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About MoxieTowns

We are so glad you are here.

Welcome to MoxieTowns, a curated atlas where remarkable small towns take center stage. Here, we blend tangible metrics with the unique pulse of each town to uncover places that truly stand out.

Our chosen MoxieTowns shimmer with personality, from their vibrant downtowns to the hidden corners that make each one special. On our platform, each town is celebrated with captivating images, local lore, and a sprinkle of essential stats. Beyond the town page, we bring each MoxieTown's story to life through engaging blog posts and social media spotlights, revealing local stories and community narratives that make each town an extraordinary character in the world of small-town wonders.

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It is really about the “why”

Why create a curated atlas of the most remarkable small towns? Because…

  • There are far more remarkable small towns than the same top 10 to 50 that show up on a multitude of lists – think “clickbait.”   

  • There are over 18,000 incorporated places in the United States alone with populations of 50,000 or less, most of these are small towns.

  • The rules have changed, we can live lifestyles unimaginable before - we just need broadband.

  • People and families of all ages are still seeking community and homes of their own, and these are much more affordable in most small towns.     

  • Someone gets to live in these idyllic hamlets and villages, & big small towns – why shouldn’t it be you?

  • The best time to invest in a “hot town” is before it is discovered.

  • Even if you’re big city-bound, you crave the charm and scale, and community of a small town, even if it’s just for a weekend.

Three young adults jumping happily on a snowy sidewalk with trees, houses, and a street sign in the background.
Two young girls walking along a leaf-covered path outdoors, with a smiling man and woman in the background, during autumn.
Two people fishing by a peaceful river surrounded by trees in a forest during daytime.

Monica Hagewood, CRE, founder, chief curator, small-town champion, and a true connoisseur of community and innovation, brings a unique perspective to MoxieTowns. Her journey began in land planning and landscape architecture, where she developed a keen understanding of how design and scale shape our experiences. Monica's passion for creating spaces that resonate with people quickly led her to the bustling world of commercial real estate. Here, she noticed something fascinating: spaces crafted with care and creativity weren't just beautiful—they became hubs of community and commerce.

A woman with blonde hair wearing large tortoiseshell sunglasses and a yellow and white patterned top, smiling outdoors.

For years, the trend in development overlooked these vital elements of design, focusing instead on models that missed the mark on fostering genuine community connections. Thankfully, the tide is turning. Thanks to organizations like CNU, the value of walkability and engaging spaces is now recognized in financial markets, outshining traditional models.

But let's not forget the small towns, the unsung heroes of walkability and community, the original “town centers.” These towns, with their charming main streets, have always embodied the essence of belonging. They've been waiting in the wings, and now, it's their time to bask in the spotlight.

With a wealth of experience and a keen eye for market trends, Monica has crafted a unique set of metrics. These aren't just any numbers; they're the key to unlocking the magic of small towns with populations under 50,000. It's these metrics that help us find and celebrate the MoxieTowns, the places where community, charm, and character converge.

Welcome to our world, where small towns shine the brightest.

 FAQs

  • We are always hunting for our newest MoxieTowns - once we find one that passes our initial metrics, we start digging into the details. Once a town is selected as a MoxieTown we build a page of the essential insights - but watch for more stories to come throughout the year!

  • We define a small town as a town that has a population of less than 50,000 people. We look for towns that have a heart of their own and are embracing the future with enthusiasm and care.

  • Absolutely! We love small towns and are always being surprised by ones we did not know about! Click HERE to share more!