People Are Calling This Small Midwest Town The Most Perfect Community In America

One small town in the midwest is getting a lot of attention after The New Yorker proclaimed it the place "where the small town American dream lives on." Orange City, Iowa is filled with great people, beautiful scenery and a special something that hooks residents and visitors for life.

Here’s why it’s easy to agree that this tiny town is a near-perfect place to live or visit.

Orange City, Iowa may just be the most idyllic small town in the country.

The community of 6,000 was founded by Dutch immigrants about 150 years ago.

It’s packed with small family-owned shops, restaurants, lush green space and oodles of tulips.

The Dutch-inspired architecture and blooming sidewalks make simply strolling through town feel special.

Orange City isn’t just a pretty face, though. With a median income of about $60,000 and a three- or four-bedroom home costing about $160,000, it’s an affordable spot for families and young people.

What’s more, the unemployment rate is a mere 2 percent. That may have something to do with the high school graduation rate of 98 percent.

And unlike other small towns, Orange City has a knack for keeping its young people around.

Rather than move away to big cities, Orange City high school and college graduates often choose to remain in their hometown.

Furthermore, research by Stanford and Harvard Universities suggests that the county where Orange City is located is among the best places in America for kids to grow up.

The research cites the "community effects" of a strong school system, church involvement (there are 16 in town!) and diversity as reasons why kids thrive here.

Residents don’t need research to tell them that Orange City is a great place to live. Locals say that an intense sense of loyalty to each other and the town is what makes Orange City shine.

Orange City is a picture-perfect small town with buckets of charm. Click here to learn more about visiting the town and experiencing all it has to offer. For more of the best destinations in Iowa, check out our list here.

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