Pikeville, KY

Set in the rugged mountains of eastern Kentucky, Pikeville is a friendly mountain town of around 7,800 residents that punches well above its weight. Downtown sits right along the Levisa Fork river, lined with local shops, brick sidewalks, and historic storefronts. Decades ago, the city tackled its historic flood troubles with the famous Pikeville Cut-Through, a massive engineering project that moved millions of cubic yards of rock and gave the town room to spread out and thrive.

ATTRNyttend / Public domain

Because Pikeville serves as a commercial center for the region, newcomers will find amenities you would usually expect in a much bigger city, including a major hospital system and the University of Pikeville. It has a welcoming college-town feel with a deep Appalachian heritage on full display during Hillbilly Days, a huge downtown festival held every April with live bluegrass, local food, and artisan crafts. Between the scenic ridge views, steady local jobs, and close-knit community, it is an easy place to settle into.