WHERE DO WE LIVE: CHARLESTON

Population: 5,085

Founced: 1872

county: Mississippi

Mayor: Larry Smith

Unique point: "You have some very fine stately homes in the older section of town, a very good school system and a good mix of job opportunites," says City Manager Brian Donovan. "We also have the annual Dogwood/Azalea Festival. We have good quality of life opportunities here."

Mildred Morris: "I was born and raised here. I love my neighbors and work at a nursing home in town. It's a small town, but I love this small town."

Betty Gardner: "People are really friendly, and the women are good cooks. It's a nice community to live in, with lots of Southern hospitality."

Johnny Simpkins: "I like Charleston because it's a small town. I've lived here for 30 years.

Shirley Johnson: "Here, people are able to walk wherever they want, and you can leave your doors open. I lived in Chicago and I didn't like having to look over my shoulder all the town."