Below, Find a Neighborhood explores six small cities that strike a balance between culture, commute, and cost. How We Score These CitiesNot all “small cities” are created equal, so there needs to be a clear way to compare them. A small city that hosts nationally known festivals, maintains active local arts districts, or has a vibrant dining scene scores higher. Fort Collins, COCulture: 4/54/5 Commute: 4/54/5 Cost: 3/5Fort Collins blends a lively Old Town (think independent music venues, craft breweries, college-town energy from Colorado State University) with lots of outdoor access. If commute and walkability are the priority, downtown-focused small cities with good bike lanes and compact cores (e.g., Fort Collins and Greenville) shine.