The 2024 Reader’s Digest “Nicest Places in America” list has been released, with Provo, Utah, taking the top spot. Provo stood out for its efforts to combat a mental health crisis among its youth, who were experiencing alarmingly high rates of suicide. In response, the city established the Hope Squad, a peer-to-peer youth suicide prevention program that has been highly successful. Since the program’s inception, not a single student at Timpview High School has died by suicide. The success of Hope Squad has led to its implementation in all 19 schools in the district, as well as approval for funding by the Utah legislature for schools across the state.
Butte, Montana, also made the list for its community spirit, with residents like 90-year-old Joyce O’Bill volunteering at the Butte Emergency Food Bank for over 30 years. Horseshoe Beach, Florida, was recognized for its residents’ efforts to help one another recover from the devastation of Hurricane Idalia in 2023. The story of Lacey Coe, a pregnant mother of three who cooked for the community daily after the storm, exemplified the town’s resilience and kindness. Fort Greene in Brooklyn, New York, was highlighted for its annual Lay Out event, which brings the community together for a grass-roots celebration. The event, born out of a group chat during the 2020 Black Lives Matter marches, aims to support local Black-owned businesses and create a space for Black community members to gather and connect.
The Reader’s Digest list highlights the importance of kindness, compassion, and community spirit in creating nicest places in America. These locations demonstrate the power of individuals coming together to support one another, whether in times of crisis or in everyday life. The stories of Provo, Butte, Horseshoe Beach, and Fort Greene serve as inspiring examples of the impact that acts of kindness can have on communities, from preventing youth suicide to rebuilding after a hurricane to celebrating culture and unity. By shining a light on these places, Reader’s Digest hopes to inspire others to create more caring and supportive communities across the country.
Ultimately, the Nicest Places in America list celebrates the power of human connection and community involvement in making the world a better place. These stories remind us of the importance of reaching out to those in need, supporting one another in times of hardship, and coming together to create a more inclusive and compassionate society. Whether through innovative programs like Hope Squad, volunteer efforts like those in Butte, Montana, or community events like the Lay Out in Fort Greene, these examples show the transformative impact of kindness and unity. By spreading awareness of these stories, Reader’s Digest hopes to inspire others to take action and make their own communities some of the nicest places in America.
