Morganfield, KY

Morganfield is a quiet town of around 3,200 people in western Kentucky, serving as the seat of Union County. Life here centers on a classic downtown square anchored by the historic county courthouse, surrounded by well-kept older homes and shady streets. The town has been the area's civic hub since 1811, named after Revolutionary War general Daniel Morgan. History buffs often know it best as the setting for Abraham Lincoln’s only political speech in Kentucky, delivered back in 1840.

The town also claims an unexpected spot in beauty history as the home of Mabel Williams, whose homemade mix of Vaseline and coal dust inspired the Maybelline brand. When residents want to get outside, Mauzy Lake and the nearby Higginson-Henry Wildlife Management Area offer plenty of fishing, hunting, and birdwatching trails. With its laid-back pace, friendly neighbors, and open green spaces near the Ohio River, Morganfield is an easy place to settle into.