Alva, Oklahoma: One of the Murals in the town, painted by Roger Cooke

Alva, Oklahoma: A College Town, A Mural Town

                                                                                                                                                                                 

Laramie, Wyoming: A University Town that is also A Western Town

Laramie has just under 28,000 population, and an unemployment rate of just 1.4%. The University of Wyomng has a campus here, with a wide range of majors and very reasonable tuition for resident students. Homes can be bought for as low as $100,000 and the median price is about $170,000.  The cost of living is about 12% less than most towns nationwide.

The city sits at an elevation of about 7100 ft., and there are many outdoor activities one can enjoy. Fishing, hiking, biking, hunting, and a variety of winter sports such as snow mobiling are part6s of the Laramie lifestyle. The town offers a small town flavor while also having a full array of big city amenities such as fine restaurants, art galleries, schools and colleges, and businesses as well.

for more photos of Laramie, click here

Bellingham, Washington: All this and a college town, lake town, and Arts Center too..

Bellingham, Washington, is a bit larger than the small towns I normally focus on, at over 75,000 population, but it has retained the small town flavor. It also has a number of factors that are inviting for those who want to live in such a town: lots of water: lakes, ocean nearby. Also a great college and arts and entertainment in abundance. Then there is also the beauty of the northwest setting, with forests and meadows in the richest greens. It is an abundantly pleasant place to be, and is not too far from the Canadian border.

Sandpoint, Idaho: Charm and Water, what could be better in a small town?

Sandpoint Idaho is a town that has the benefit of a low population (about 8000), water features, and a charming downtown. It also has some notable industries, such as Coldwater Creek and Quest Aircraft. In 2006, the community initiated the first international film festival in Sandpoint. The

Lakedance International Film Festival, showcasing independent films at the Panida Theater in Sandpoint, has become an annual event that attracts visitors from around the world.

Park City, Utah: Resort Plaza Cam Viewer

To see a live televised  wide angle and telescoped camera view of the plaza in Park City, go to this link:

http://www.parkcitymountain.com/winter/conditions/mountain_cams/controllable_cam_01.html

Park City, Utah: Only about 8000 permanent residents, it is a tourist, sport, and film mecca

Park City has had a long history, first as a silver mining center, then later as a center for winter sports such as snowboarding and skiing. Its primary claim to fame today is the annual Sundance Film Festival, which draws film producers and film stars from around the globe. The independent films that are showcased here are the best to be found anywhere. There are art galleries and bistros in abundance. The charm of the city is in its mountain high beauty, resting at 7000 feet elevation, and the marvelous lodge style architecture of its many hotels, resorts, and homes. Young adults gather into the city seasonally for employment at peak events. The city has so much to offer and so much potential growth. It is only about 33 miles from Salt Lake City but is one of the cities not founded by Mormons. It is a multicultural, multiethnic city of snowy beauty and crystal clear nights lit by the brilliance of electric lanterns. Take a visit, you will love it. It is one of the wealthiest towns in the nation but offers opportunity for those whose pockets are not as full as well.