Reader’s Digest has named Liverpool, New York as the Nicest Place in America for 2026.

A panel of judges reviewed hundreds of reader submissions. The judges included Today co-host Craig Melvin, author Mitch Albom and StoryCorps CEO Sandra Clark.

This is the 10th anniversary of the Nicest Places in America initiative. The award anchors the magazine’s October/November 2026 issue.

Other finalists recognised for kindness include The Book Thing in Baltimore, Heretic Coffee in Portland, Charleston in Arkansas and Swanville in Minnesota.

Previous winners include Asheville, North Carolina in 2025, Provo, Utah in 2024 and Buffalo, New York in 2023.

The anniversary issue features Josh Groban on the cover. The singer was chosen for his understanding of human connection through the arts. The Nicest Places in America initiative anchors Reader’s Digest’s October/November 2026 issue. Leigh Belz Ray said Josh Groban was chosen for his understanding of human connection and bringing people together through the arts.