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Asheville: America's Nicest Place for 2025

Reader's Digest has officially crowned Asheville, North Carolina, as the Nicest Place in America for 2025. This annual accolade, which aims to highlight places defined by kindness and community spirit, is particularly significant this year due to Asheville's remarkable resilience in the face of adversity.

Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in September 2024, Asheville emerged as a beacon of hope and compassion. The outpouring of support from residents, who organized grassroots relief efforts and lent a helping hand to their neighbors, demonstrated a powerful culture of self-reliance and communal aid. Such acts of kindness truly define Asheville's character.

The Nicest Places initiative, now in its ninth year, invites Americans to nominate towns, businesses, and neighborhoods known for their goodwill and community engagement. Asheville garnered a record number of nominations, highlighting its residents' unwavering commitment to one another during tough times. The community's efforts showcased not only their resourcefulness but also the strong social fabric that binds them.

Beyond its stellar response to crisis situations, Asheville is celebrated for its vibrant artwork, flourishing culture, and breathtaking scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The city offers a unique atmosphere of openness and inclusivity, where diversity is embraced and valued. Such qualities contribute to a remarkable quality of life that resonates with both inhabitants and visitors alike.

Eric Gillin, the Chief Brand Officer at Reader's Digest, emphasized the importance of community kindness, stating, "The Nicest Places initiative is about discovering and celebrating the kindness that binds our communities. Asheville's story is a profound example of how human connection can triumph over adversity. We are honored to spotlight a community that not only faced an unprecedented disaster but emerged with a stronger, more compassionate spirit."

A panel of distinguished judges evaluated the numerous nominations, including prominent figures such as Al Roker from NBC's Today show, bestselling author Mitch Albom, and CEO of StoryCorps Sandra Clark. Their collective decision highlights the compassion exhibited by Asheville's residents and their ability to unite in support of one another in challenging times.

Asheville was not alone in the running; finalists listed alongside it included the Semicolon Books in Chicago, IL, the city of Monroe, LA, the Peru Amateur Circus in Peru, IN, and Medina, OH. Each of these entities showcased exceptional kindness and community spirit, demonstrating the wide-ranging efforts across the nation.

In summary, Asheville's recognition as the Nicest Place in America for 2025 is a tribute not only to its scenic beauty and artistic culture but also to its residents' remarkable spirit of kindness, resilience, and community. As we navigate an increasingly complex world, Asheville serves as an inspiring model of how communities can come together in times of need, transforming hardships into acts of compassion and strength.

This story is a testament to the power of human connection and the extraordinary gestures that define our identities as communities. Asheville, with its warmth and solidarity, truly embodies the spirit of kindness that Reader's Digest aims to celebrate with this initiative.