The best comedy series set in small towns

Now, even though a place might not be real (even a fictional sense for television purposes), doesn't mean we wouldn't want to live there. Of the three stops in this particular version of the afterlife — Good Place, Medium Place, and Bad Place — one hopes to be in the best possible location. Actually, the "Good Place" created by Michael (Ted Danson) in the first season of the popular fantasy comedy (2016-20) is a fake spot in the "Bad Place." Still, there are plenty of frozen yogurt places at which to eat, a community assistant known as Janet (D'Arcy Beth Carden), and, of course, Eleanor (Kristen Bell) to enjoy.

Orson is not far from Indianapolis, but might not fully qualify as a suburb. It's filled with modest homes and families sporting your garden-variety, Midwestern family values. The Hecks — mom "Frankie" (Patricia Heaton), dad Mike (Neil Flynn) and kids Axl (Charlie McDermott), Sue (Eden Sher) and Brick (Atticus Shaffer) — live a lower-middle-class existence, but are highly entertaining within the confines of a town that's known for being the home to world's largest polyurethane cow.

We're not quite sure which state Camden is located. It's a rural, unassuming place, that tends to cater more to a lower-class clientele. Camden is also the name of the county where recent lottery-winner Earl Hickey (Jason Lee) and his younger brother Randy (Ethan Suplee) live. They stay in a rundown motel, while a local trailer park also plays a prominent role in the series, which was quite popular on NBC from 2005-09. We wouldn't mind spending time at the Crab Shack, however. 

Hank Hill and his family call this rural Texas town home. And, contrary to popular belief, there is more to do in this small town than stand around, drinking beer and talking. Now, according to show creator Mike Judge, Arlen is based on those suburbs surrounding the city of Dallas. However, there are more small-town tendencies. There's a quarry, Lake Arlen, The Arlen Barn and Shadey Pines/Shiny Pines Trailer Park.

This prequel series to The Big Bang Theory follows the child version of Sheldon Cooper (Iain Armitage) growing up in his small Texas town. However, Sheldon's brain, ego and attitude are all too big for the confines of this God-fearing community that actually has everything one can hope for: a middle school and high school, hospital, Video Village, King Kong Comics, Ballard's Sporting Goods and the popular Chow Mein Chinese restaurant.

We're going back to the early 2000s for this underrated NBC gem. Sure, Stuckeyville is your typical small town. But it's unique in the sense that the law office of Ed Stevens (Tom Cavanagh) is housed inside the popular bowling alley he happens to own. The people are relatively friendly, though Phil Stubbs (Michael Ian Black) can be a little annoying. Meanwhile, Carol Vessey (Julie Bowen, before her Modern Family days) needs to stop giving Ed the runaround regarding their friendship/relationship.

During the run of either show, the Conner clan — and its extended family — have never really left Lanford, a rural town seemingly just beyond the suburban sprawl of Chicago. Lanford residents hail in various levels of middle class. In the case of the Conners, it's on the lower end. Some noteworthy places to visit include the Elks Club and Lobo Lounge. But the most popular destination seems to be The Lanford Lunch Box, which was co-owned by Roseanne (Roseanne Barr), sister Jackie (Laurie Metcalf) and their mother, Bev (Estelle Parsons).

When California twin siblings Dipper (Jason Ritter) Mabel (Kristen Schaal) Pines spend an extended summer with their great-uncle in the strange town of Gravity Falls, things get beyond weird. However, the kids have a good time with the paranormal nature of the town and the interesting creatures that call it home. Also, Dipper and Mabel have no problem taking advantage those tourists who come for a visit to this unique place. 

As far as we know, Bikini Bottom is located somewhere in the depths of the Pacific Ocean. And, for those fans of the popular cartoon, Bikini Bottom is a very interesting place. Following the lives of SpongeBob, Patrick, and Squidward, the community is well-known for its popular food stops — particularly the famous Krusty Krab and Chum Bucket. Let's not forget the Goo Lagoon, a fun hangout for the locals. There's a lot to do for what's considered a small underwater hamlet. 

There's a certain Doc Hollywood vibe to this Rachel Bilson vehicle that ran on the CW from 2011-15. After her medical career in New York doesn't pan out, Dr. Zoe Hart ends up in the small Gulf Coast town of Bluebell, to run a general-practice medical office. Bluebell is a quaint little town that puts on a gumbo cook-off, as well as a Founders Day Parade, and has a former NFL player as its mayor.

Like other towns on this list, it was never established on either show where exactly this rural community is located. We're thinking somewhere in the South, but perhaps it's best not to overthink it all. There is plenty of farmland in Hooterville, most notably owned by Oliver (Eddie Albert). Other famous establishments include Sam Drucker's Store and Mr. Haney's monkey race track. What else could small-town residents ask for from their community?

This remote Alaskan town earned its charm mostly thanks to its quirky residents during a run on CBS in the first half of the 1990s. Transplant Dr. Joel Fleischman (Rob Morrow) wasn't one of them until the area grew on him. Cicely is also home to tomboy, small-plane pilot Maggie (Janine Turner); Maurice, a rich, former astronaut; Shelly, one-time Miss Northwest Passage; and the free-spirited disc jockey Chris Stevens (John Corbett), who also happened to be an ex-convict. All these colorful characters in the wilds of Alaska.

This small comedy produced some massive laughs once the Rose family moved to the town, which they apparently forgot they owned after learning they lost their fortune due to some shady business affairs. Apparently located in Ontario, Canada, there isn't much to the place, with Schitt's Creek Motel, (later to be known as Rosebud Motel) being the most prominent entity of the town — as well as the unassuming and unwanted home of the Rose family. 

There's a lot going on in South Park, which makes it seem bigger than it may geographically appear. Plus, some of the most popular people in the world tend to drop by for a visit — or raise havoc with the boys. So who wouldn't want to live in South Park? Maybe not people with children, because the school system doesn't seem too promising. Chef seemed a responsible enough adult compared to the rest of the town. And other kids might want them to stay away from Stan, Kyle, Kenny, and Cartman. To the outside observer, however, South Park is a lot of fun. 

Perhaps the best thing about this legendary fictional North Carolina town is having Sheriff Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith) in charge of our safety. Of course, the not-so-mean streets of Mayberry provide a certain warm and fuzzy feeling for residents and visitors, alike. When Andy's out of the station and Deputy Barney Fife (Don Knotts) is in charge, that's another story. There are also some decent fishing spots in town, and Aunt Bee (Frances Bavier) will always oblige with a home-cooked meal to welcome visitors.

Aside from its polluted river and obesity epidemic, Pawnee is a fine town to visit or call home. It's roughly 90 minutes or so away from Indianapolis, and seems more suburban than rural. Make it a point to stop at Paunch Burger for a bite and ridiculously oversized soda. The town is also known for its Parks and Recreation department, which was run for a long stretch by the hilariously incompetent Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman). Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) will likely give you a warmer welcome than Ron, considering she thinks it's the greatest place on Earth. 

This little Connecticut hamlet (which seems a stone's throw outside Hartford) might be the quirkiest and most charming locale in television history, from Luke's Diner to Miss Patty's dance studio to pie at Weston's and that quaint town square. Stars Hollow also holds events: The Festival of Living Pictures, the lunch basket auction, and a widely popular dance marathon. Who wouldn't want to live here? Then again, the frenetic pop culture-infused dialogue between mother-daughter duo Lorelai (Lauren Graham) and Rory (Alexis Bledel) Gilmore might get on our nerves before too long.

It can be argued whether or not Springfield can be considered a small town, as it seems to have everything. Of course, one of the great mysteries of The Simpsons is the exact location of Springfield. There are several Springfields throughout the country, but this one represents "Anytown, USA." This Springfield has something for everyone. There's Apu's Kwik-E-Mart, Moe's Tavern, Krusty Burger, and the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant. All the characters who live in the town make it what it is, highlighted by Homer, Bart, and the rest of the Simpson clan.