For those that don't get the Rural Update,
I draw your attention to the Walmart correlation
in this list of "decent" small towns.
DECENT AMERICAN TOWNS OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Geographer Everett Smith has devised an intriguing measure of "decent" small
towns to compete with the popular press rankings such as the book "The Best
100 Small Towns in America." Everett reveals some of his personal preferences
for things like architectural aesthetics, a diversity of businesses and
services, and a sense of self-sufficiency. His list of 479 towns is spread
around the US but concentrated in the middle part of the country, also known
as "flyover" land by folks who travel from one coast to the other. Everett
chose towns which had at least 1,200 folks in 1950, now have 2,000-5,000
residents, and didn't fluctuate wildly in the 1980's. The towns are situated
far enough from cities or other towns to ensure self-governance, and they have
a courthouse or hospital. He also noted that only 10% of his towns had a
Wal-Mart v. 70% of the towns in the Best 100 book. (Thanks again to Small
Town magazine for another fine article: "Decent Places Off the Beaten Path" in
March-April, 1996 issue; contact Small Towns Institute, 509-925-1830.)
-- Greg Brown (gregb@siu.edu) Assistant Professor,Dept. of Forestry Southern Illinois University Carbondale, IL 62901-4411 (618) 453-7465 FAX: (618) 453-7475