Fort Greene, a ritzy area of Brooklyn, was named one of America’s nicest places by Reader’s Digest, but ultimately fell short of winning to Provo, Utah. Judges, including Al Roker, chose the Salt Lake City area for its strong sense of community and volunteerism. The list seeks out places where kindness, respect, and community shine bright. Despite Fort Greene’s high median income and reputation as a place where it is “cool to be kind,” crime complaints have risen 15% in its local precinct according to NYPD statistics.
Carlos Jones, CEO of the youth violence intervention group Switching Lifestylez, told Reader’s Digest that they are working to restore a neighborly and family-oriented atmosphere to Fort Greene, reminiscent of past decades. The area is known culturally for the Brooklyn Academy of Music and its charming brownstones. Other finalists on the list included Silver Spring, Maryland, Cashiers, North Carolina, and Butte, Montana. These areas were recognized for their philanthropy, community involvement, and volunteer efforts to help those in need, reflecting the overall theme of kindness and community in the list.
Provo, Utah was chosen as the ultimate winner for its strong sense of community and volunteerism. The town replaced Buffalo, New York, which was the 2023 winner known for its camaraderie and resilience through tough times, including sports heartbreaks. Other towns recognized included Horseshoe Beach on Florida’s west coast and Big Bend for coming together after Hurricane Idalia in 2023. These areas showed unity and strength in times of need, highlighting the importance of community support and coming together in times of crisis.
Fort Greene’s efforts to restore a neighborly and family-oriented vibe to the area align with the overall theme of kindness and community highlighted in the list of America’s nicest places. Despite rising crime complaints, the town remains culturally rich and known for its historic brownstones and arts scene. The recognition of towns like Butte, Montana and Cashiers, North Carolina for their philanthropic efforts and community involvement further emphasizes the importance of kindness and volunteerism in creating a positive and supportive community environment.
The list of America’s nicest places by Reader’s Digest aims to showcase areas where stories of kindness, respect, and community shine bright. Provo, Utah’s win as the ultimate nicest place reflects the judges’ appreciation for the strong sense of community and volunteerism in the town. The finalists, including Fort Greene, Silver Spring, and Butte, demonstrate the diversity of communities recognized for their efforts in promoting kindness and togetherness. Overall, the list highlights the importance of building connections, supporting one another, and creating a sense of community in order to foster a positive and welcoming environment for all.
