A North Carolina city exudes the “true meaning of community” — and it’s been crowned the “Nicest Place in America,” a new report finds.
Asheville ranks No. 1 on a list of places where people show the utmost respect and concern for others, according to Reader’s Digest.
“The Nicest Places initiative called on readers across the country to nominate towns, businesses, and neighborhoods that exemplify goodwill,” the magazine wrote in a Sept. 26 news release. “Asheville stood out after receiving a record number of nominations highlighting how its residents came together following the devastating hurricane in September 2024.”
Reader’s Digest on its website didn’t share how many people voted in this year’s contest but said it’s received thousands of nominations since 2017. In addition to having readers share places that radiate kindness, the magazine turned to a panel of judges to determine the winners.
What makes Asheville, NC, nice?
Asheville topped the list as Reader’s Digest praised the city for its resilience and sense of community, especially after Hurricane Helene. When the deadly storm hit last fall, it knocked down trees and caused catastrophic flooding in parts of Western North Carolina…