The 25 most memorable fictional TV towns

Though it's never been officially established, the safe money is that the home base of this widely popular Hallmark Channel show is in Illinois. We've seen Illinois license plates and references to Chicago, the Bulls, Cubs, and White Sox. In the early days of the show, the name "Middleton" is placed on a map of suburban Chicago. Anyway, it's a magical place with the bewitching but helpful powers of Cassie Nightingale (Catherine Bell) on display. Plus, we hear the food at The Bistro is pretty good.

Sure, Stuckeyville is your typical small town. But it's unique in the sense that the law office of Ed Stevens (Tom Cavanagh) is housed inside the bowling alley he happens to own. The people are relatively friendly, though Phil Stubbs (Michael Ian Black) can be a little annoying. Meanwhile, Carol Vessey (Julie Bowen) needs to stop giving Ed the runaround regarding their friendship/relationship.

Home to one of the best high school basketball teams in North Carolina. The drama runs far deeper off the court in this relatively small town, thanks to half-brothers Lucas (Chad Michael Murray) and Nathan (James Lafferty) Scott. Said drama is pretty much all the doing of their father, Dan (Paul Johansson). They're just some of the many pretty people who live in the town, along with Peyton (Hilarie Burton), Brooke (Sophia Bush), and Haley (Bethany Joy Lenz). 

It is located in northern California, about an hour away from Oakland. It's also home to the Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club. While the gang from the club draws plenty of attention, Charming should be celebrated for its many mom-and-pop local businesses. Whether we're talking loyalty, friendship, or betrayal, things are pretty lively in Charming.

This NBC series lasted just one season in the early 1990s. Yet, those who remember the show probably can't forget the elements within this strange community. From those keenly smart dogs to the idea that Elvis Presley might still be alive and taking up residency in the town, this would have been a fun place to visit.

A historical railroad town, Rosewood is mostly filled with old money. The upper-class living in Rosewood is passed down through generations. The houses are big, the land expanse and the King James Mall are high-end — and so are the egos and attitudes. Like Spencer (Troian Bellisario) and the gang, whose lives are filled with overblown competitiveness and drama.

Mystic Falls has quite a history from a supernatural standpoint. That's what makes this town special, especially for those generations of witches, werewolves, and, of course, vampires. It really is the perfect setting, since the town offers a perfect blend of modern-day, wholesome living with a past full of mystery and secrets that shape the way its resident live their current lives.

Much like Tree Hill, Capeside has a lot going on for a relatively sleepy town. Plus, the kids dress really well and are perfectly groomed. Dawson (James Van Der Beek) has dreams of becoming the next Steven Spielberg while navigating his teens and early 20s with goofball friend Pacey (Joshua Jackson) and NYC bad-girl transplant Jen (Michelle Williams). But man, how did Dawson not end up with the best friend/love of his life Joey (Katie Holmes)? It's his creek, for crying out loud.

Located somewhere in the depths of the Pacific Ocean, Bikini Bottom is a very interesting place. Following the lives of SpongeBob, Patrick, and Squidward, the community is well known for its popular food stops. Particularly the famous Krusty Krab and Chum Bucket. Let's not forget the Goo Lagoon, a fun hangout for the locals. 

Like other towns on this list, it was never established on either show where exactly this rural community is located. We're thinking in the South. There is plenty of farmland, most notably owned by Oliver (Eddie Albert). Other famous establishments include Sam Drucker's Store and Mr. Haney's monkey race track. 

Fun fact: There was a Texas town called Dillon, located in Hopkins County, but it was left for a ghost town. TV fans probably know it better as one of the country's great high school football communities. Home to the Dillon Panthers and also East Dillon High. Coach Eric Taylor (Kyle Chandler), quarterback Jason Street (Scott Porter), running backs Tim Riggins (Taylor Kitsch), and "Smash" Williams (Gaius Charles) are some of the local legends.

Now, this is quite the community. From what we know, residents of Neptune are either rich or poor. There's no in-between. The wealthy, known as "09ers," have little tolerance for those beneath them. Of course, Veronica (Kristen Bell), and her constant digging and nosiness, challenge the class divide, thus making for much more fun while investigating the mystery within this coastal California town.

Of the three stops in the afterlife — Good Place, Medium Place, and Bad Place — one hopes to be in the best possible location. Actually, the "Good Place" created by Michael (Ted Danson) in the first season is a fake spot in the "Bad Place." Still, there are plenty of frozen yogurts to eat, a community assistant known as Janet (D'Arcy Beth Carden), and Eleanor (Kristen Bell) to enjoy.

Sunnydale is more than just your garden variety town usually associated with horror or supernatural programming. Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and Willow (Alyson Hannigan) are likable people within the realm "between this reality and the next." Once you get past the vampires and other demon-like figures, Sunnydale is a rather warm place with good schools and beautiful parks.

Residents of Hawkins probably did not know what they were in for when moving to Hawkins. Sure, it's mysterious and always seems drab, but the kids have a good time. That said, the idea of secret human experiments and a portal toward some kind of an alternate dimension isn't something that's usually promoted in town brochures.

Located near Providence, Quahog is home to the Griffin family. A dysfunctional group that features a lazy, underachieving husband, a talking dog, and a baby with a football-shaped head who also spouts inappropriate and questionable comments. Most teenagers make their way through James Woods High and adults like to tip a few back at the The Drunken Clam. Just beware of that evil chicken.

This remote Alaskan town earned its charm mostly because of its quirky residents. Transplant Dr. Joel Fleischman wasn't one of them until the area grew on him. Cicely is also home to tomboy, small-plane pilot Maggie (Janine Turner), a rich, former astronaut, one-time Miss Northwest Passage, and the free-spirited disc jockey who also happened to be an ex-convict. All this in the wilds of Alaska.

Having Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith) in charge of our safety on the not-so-mean streets of Mayberry provides a certain warm and fuzzy feeling. Of course, when he's out of the station and Deputy Barney Fife (Don Knotts) is in charge, that's another story. There are also some decent fishing spots in town, and Aunt Bee will always oblige with a home-cooked meal to welcome visitors.

Clark Kent (Tom Welling), a.k.a. Superman, called Smallville home growing up. And this version of the Superman tale offered a more modern take. It's pretty much "Small Town, USA," except one of its prominent residents has superhuman strength and powers. Of course, it's relatable in this case because there's plenty of teen drama.

The home of the Caped Crusader has traditionally resembled New York City. Yet, even though NYC has had its share of notorious criminals, none are as colorful as those in Gotham City. The Joker, Penguin, Riddler. Gotham City, at least in the series Gotham, also offers an eerie presence and almost mysterious vibe, adding to the drama and intrigue surrounding the famed superhero and those villains he takes on. 

Really, who wouldn't want to live in South Park? Maybe not people with children, because the school system doesn't seem too promising. Mr. Garrison. That's all we'll say. Chef seemed responsible enough adult compared to the rest of the town, though. And those residents with kids might want them to stay away from Stan, Kyle, Kenny, and Cartman. To the outside observer, South Park is a lot of fun. 

One of the great mysteries of The Simpsons is the exact location of Springfield. There are several Springfields throughout the country, but this one represents "Anytown, USA." This Springfield has something for everyone. There's Apu's Kwik-E-Mart, Moe's Tavern, Krusty Burger, and the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant. All the characters who live in the town make it what it is, highlighted by Homer, Bart, and the rest of the Simpson clan.

Aside from its polluted river and obesity problem, Pawnee is a fine town to visit or call home. Make it a point to stop at Paunch Burger for a bite and ridiculously oversized soda. Roughly 90 miles from Indianapolis, the town is also known for its parks and recreation department, which was run for a long stretch by the hilariously incompetent Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman). Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) will likely give you a warmer welcome than Ron. 

Back in the 1990s, Twin Peaks was all the rage. Over the years, the popular series and subsequent off-shoots have earned cult status. Some critics and fans suggest the town is as much a character as the often-eccentric human residents. Memorable establishments such as the Double R Diner and the Great Northern Hotel are equally important to the town's mystique.

When it comes to notable fake TV towns, Stars Hollow takes the cake. It might be the quirkiest and most charming residence in television history. From Luke's Diner to Miss Patty's dance studio to pie at Weston's and that quaint town square. The town also holds events: The Festival of the Living Art, the lunch basket auction, and that widely popular dance marathon. Who wouldn't want to live here?