The 2024 list of “Nicest Places in America” by Reader’s Digest has been released, with Provo, Utah taking the top honor this year. Provo was recognized for its efforts to combat a mental health crisis affecting its youth. Since the 1990s, the city had been experiencing a high rate of youth suicides. In response, the city implemented the Hope Squad program in 2004, a peer-to-peer youth suicide prevention program that has been successful in preventing suicides at Timpview High School. The program has since expanded to all 19 schools in the district, with funding approved by the Utah legislature for any school in the state that wants to start its own Hope Squad.
Butte, Montana was also included on the list for its strong community spirit, highlighted by residents like Joyce O’Bill, a 90-year-old widow who volunteers at the Butte Emergency Food Bank. The town of Horseshoe Beach, Florida was recognized for its residents’ support of each other in the aftermath of Hurricane Idalia in 2023. The Category 3 storm caused widespread damage, prompting the community to come together to support those in need. One resident, Lacey Coe, went above and beyond by cooking meals for her neighbors every day in her undamaged home.
In Fort Greene, Brooklyn, New York, the Lay Out, an annual gathering at Fort Greene Park, has become a special event. The grassroots celebration was born out of a group chat during the 2020 Black Lives Matter marches. The event allows attendees to shop for crafts and clothes while spending time together in the historically Black neighborhood. Proceeds from the event support local Black-owned businesses, emphasizing the importance of community and reclaiming space as a form of resistance.
The Reader’s Digest list showcases the nicest places across America where kindness, respect, and community shine bright. These locations demonstrate the power of coming together as a community to support one another in times of need. From suicide prevention programs to volunteer efforts and community gatherings, these places serve as examples of the positive impact that can be achieved when people work together to create a caring and compassionate environment. To learn more about the Nicest Places in America, visit rd.com.
