When talk builds around some of the best small towns in America when it comes to putting down roots, you're bound to come upon a handful or so of national park gateway towns. And the folks at Liveability.com have made it official with their list of the Top 100 Best Small Towns.

Sprinkled among that list are Bar Harbor, gateway to Acadia National Park; both Red Lodge, Montana, and Cody, Wyoming, outside Yellowstone; Traverse City, Mich., not far from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore; Jackson, Wyoming, the launchpad for Grand Teton National Park vacations; Las Alamos, N. Mex., near the recently NPS-designated Valles Caldera National Preserve; Houghton, Mich., where you catch the ferry to Isle Royale National Park; Port Angeles, Wash., near Olympic National Park; Whitefish, Mont., near Glacier National Park; and Dickinson, N.D., not far from Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

“Affordability is becoming an increasing issue in our largest cities,” says Livability editor Matt Carmichael. “Quality smaller towns that offer great amenities at a more reasonable cost are a great alternative.”

More than 12,000 towns with populations between 1,000 and 20,000 were evaluated in this landmark study. We analyzed more than 40 data points that were then grouped into eight categories – ranging from demographics, real estate and health care to social and civic capital. The eight scores were weighted based on an exclusive survey conducted for Livability.com by Ipsos Public Affairs, a leading global market research firm. Respondents were asked what mattered most to them in their communities, and we used those results to determine the relative importance of each category.

“America was built on small towns. Regardless of whether these cities and towns are suburbs of major metros, or hamlets unto themselves, they have great character and are great places to live,” Carmichael says.

Here's what Liveability has to say about the park gateway towns that made the list:

No. 2 

Los Alamos New Mexico
Population: 12,068
It’s easy to see why Los Alamos is one of the fastest growing cities in the state. A deeper look shows why it’s the second best small town in the country. Situated upon the Pajarito Plateau, between the Valles Caldera National Preserve and the Santa Fe National Forest, the city’s rugged location belies its warm and vibrant appeal. Residents enjoy many things to do in Los Alamos, from cultural attractions to outdoor adventures. Home to the Los Alamos National Laboratory, the city is filled with scientists, engineers and creative types who enjoy ample sunshine, cultural activities, and unique western architecture. See where Los Alamos ranked on the Best Small Towns 2014 and Best Small Towns 2013.

No. 5

Bar Harbor Maine
Population: 2,427
From its rocky coastline to the surrounding Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor offers an authentic New England experience and friendly community. Situated on Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor is home to College of the Atlantic and Jackson Lab. Cruise ships, yachts and lobster boats constantly float past the harbor allowing passengers to admire stunning views of the shoreline. Things to do in Bar Harbor range from seaside adventures to cultural celebrations. Village Green, a park in the center of town, serves as a gathering point for residents throughout the year.

No. 10

Port Angeles Washington
Population: 19,099
Home to Peninsula College, Port Angeles also has a high-achieving local school district. The city connects to the Olympic Discovery Trail that traverses 130 miles of lowlands bordered by the Olympic Mountain Range and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Other recreational opportunities for residents include mountains, rivers, lakes and forestland. An 80-bed Olympic Medical Center serves residents and anchors health care in Port Angeles, while city officials are redeveloping the downtown district.

No. 11

Traverse City Michigan
Population: 14,942
Life is sweet in Traverse City, the largest producer of tart cherries in the nation. Thousands of tourists visit the town each year to enjoy for what residents experience year round: stunning views, freshwater beaches, vineyards and quaint shopping areas. Unique restaurants and fresh food options helped Traverse City earn a spot on our Top 10 Foodie Cities list. Events like the annual National Cherry Festival in July celebrate the city’s history. Parents applaud schools in Traverse City, and the educational system in general which includes higher education choices such as Northwestern Michigan College and Western Michigan University-Traverse City. See where Traverse City ranked on the Best Small Towns 2014 list.

No.. 13

Jackson Wyoming
Population: 9,777
As a major gateway for travelers visiting Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, Jackson, WY's economy is anchored by tourism. Residents enjoy year-round access to world-renowned attractions including Snow King Resort and the National Elk Refuge. Jackson officials have developed a large shopping and restaurant district, giving residents a large range of things to do. St. John’s Medical Center provides excellent health care in Jackson, while Central Wyoming College-Jackson offers advanced educational opportunities. Parents rave about the schools in Jackson.

No. 52

Cody Wyoming
Population: 9,635
Named after Buffalo Bill, Cody, Wyo., sits south of the Shoshone River that flows past town in a deep canyon. Four bridges spanning the river allow people to cross. Views of Heart Mountain are enjoyed across town. Tourism is the city’s primary industry, with annual events like a Cody Stampede Rodeo that attracts huge crowds. Schools in Cody develop young minds. The community has many art galleries and independent restaurants, and residents receive great medical care at West Park Hospital.

No. 79

Red Lodge Montana
Population: 2,385
Largely known as a gateway city to Yellowstone National Park, Red Lodge, Mont., also has its own outdoor recreation attractions that keep residents active and inspired. Red Lodge Mountain offers skiing, mountain biking and backpacking opportunities, and each April the community hosts a popular triathlon named Peaks to Prairie. Three public schools serve the community as well as Beartooth Billings Clinic & Hospital. Foodies will enjoy the growing number of great restaurants, which currently include Bridge Creek, Carbon County Steakhouse and Red Lodge Pizza Co.

No. 84

Whitefish Montana
Population: 6,461
Located near Glacier National Park, Whitefish is surrounded by massive mountains and geological formations that draw thousands of tourists each year. Residents enjoy opportunities to hike, fish in mountain streams, and watch deer, bighorn sheep and moose throughout the year. Children attend the Whitefish School District, and families have more than 25 independent restaurants to choose from.

No. 85

Dickinson North Dakota
Population: 18,912
The discovery of the Bakken Oil Shale created new jobs, which helped the population in Dickinson to nearly double over the past five years. New residents quickly learn the perks that come from living in Dickinson, such as the well-respected Dickinson Public Schools District and access to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Dickinson State University provides higher education options. See where Dickinson ranked on our Best Small Towns 2013 list.

No. 96

Houghton Michigan
Population: 7,689
Gracing the northernmost tip of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is Houghton, a city whose major industry is year-round tourism. Cold-weather months lend themselves to outdoor activities like hockey, alpine skiing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, while the spring and summer are ideal for mountain biking, hiking, camping and kayaking. The overall livability of Houghton is enhanced by Michigan Technological University and Portage Health Hospital, the two largest employers in the region.

For details on how these towns made the cut, head here.

What towns did they overlook?