How We Picked the Winners

We began with every place we've lauded as a Dream Town over the past 15 years, and took your nominations on Facebook, too. From there, we looked at the rank on the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, percentage of sunny and clear days, healthiness of beaches, commute times, walkability, school and crime ratings, education and financial security of the locals, and geographic diversity. We polled our editors on each finalist to define that special something (we called it "coastal vibe") and mixed it into the formula. What emerges is an all-star list from every coast.

Think your town should be here?

We bet you think your town should have made our list—so tell us about it! Click here to upload a photo of your favorite coastal town.