Liverpool, New York Named America's Nicest Place for 2026

The selection highlights a community where altruism is woven into daily routines. Judges pointed to local figures like cobbler Ralph Rotella, who has donated over 300,000 pairs of shoes, and the volunteer-led Operation Northern Comfort, which focuses on home repairs for those in need. These efforts, alongside the collaborative spirit of residents like Simone McCarthy and Raiss Muya, solidified the town's standing in the tenth anniversary of the initiative.

Leigh Belz Ray, Editor-in-Chief of Reader's Digest, described Liverpool as a place where kindness is a fundamental element of the local fabric. The final decision came after a review by a panel including NBC’s Craig Melvin, author Mitch Albom, and StoryCorps CEO Sandra Clark. Other finalists recognized for their community impact included The Book Thing in Baltimore, Heretic Coffee in Portland, Charleston, Arkansas, and Swanville, Minnesota. The magazine’s October/November issue celebrates the win and marks the milestone with a cover featuring Josh Groban, chosen for his public commitment to fostering human connection.