COLUMBIANA, Ohio — In their search to “uncover places where people are kind and treat each other with respect,” Reader’s Digest has just declared Columbiana, Ohio, as the “Nicest Place in America” for 2019.
“In Columbiana, nobody gets left behind and the helping-hand spectrum extends from one side of town to the other,” Reader’s Digest said. “The town’s crown jewel, the Main Street Theater, which is known for its beloved theater productions that feature only actors with special needs, exemplifies the town’s irrepressible spirit of community and pay-it-forward mentality.”
This year’s search received more than 1,000 submissions, which were then narrowed down to 50 finalists -- one in each state. Columbiana earned the top spot thanks to a Reader’s Digest editors, a panel of judges (including David Brooks of the New York Times) and a nationwide poll that brought in more than 45,000 votes.
"At a time when some Americans are questioning their trust in each other, Columbiana has the answer: Nobody will ever get left behind," said Reader’s Digest Editor-in-Chief Bruce Kelley. "This town is growing and changing, but, everyone is welcome to be a part of it. This is truly one of the nicest places we've ever written about. Giving back without wanting anything in return is a way of life in Columbiana. We hope it will shine as an example for communities all across this great country."
The places named the “Nicest” in each state were:
- Alabama: Drexell & Honeybees Donations Only Restaurant in Brewton
- Delaware: Estates at Saint Anne's in Middletown
- South Dakota: Rapid City
- Tennessee: Franklin
- Texas: Texarkana
- Utah: Springville
- Vermont: Barre City
- Virginia: Colonial Beach
- Washington: Kitsap Peninsula
