and a half acres of manicured land in the town centre of Mooresville. Built in 1925, a cute white picket fence frames the property, with a quaint brick path leading to the front door, flanked by grand stone columns. Talk about making an entrance!

Spread over two floors, the elegant home has four spacious bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms. The luxurious living room features original hardwood floors, airy double-height ceilings and tall sash windows that draw in an abundance of light.

The remodelled kitchen has been designed in a country style with a few modern twists including sleek marble worktops and stainless steel appliances. A centre island offers the perfect place to grab an informal meal, while the quirky ice cream sign above the range cooker adds a playful touch to the space.

Nestled at the foot of Mount Edgecumbe, a dormant volcano, the town of Sitka in Alaska is home to just over 9,000 people. With 22 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, the town isn't short of things to do, with popular local pastimes including fishing, kayaking and hiking.

In Sitka, there's much more on offer than just bricks-and-mortar homes – for $1.2 million (£990k), you could snap up your own secluded piece of paradise! With nearly four acres of private land, Mertz Island comes complete with a grand main house, private cove and dock, making it the ultimate rural retreat.

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Rustic yet modern, the four-bed house sits high above the water, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing panoramic views of the Sitka Sound. The pre-fab property stretches a generous 2,569 square feet, offering a rustic wood-burner and warming wood panelling in the living room.

The stylish broken-plan layout leads through from the living room to the kitchen and dining nook. While the property is remote, granite countertops and sleek appliances ensure the house is well-equipped for modern life – the perfect cosy retreat for the harsh Sitka winters.

Located in the heart of the Ozark Mountain range, Eureka Springs in Arkansas is a town bursting with character, with its steep winding streets lined in Victorian-style cottages and pretty clapboard homes. An array of local craft, antique and art shops cater to the town's small population of just over 2,000.

Sat high above the shores of Beaver Lake, this four-bedroom, four-bathroom home in Eureka Springs makes a great escape with panoramic views of the water below. The ultimate lake house, there's no shortage of space on this sizeable 3,203-square-foot lot.

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Inside, the stylish living area is framed by a dramatic wooden vaulted ceiling that makes a wow-factor first impression. The open-plan space includes a formal dining zone and kitchen, plus a rustic stone feature wall with a wood-burning fireplace – ideal for cosying up on chilly Arkansas evenings.

Warm walnut floors flow through to the chic contemporary kitchen which features granite countertops, on-trend open shelving and a walk-in pantry. Elsewhere on the ground floor is the master bedroom which comes complete with an ensuite bathroom, along with a second spacious bedroom. Two further bedrooms are found in the walk-out basement, which benefits from stunning lake vistas.

A picture-perfect town in California's Wine Country, St. Helena is located in the sought-after Napa Valley. Encompassing five square miles, this charming spot has around 6,000 residents and an array of local shops, art galleries and cafes, set within stunning historic buildings.

Built in 1929, this cottage-style home in the heart of Napa Valley has recently been renovated and modernised. With no shortage of curb appeal, the verdant manicured gardens feature quaint iron fencing and a small patio where you can soak up the Californian sunshine. 

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Inside, the interior is sleek and modern, with a minimalist monochrome colour palette used throughout. The striking living area features a silver tiled fireplace, large picture window and a bespoke lighting system that adds plenty of atmosphere to this sophisticated entertaining space.

Just off the dining room, the new kitchen shows off open shelving, black cabinets and glitzy overhead lighting, as well as a wealth of modern appliances, from a double fridge and dishwasher to a five-ring gas hob. Upstairs on the first floor, you'll find the home's two bedrooms, plus one and a half bathrooms. The best bit? The home is being sold fully furnished – bonus!

A quintessential coastal town, Mystic in Connecticut is steeped in naval history. With a population of around 4,200, the tight-knit community is known for its idyllic waterside location, fresh fish and eclectic high street of independent shops and quaint cafes. If you're searching for a small-town spot to escape the hustle and bustle, look no further.

A short walk from the Mystic shipyard, this elegant home is full of old-world charm. The well-maintained property has four bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms across 2,270 square feet of living space. With tranquil views overlooking the water, it's a stone's throw from Mystic's historic downtown area.

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The home's interior is charming and classic, featuring characterful beams and traditional wood-burning fireplaces. The bright white living room is awash with original details, from period windows to the exposed wooden floors and quirky columned doorways.

Outside is just as luxurious as inside, with a little over half an acre of stunning manicured grounds, plus a large swimming pool and modern deck for sunbathing. Surrounded by trees which offer the utmost privacy, we can't imagine a more idyllic spot to kick back and relax in the New England sun.

A scenic seaside town, Lewes in Delaware is a historic spot filled with Victorian architecture, churches, museums, boutiques and fine dining restaurants. A popular place to get away from it all, Lewes has a population of 3,000 residents who enjoy the area's picturesque beaches, bird sanctuaries and walking trails along the coast.

With views over the idyllic Rehoboth Bay, this grand family home sits right next to the Angola Neck Preserve which is teaming with birds and wildlife. Having recently had $170,000 (£140k) of renovations and upgrades, the interior is just as charming as the exterior.

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Spread over three floors, this spacious property benefits from six bedrooms and six bathrooms across nearly 5,000 square feet of living space. The regal living room is the perfect place for entertaining friends and family, with a grand coiffured ceiling and panoramic views over the grounds and surrounding wetlands.

Spacious and bright, the kitchen features a large breakfast island, generous counter space and accent lights that show off the granite countertops. Outside, you'll find screened porches, a volleyball court, outdoor swimming pool and even a private strip of beach where you can soak up the stunning sea views in peace.

Nestled in the Flint Hills, the town of Council Grove in Kansas was founded in the mid-19th century. With around 2,000 residents, the Neosho River runs through the central district, which is with packed with historic sites, small cafes and a golf course, while the nearby lakes attract fisherman and campers.

With attractive gables and quaint blue wood cladding, this beautiful five-bedroom property sits near Council Grove Lake. Featuring spacious airy rooms and plenty of outdoor space, it's the perfect home for a growing family.

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Inside, each level features long swathes of windows, framing spectacular lake views from almost every room. The two-storey open living space has vaulted ceilings with oak beams and a curved oak staircase that leads to the second floor. Warm wood finishes add a cosy touch to the interior, while built-in furnishings make the most of the available floor space.

Built in 1992 and last renovated in 1995, the property could do with some updating, however, the large kitchen and breakfast bar would make a great sociable space after a modern facelift. Outside, you'll have free rein of half an acre of grounds, several decks and a lily pond, as well as private access to the lake.

Located in Knox County, Maine, the picturesque town of Camden is a popular haunt for walkers in the summer. With a small population of just under 5,000, it's surrounded by beautiful mountains and lakes, while the centre of the town is a cultural hub, hosting music and arts festivals in the summer months.

Set against stunning rural surroundings atop Camden's Bald Mountain, this four-bedroom contemporary home is the ultimate remote hideaway. With total privacy and stunning views of Penobscot Bay as well as the Camden Hills, the home is perfect for those yearning for an outdoor lifestyle.

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Inside, the large traditional living room with a wood-burning fireplace and wet bar is perfect for entertaining throughout the year. Each room is bathed in natural light thanks to swathes of windows, while the recently renovated kitchen has brand new granite countertops and the latest appliances for cooking up a storm.

With just over 12 acres of land and plenty of walking paths surrounding the home, you'll never tire of exploring this mountain estate. Closer to home, the spacious front deck is the perfect spot to dine alfresco overlooking breathtaking vistas of the ocean and mountains.

A cute coastal town on the Cape Ann peninsula, Rockport in Massachusetts has a population of just under 7,000. Offering the best of both worlds, the thriving centre is packed with quirky art galleries, a pottery studio, gift stores and restaurants, while the area's beautiful sandy beaches are only a stone's throw away.

This charming wood-clad cottage in Rockport benefits from unbroken views across the picturesque Loblolly Cove to the twin lighthouses on Thacher Island. Built in 1900, the property's classic front porch is perfect for soaking up the endless ocean vistas and admiring the verdant landscaped gardens.

Inside, the light-filled interior features weathered hardwood floors with picture windows that frame the tranquil sea views. The main living space has a traditional stone fireplace and a characterful wood-beamed ceiling that accentuate the home's rustic style.

The country-inspired kitchen is warm and homely, with wood-clad walls and antique ornaments proudly displayed. Upstairs, there are three bedrooms, all with wooden floors, while the two traditional bathrooms are decked out with elegant claw-footed bathtubs.

With a population of nearly 11,500 people, Hanover is a small thriving town perched on the banks of the Connecticut River in New Hampshire. Home to Dartmouth College, one of the most prestigious universities in the US, it's often described as the country's best college town.

Close enough to the town centre for convenience, yet far enough away to feel private, this four-bedroom farmhouse sits at the corner of two of the most scenic roads in Hanover. Recently upgraded with new windows, a new second-floor bathroom and master suite, it's the ultimate luxury country home.

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With a spectacular glass gable and a cathedral ceiling, the large family room is bathed in sunlight, with swathes of windows drawing the landscaped gardens inside. A wood-burning stove ensures the space is cosy come the winter months, while outside, a small patio spot complete with hot tub is perfect for relaxing on a summer's evening.

Wide pine and cherry floors run throughout the rustic 2,934-square-foot living space, with the charming open kitchen and sitting room featuring a fireplace and traditional beamed ceilings. The property also comes with a three-bay garage shed and a new solar power system. Bargain!

Originally founded as Mauch Chunk, the town of Jim Thorpe was named after the Native American sports star who is now buried there. Once a mining town, it's a hidden gem, with a population of around 4,600. Set within stunning rural surroundings, it's regularly named one of the most beautiful small towns in the US.

Built in 2000, this colonial-style home overlooks the historic town centre and sits adjacent to a scenic walking trail. With a brick exterior, characterful blue shutters and a raised entrance, the dwelling is tucked away in a secluded woodland setting.

The living room is neutral and elegant, with brand new maple flooring and a fireplace surrounded by exquisite hand-cut Terraza Stone. The tall arched windows and patio doors draw natural light inside, while four bright bedrooms are found upstairs.

The spacious kitchen features solid maple cabinets, plus granite and onyx countertops and state-of-the-art appliances. Downstairs, the basement has plenty of room to convert into extra accommodation, with plumbing set up for two more bathrooms. Packed with potential, it could make a lucrative bed and breakfast!

Despite its name, Deadwood in rural South Dakota is a quiet and peaceful town to relocate to. With just over 1,300 residents, it was one of the original gold rush towns and its main streets are still peppered with Wild West saloons and historic shopfronts. In easy reach of the Black Hills National Forest, you're never too far from remote rugged landscapes either.

Spread across four generous levels, this seven-bedroom, five-bathroom home sits on one of Deadwood's desirable main streets. With a clapboard facade and painted gables, we can't imagine a more charming place to call home.

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Built in 1895, the 19th-century home offers 20 rooms and 3,953 square feet of interior living space. Despite some parts of the house undergoing recent renovations, the living room still retains a traditional aesthetic, featuring oak woodwork, large sash windows and antique light fixtures.

However, modern flourishes are clear to see elsewhere in the sensitively updated interior. The new kitchen includes granite worktops, stainless steel appliances and stylish white metro tiles, while the bedrooms and bathrooms have also been decked out for contemporary living without compromising on period charm. Other amenities include a gas fireplace, underfloor heating and a humidifier.

A gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg in Tennessee is a town with plenty to offer. As well as a cable car system and a 407-foot-tall observation tower, you'll find charming restaurants, breweries, wineries and distilleries in the area for the 4,000-strong population to enjoy.

Dating back to 1975, this vast Colonial-style redbrick property features two wings and a courtyard. Sitting on four and a half acres of idyllic woodland, there's no shortage of space in this sprawling estate.

Inside, the exposed stone walls evoke a rustic aesthetic, while chesnut panelling adds a warming touch. The cosy den is the perfect place for relaxed entertaining and comes complete with a stone bar and a fireplace surrounded by a huge hearth.

If you're looking for the perfect place to host dinner parties, look no further. The six-bedroom, four-bathroom home has an impressive formal dining room with checkerboard tiling, double-height ceilings and a grand chandelier.

It may be small, but the desert town of Marfa in the west of Texas is thriving. Thanks to artist Donald Judd, who fell in love with the tight-knit community in the 1970s, the settlement of nearly 2,000 residents has become a nationally renowned creative hub, hosting everything from art installations to music festivals.

A quintessential Marfa home, this modernist property was built in 1905 and was extensively renovated by designer Barbara Hill in 2005. Located on the north side of the Courthouse Square, it's just a short walk from the bustling downtown district.

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With two bedrooms and three bathrooms, the home has just under 2,200 square feet of space, with an airy open-plan layout. Designed for entertaining, the main living area has vaulted ceilings and a wood-burner, while a minimalist white palette creates a calming space to kick back and relax.

With exposed plaster walls and light pine floors, the bedrooms are pared-back and Scandi-inspired, evoking an effortlessly serene atmosphere. Perfect for an artist, steel beams add a cool industrial touch to this completely unique home.

If you want an area that's idyllic and low-key, yet packed with ways to while away the time, Port Townsend in Washington state is the one for you. It enjoyed a wave of regeneration in the 1970s that breathed new life into the area’s historic buildings, and the town now has a thriving arts scene, with several galleries and museums enjoyed by its population of around 9,500.

Perched on nearly three acres of land in the Cape George Highlands, this contemporary woodland house is an architectural gem, overflowing with artistic touches. A ten-minute walk from the centre of Port Townsend, it was built in 1975 and sits on nearly three acres of land.

The two-bedroom, two-bathroom home is light and airy inside thanks to large skylights and swathes of picture windows. Exposed wooden beams frame the open-plan living space, while the sloping walls and rustic woodwork add unusual dimensions to the room.

Outside, the property is surrounded by lush trees and greenery, while the back garden hides a hot tub and detached sauna. The first and second floors both offer glass-fenced balconies – the perfect spots to soak up the sun and those tranquil forest vistas.

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With a tiny population of around 3,400, the characterful town of Summersville in West Virginia is known for its boating and open-water swimming. Downtown, you’ll find charming old storefronts, independent local shops and the historic neoclassical county courthouse which was built in 1895.

Set within a dense forest, this one-of-a-kind log home is located in the sought-after community of Woods at Townsend. Situated in over two acres of land, the smart rural dwelling has a circular driveway and a handy detached two-car garage. 

With four bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms on offer, it's ideal for a family that wants to reconnect with the great outdoors. The open-plan living room includes a lounge, kitchen and dining room situated around a large central stone fireplace. Cosy and comfortable, the space has exposed beams and warm wood cladding, while soft lighting creates a true cabin feel.

Built in 1992, the house enjoys a sizeable 3,816 square feet of interior space. With a large central island, marble countertops and wood cabinetry, the kitchen is rustic, while offering state-of-the-art appliances. Outside, the house has covered decks at the front and back – perfect for dining alfresco amongst the trees.

Named after William Frederick Cody, otherwise known as Buffalo Bill, the town of Cody, Wyoming, is the perfect place for cowboy fans. From a Wild West recreation town to the frontier-style high street, you don't get much more historic than this. With a population of nearly 10,000 people, the town enjoys close proximity to some of the best natural landscapes in the country too, with Yellowstone National Park a short drive away.

Occupying a stunning rural spot, this amazing five-bedroom, four-bathroom home has some of the best views in Cody of Yellowstone National Park. Built in 2019, the brand new home is perfect for a family, offering luxurious living in a quaint tight-knit community.

With an ample 4,800 square feet of interior space, the main open-plan living area is decorated in neutral tones, with a seamless flow between the lounge, kitchen and dining room. Featuring coiffured ceilings, ornate brickwork and panelling, you'll be hard-pressed to find a more stylish small-town home.

The kitchen is awash with industrial-inspired touches, from the copper cooker hood to the rustic wood cabinetry and white subway tiling. A large centre island offers the perfect prep space for lavish soirees, while light wood flooring adds warmth to the scheme. We've already packed our bags...

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