Some of the greatest poets and artists in history were famous for retreating into remote areas of the world to hone their creativity, and if it was good enough for them, then why not for the rest of us? Of course, the thought of a remote place, such as an island, conjures up images of desolate landscapes and a lack of human interaction, but that's not always the case. Many towns in the US have minimal populations and still manage to get along just fine and adding a remote element to that is simply adding a bit of peace and quiet... right? According to these (very) small US towns, the answer is yes.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
The population in Eureka Springs is just over 2,000 which makes this town fairly personal as far as neighbors go. This town has plenty to offer for both tourists and those relocating, though... As long as they're interested in outdoor activities, old architecture, and possibly a ghost or two.
Eureka Springs is known for its natural hot springs as well as natural caves, which are great for exploring. This town does have a "downtown" and while it's not the hustling, bustling city center that most are used to, there are some things of interest. For starters, the main road through downtown is home to a mixture of Victorian-style houses, a testament to the age of the town. The Crescent Hotel is also a point of interest and isn't just haunted, but it's claimed that this is the most haunted hotel in the entire country.
Marfa, Texas
Marfa has a population that's almost 2,000, making it slightly smaller than Eureka Springs in terms of inhabitants. Many don't think of Texas as a state where "remote" is a possibility, but Marfa is definitely proving that belief wrong.
This town is located in the Chihuahuan Desert and, believe it or not, has a burgeoning art scene (as it's home to Donald Judd's collection). Surprisingly, it's also host to a variety of restaurants and bars, known as saloons in these parts. Marfa Myths, a festival started by the town in recent years, plays host to various music artists as well as arts and film.
Vinalhaven, Maine
Not only is the population of Vinalhaven just over 1,100, but it's also an island - so it's truly remote. This island can be reached by ferry but don't be surprised when it looks smaller than it seems; the square footage of this beautiful town is only 23.46 square miles.
It can be accessed via Rockdale and while there's not much nightlife (or any form of steady entertainment), it is a nature lover's haven. There are so many birds that call this island home that guided bird tours are a common way to pass the time, and hikers will fall in love with the multitude of trails that exist here.
Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
Often referred to as "America's Switzerland", Jim Thorpe is most famous for its views. Not far from the Poconos, this town has a population of nearly 5,000, making it the most populated town on this list. However, it still has the feel of a remote location considering how deeply tucked away it is in the mountains.
The town itself is located in the Lehigh Gorge which lends itself to plenty of hiking trails, many overlooking the surrounding mountains. This town is also home to plenty of entertainment in the center of town, making it feel far less isolated than it looks. With its close proximity to the Poconos, it's surprising that it's not more of a vacation destination for many.