There are a lot of small towns that are very livable in the US. Most journalists are in big cities, so you don't hear of them written up, except for the occasional "meth town crisis" piece. I have a climber friend who bought some land in Quincy, California. He designed and built his own house, along with a guest house and garden. He and his family live a quiet life of outdoorsy pursuits, rock climbing and backcountry skiing, while enjoying the small town's community theatre and organic food co-op. Cherry trees line the streets, and they taste really good.