10 Strangest Small Towns That You Didn't Know Existed

Ever wondered where you can find cities full of life-sized dolls or towns with only one resident? Curious about places where people live underground or where UFO sightings made a town famous? Join us as we explore some of the strangest small places in the world, where things don't always go as expected. Each town has a unique story, from creepy ghost towns to fake villages and isolated communities.

Slab City, California - Known as "The Last Free Place in America," this off-grid desert town is home to diverse residents including retirees and artists, living a self-sufficient lifestyle. It's famous for its unique art pieces, especially Salvation Mountain.

Roswell, New Mexico - Globally renowned for its alleged UFO crash in 1947, Roswell embraces its extraterrestrial fame with UFO-themed exhibits and an annual festival, attracting UFO enthusiasts to its International UFO Museum and Research Center.

Hallstatt, China - A replica of the picturesque Austrian village Hallstatt, built by a Chinese mining company in Guangdong province. Despite initial controversy, it has become a popular tourist spot for its precise recreations of iconic structures.

Dwarf Village, China - Also known as the "Kingdom of the Little People," this Yunnan village was founded to provide a community and employment for people with dwarfism. Residents live in mushroom-shaped houses and work in tourism, performing daily shows.

Whittier, Alaska - Nearly all 200 residents live in the Begich Towers, a single building that houses apartments, a school, a grocery store, and more, due to the harsh weather and remote location.

Colma, California - Dubbed the "City of Souls," this town has more deceased residents than living, with 17 cemeteries and around 1,500 living residents. Known for its extensive burial grounds and eerie yet peaceful atmosphere.

Nagoro, Japan - A village on Shikoku island known for its life-sized dolls made by local artist Tsukimi Ayano, replacing residents who left. The dolls, placed in lifelike poses, outnumber the living residents and draw global attention.

Monowi, Nebraska - Home to just one resident, Elsie Eiler, who serves as mayor and runs a bar and library. Monowi symbolizes the resilience of small towns and the spirit of community, attracting visitors intrigued by its solitary lifestyle.

Coober Pedy, Australia - Known as the "opal capital of the world," this town's residents live underground in "dugouts" to escape the extreme heat. The town features underground homes, businesses, and even a hotel, making it a unique tourist attraction.

Centralia, Pennsylvania - Once a thriving mining town, now largely abandoned due to an underground coal fire burning since 1962. The fire's deadly conditions forced most residents to leave, leaving behind a ghostly landscape of smoke-filled streets and deserted homes.

These strange towns showcase a wide range of peculiarities and stories, from the eerie remains of Centralia to the unique underground living in Coober Pedy. They challenge our perceptions of rural life, reminding us that even the most unusual places can hold fascinating histories and quirks worth exploring. Whether driven by curiosity, adventure, or historical interest, visiting these unique towns offers a glimpse into the extraordinary within the ordinary.