Coupeville was named this week as one of the country’s 100 best small towns in 2015.
The list, compiled by Livability.com, recognized cities and towns that have that tight-knit community feel, but also have amenities expected in larger cities.
Coupeville, which made number 65 on the list, was recognized for its small town charm with its historic waterfront, many restaurants and larger amenities like Whidbey General Hospital.
“I’m very happy we made the list,” said Lynda Eccles, executive director of the Coupeville Chamber of Commerce. “It’s not just a tourism list, but a usability list.
“For a small town, we have a lot to offer. To have all the history and scenic beauty in addition to facilities like Whidbey General Hospital, we still maintain that true sense of a small town.”
More than 12,000 towns with populations between 1,000 and 20,000 were evaluated in the study.
Livability.com analyzed more than 40 data points that were then grouped into eight categories — ranging from demographics, real estate and health care to social and civic capital.
The eight scores were weighted based on an exclusive survey conducted for Livability.com by Ipsos Public Affairs, a leading global market research firm.
Several other Washington cities made the list including Port Angeles, which made No. 10, and Anacortes, which came in after Coupeville at No. 72.