BudgetTravel

The beach at Shamrock Lodgettes in Yachats (courtesy Shamrock Lodgettes) ONLINE EXCLUSIVE If our story on the coolest small towns in the U.S.A. doesn't already make you want to move, just wait until you see how much house you can buy in them. Check out this slide show featuring photos of houses currently on the market, as well as ones that have recently been snapped up. • Launch the slide show 10 COOLEST SMALL TOWNS • Millerton, N.Y. • Milford, Pa. • Yachats, Ore. • Waitsburg, Wash. • Paia, Hawaii • Parkville, Mo. • Silver City, N.M. • Peterborough, N.H. • Tuscumbia, Ala. • Collinsville, Conn.

Yachats, Ore.
Population: 617
Nearest City: Eugene, 86 miles
In 2005, Dave Thomas and Deb Gisetto left Vermont for Oregon and soon found themselves awestruck by the scenery around Yachats (yah-hots). "It was just unbelievably beautiful," recalls Thomas. "And the people were possibly the most friendly in the country." Thomas and Gisetto put down roots by opening Green Salmon Bakery & Coffee House (220 Hwy. 101, 541/547-3077). Yachats also has cute shops, like Raindogs (162 Beach St., 541/547-3000, raindogsonline.com), and a deli called Grand Occasions where you can watch the sea roll in while you eat pie made with blackberries, strawberries, or whatever's in season (84 Beach St., 541/547-4409). After staying in a Shamrock Lodgettes beachfront cabin, you may move to Oregon, too (105 Hwy. 101, 800/845-5028, shamrocklodgettes.com, cabins from $99).