A sweet-smelling small town less than 1 hour from NYC is making headlines, thanks to a new study.
If you’ve ever driven through Fair Lawn, New Jersey and caught a whiff of Oreos or Chips Ahoy, you know why locals joke that the town “smells like cookies.”
But now it’s got more than a delicious scent to brag about — it was just named one of the best small cities in America.
According to a new WalletHub study comparing more than 1,300 small U.S. cities, Fair Lawn landed in the 99th percentile overall, placing it among the very best small cities in the country for 2025.
WalletHub evaluated 45 key indicators of livability, from affordability and economic health to education, safety, and access to restaurants and cultural activities.
Fair Lawn’s strong community vibe, proximity to New York City, and family-friendly environment helped it rank near the very top.
One of the town’s quirkiest claims to fame is its connection to everyone’s favorite snack: Oreos.
The town used to be home to a Nabisco factory (before closing in 2021 and its continued dismantling), and on certain days, locals swear they could even smell the sweet scent of freshly baked cookies drifts through the streets.
And although gone (but never forgotten), the sweet little perk made running errands or walking the dog feel just a bit more indulgent!
Not to mention Fair Lawn’s award-winning school systems, planned communities, large cultural communities. It’s one of the best places for anyone to live — of any demographic.
The 20 best small cities in America, according to WalletHub
- Carmel, IN
- Brookfield, WI
- Apex, NC
- Lexington, MA
- Westfield, IN
- Fishers, IN
- Brentwood, TN
- Saratoga Springs, NY
- Appleton, WI
- Lehi, UT
- Leesburg, VA
- Arlington, MA
- Kaysville, UT
- Castle Rock, CO
- Franklin, TN
- Milton, PA
- Lancaster, PA
- Holland, MI
- Noblesville, IN
- Fair Lawn, NJ
🔍 Learn more about the study and see the full list of best small cities here.
