Gorgeous scenery surrounds the first planned community in the West -- Longview, Washington. This riverfront gem was even named one of America's Prettiest Towns by Forbes Magazine in 2012. Lake Sacajawea Park, one of the most beautiful parks in the country, extends along the west side of downtown and provides stunning lake views with fountains, play areas, walking paths, and shady green space.

Longview was planned by Robert A. Long around 1920. Long was the head of Long-Bell Lumber Company, which moved into the area around 1918, bringing with him about 14,000 lumber workers -- more than the nearest lumber town could accommodate, so he built his own town. Longview still retains some of its rugged lumber town feel, which only adds to its appeal.