Missoula. Montana

Visitors to Missoula usually spend the first few minutes wondering if they took a wrong turn and landed in Austin or Portland. The confusion is understandable given Missoula's lack of Montana stereotypes. With zero Wild West saloons and even fewer errant cowboys, Missoula is a refined university city with ample green space and a definite sense of pride.

Though it's one of the fastest-growing cities in the US, proper planning means that Missoula rarely feels hectic. The small downtown core, with its array of historic buildings, is great for exploration by foot or bicycle.