A North Carolina city was named the “Nicest Place in America.”
sjasper@newsobserver.com
A North Carolina city exudes the “true meaning of community” — and it’s been crowned the “Nicest Place in America,” a new report finds.
Asheville ranks No. 1 on a list of places where people show the utmost respect and concern for others, according to Reader’s Digest.
“The Nicest Places initiative called on readers across the country to nominate towns, businesses, and neighborhoods that exemplify goodwill,” the magazine wrote in a Sept. 26 news release. “Asheville stood out after receiving a record number of nominations highlighting how its residents came together following the devastating hurricane in September 2024.”
Reader’s Digest on its website didn’t share how many people voted in this year’s contest but said it’s received thousands of nominations since 2017. In addition to having readers share places that radiate kindness, the magazine turned to a panel of judges to determine the winners.
What makes Asheville, NC, nice?
Asheville topped the list as Reader’s Digest praised the city for its resilience and sense of community, especially after Hurricane Helene. When the deadly storm hit last fall, it knocked down trees and caused catastrophic flooding in parts of Western North Carolina.
“The community’s response, from grassroots relief efforts to neighbors helping neighbors, showcased a powerful culture of self-reliance and mutual aid that defines the city,” the magazine wrote. “Beyond its compassionate response to crisis, Asheville is celebrated for its vibrant arts and cultural scene, stunning Blue Ridge Mountain scenery, and an atmosphere of openness and tolerance.”
As Asheville continues to rebound, CNN Travel named it one of the nation’s best places to visit, and Southern Living said it was one of the South’s favorite destinations. Both of the rankings praised the city for having residents who banded together after the storm.
It’s not the first time the “Nicest Places in America” list has included a North Carolina winner. Last year, a free dental clinic in the mountain town of Cashiers was a finalist, McClatchy News reported.
In the latest contest, these places followed top-ranked Asheville in being named finalists:
- Medina, Ohio
- Monroe, Louisiana
- Peru Amateur Circus in Peru, Indiana
- Semicolon Books in Chicago
Here are the judges who helped choose the winners:
- Mitch Albom, author
- Sandra Clark, nonprofit CEO
- Mónica Guzmán, author and senior fellow
- Greg Hudnall, past nominator
- Bonnie Kintzer, former media CEO
- Al Roker, TV weatherman and anchor
McClatchy News reached out to a spokesperson for more information about the rankings and is awaiting a response.
Simone Jasper
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