These Are the 6 Coziest Small Towns in the U.S., New Data Shows

Medora, North Dakota

Coming in at number six on the list of coziest small towns is Medora, North Dakota. Garnering an impressive index score of 80.13, Medora is a great choice for a winter getaway—especially if you like to feel like you're truly "getting away" from the hustle and bustle.

"Part of the reason it feels so cozy is because there is nothing else for thousands," Alan Greenfield, editor of outdoor and travel website Gorp, explains. "It gives you a sense that you are in a nice little 'base camp' town with thousands of wild country around you."

You shouldn't miss the expansive Teddy Roosevelt National Park, but you can also just enjoy the "small-town vibe," Courtney Newton, full-time travel blogger and owner of Disorderly Drifters, tells Best Life. "Travelers can't help but fall in love with the kindness and welcoming attitude shown by locals and other travelers coming through."

Breckenridge, Colorado

Head to Breckenridge, Colorado in the winter, and you might never want to leave. If you're a skier or snowboarder, you'll find paradise in this snowy wonderland, which has a Cozy Town Index Score of 80.38—scoring slightly better than Medora in terms of activities and weather.

"One visit to Breckenridge and it is easy to understand why it is named one of the 'coziest small towns in the U.S.,'" Michelle Snell, owner and writer of the travel blogs That Texas Couple and Totally Texas Travel, says. "Nestled high in the mountains of Colorado, Breckenridge offers up the best of winter."

You can pop in and out of Main Street boutiques or stop in for hot chocolate to escape the chilly temperatures, which average 24.5 degrees Fahrenheit, per MyDatingAdviser data. But aside from shops and restaurants, Breckenridge's cozy ambiance is thanks to the beautiful scenery itself.

Ellicottville, New York

With a score of 82.60, Ellicottville comes in at number four, besting Breck when it comes to both activities and food. The teeny tiny population is below 300, but that's part of Ellicottville's small-town charm—and coziness.

You can explore the outdoors at Allegheny National Forest or try your hand at skiing. But if you're feeling festive, Amar Hussain, founder and editor-in-chief of the travel site OnlyWanderlust.com, suggests planning a holiday vacation to Ellicottville.

"I'd recommend heading out for the Christmas in Ellicottville event," Hussain says. "This event feels like you've stepped inside a Christmas movie; it's a real must-see."

For Hallmark movie lovers, Ellicottville should definitely be on your bucket list, as A Christmas in Vermont was filmed in the small New York town, Hussain adds.

Stanley, Idaho

Another snowy setting is in Stanley, Idaho, where you'll be enveloped by cozy vibes. Bundling up is necessary, as the town averages just 12.5 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter, but an 86.23 index score on the coziness scale indicates it's well worth it. According to Jessica Schmit, of the travel blog Uprooted Traveler, Stanley isn't a surprising addition to this list.

Stowe, Vermont

The first runner-up for the coziest small town is Stowe, Vermont, with a Cozy Town Index Score of 86.1. You'll find no shortage of ski slopes or spas here, according to MyDatingAdviser.com, and historic spots like Shaw's General Store.

"Once you visit Stowe, it's guaranteed you'll come back because it feels like a town that's so charming, you have to pinch yourself to make sure you're not dreaming," Samantha Hamilton, creator and writer of New England Wanderlust, says . "Between the covered bridges, one of the cutest Main Streets I've ever seen, and all the restaurants serving up farm-to-table comfort food, it all makes you want to snuggle in and never leave."

Stockholm, Wisconsin

Only 76 people call Stockholm, Wisconsin home, but it's for good reason: This tiny town is the coziest of them all, scoring an 89.81 on the Cozy Town Index. Winter temperatures hover around 23 degrees Fahrenheit, so you'll want to snuggle up in snowy Stockholm, which boasts impressive views of Lake Pepin and great options for shopping and dining. The food and architecture celebrate Stockholm's "Swedish roots," according to MyDatingAdviser.com—the village was founded in 1854 by immigrants from Karlskoga, Sweden.
If you want to add some cozy décor to your home, Stockholm is also a great spot for antiquing. And during the holiday season, this hidden gem has that much more to offer. Stockholm hosts "God Jul" ("Merry Christmas" in Swedish) celebrations, harkening back to its traditional Scandinavian roots. For the first three Saturdays in December, you can embrace the cozy feeling of unique to the holiday season, with themed events like "A Swedish Christmas," "A Holiday Market," and "Fire of Stockholm."