Apex is a fast-growing town of about 63,000(2021) that is just west of Raleigh, North Carolina. The population grew by 211% between 2000-2021 - an indication of its popularity as a retirement community. Apex's motto is "The Peak of Good Living".  The restored downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A recent visitor described it as…...

Titusville is the site of the first oil well in the world. Located in northwestern Pennsylvania about 50 miles south of Erie, this town has an unusual stock of Victorian mansions dating from the original oil boom in 1859. The town has had its share of ups and down as first the oil boom died and then its local steel…...

North Augusta is a suburb of Augusta, Georgia, with a population of about 20,000. It came to some prominence as a resort and residential town, although it was also a cotton trading center.  The famous Hampton Terrace Hotel that overlooks the city across the Savannah River was built in 1902.  Picture of Downtown North Augusta courtesy of Wikipedia and Don…...

Crystal Lake is an affluent suburb west of Chicago near the lake of the same name. Crystal Lake was so named because of its cyrstal clear waters. The population was 40,493 in 2014. The Crystal Lakes Park District operates several beautiful parks in the city.  The historic downtown district has been revitalized and showcases several examples of the collectible terra…...