At the end of December, real estate marketplace Zillow revealed its 2024 list of Most Desirable Cities, and Elizabethtown made the list as Most Popular Small Town.

Many of the most popular cities this year were "exurbs" - charming, small communities located just outside suburban areas but still within driving distance of major cities. These neighborhoods provide a unique blend of proximity to the job opportunities and cultural amenities of larger cities, while also offering the comfort and convenience of suburban life.

So what makes Elizabethtown such a great place to work and live? Let's hear it from the experts themselves, the residents of Elizabethtown. Here's what they love about their hometown in their own words.

"I was so excited to read the Zillow article! I love my hometown and was beyond thrilled to see it recognized for such a special honor! I always knew our town was special; now others know it too! I love the sense of community in our town. When someone is in need, this community rallies behind them with unwavering help and support. There are countless stories of businesses helping other businesses and residents helping those in need, whether it's from illness, disaster or other tragedy. You don't have to look far for help. We also know how to have fun! We have a wide variety of community events for all ages! We have a vibrant downtown with so many wonderful small businesses. We truly care about the community we serve and want you to know you matter. ... I feel incredibly fortunate to call Elizabethtown my home and love sharing that joy with everyone I meet!"

- Jeri Culbertson, owner of Naturally Gifted by Jeri

"Our downtown is thriving, thanks to the dedication of our small business owners, landlords stepping up with noticeable improvements and the fantastic support from community members and visitors alike. We're also fortunate to have a dynamic mix of top-down leadership from local organizations and grassroots efforts driven by passionate individuals. This combination creates ongoing opportunities for growth and meaningful connections. In addition, being in the middle of three outstanding establishments - Stone Gables Estate, Masonic Village and Elizabethtown College - and having easy access by train and a nearby airport, makes E-town not only a great place to live and work, but also a vibrant destination worth discovering!"

- Kim Winey, owner of Kim Winey Photography and social media manager for Discover Elizabethtown, an entity of the Elizabethtown Area Chamber of Commerce

"Elizabethtown still has that small-town feel, and its big plus is being equal distance between Lancaster and Harrisburg, making it possible for one to easily get a 'city fix' when desired."

- Cammy Anderson, 20-year resident of Masonic Villages

"(It's) the small-town atmosphere. You know many merchants and townspeople by their first name. Our location is wonderful. An airport 15 minutes away and a train station in the town makes it very easy to commute to cities in the outlying area." 

- Greg Hitz Sr., resident

"There are thousands of small towns, and to be on top, I think anyone would be surprised, but Elizabethtown does continue to have that small-town atmosphere and is as deserving as anywhere else. Since I first visited here in 1969, what has always impressed me the most is the people. Whether you're in the hardware, post office, coffee shop, bookstore, candy store, ice cream shop, notary, state representative's office, barber shop, pizza shop, I have always been treated courteously by whoever is behind the counter - young or old. And regardless of who I am - young (in 1969), old (I am now), a local farmer, businessman or just another resident - people's tones are of those wanting to do their job well and respectfully. The farms, downtown atmosphere, quality of schools, etc. are all significant in our decision to move back to this area, but the people then and now make it a nice place to live. ... And the community has strong presences of community clubs like Lions, Optimists, Rotary, as well as support services for those who are less fortunate."

- Chuck Brewer, resident and president of Elizabethtown Lions Club

"E-town is small enough to know your neighbor yet within easy access to Philly, Baltimore, New York, Pittsburgh, all by easy train. With organizations like LIV_Etown, ECHOS and the Center for Community and Civic Engagement - on the E-town College campus - we have a sincere dedication to the citizens of our communities. E-town ... is a picturesque town in terms of our history and nature, and our commercial communities have a wide variety of light industrial, commerce and educational opportunities."

- Jesse Waters, director of Bowers Writers House and director of community impact, Elizabethtown College

"My family loves living in Elizabethtown and all that it offers, but it is still hard to believe that it was recognized as the best small town across the whole country. Location, opportunities and support make Elizabethtown a great place to live! ... The support of teachers and opportunities through local nonprofit sports, recreation and after-school programs make Elizabethtown a wonderful place to raise a family. Between LIV_Etown events, GEARS programs, Chamber of Commerce opportunities and nonprofit organizations, there are countless opportunities for people in our community to connect, volunteer, support and thrive, so follow along and immerse yourself in our amazing community."

- Karrie Norman, GEARS program coordinator

"I was excited to hear Elizabethtown getting recognition for the charming and eclectic place that it is! I'm excited that maybe this will bring some much-deserved attention to our hidden gem! There's also always something going on in E-town year-round. ... We have a wide range of unique shops, eateries and we are very close to attractions and campgrounds. There are year-round free community events and activities taking place. We have an eclectic, diverse vibe; one of the prettiest town squares; and a sprawling and beautiful community park. Our family moved here six years ago and fell in love with the town and its community, and we opened three shops in the downtown area for that reason. It's a great place to live, work and call home!"

- Tony Gibble, business owner and co-founder of LIV_Etown