10 Of The Weirdest Small Towns In America

Across America, the difference between big city living and small town hospitality is palpable. While every large metropolitan area has its own quirks and stories, nothing beats how strange American small towns can be.

Here are 15 of the strangest small towns hidden across the United States of America.

1. Centralia, Pennsylvania

Centralia used to be a town of well over 1000 people. But as of 2010 there were only 10 residents left that were still brave enough to call the town home, and no new residents are ever allowed to move there.

There has been an underground coal fire that has been burning since 1962. The town is full of sinkholes and toxic gas, and the roads are even hot to the touch. In 1992, the state seized and condemned all the property in Centralia, only residents who were living there before the seizure were allowed to stay. But after they either die or move on to somewhere else, the town will officially be a "ghost town".

Experts believe the coal fire could burn for up to another 250 years.  

2. Colma, California

Colma, California has been nicknamed "The City of Souls". The small town that is roughly two square miles boasts 17 cemeteries. The living population of Colma is only around 1200, while there are an estimated 2,000,000 dead bodies. Coma is even the final resting place of Wyatt Earp.

3. Roswell, New Mexico

For the rest of recorded history, Roswell, New Mexico will be the home base for those looking to confirm that there is alien life. In 1947, the people living in Roswell claimed to see what they called a "UFO crash". The military claimed that it was just a weather balloon crash, but that did nothing other than spark a series of conspiracy theories that continue to survive today.

4. Hildale, Utah

Have you ever wanted to be married to more than one woman at the same time? Well if that's how you want to live your life, Hildale, Utah is the place for you. It is the Mormon stronghold, and home of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Polygamy runs rampant here, and if you are an outsider passing through, don't expect a warm welcome.

5. Miracle Village, Florida

Miracle Village, the small housing development doubling as its own town outside of Pahokee, is home to over 100 registered sex-offenders. The town was founded by Richard Witherow, a minister who spent 30 years working in prisons. Witherow and his ministry have the final say on everyone who lives there.

Read the full story on Shared.com.

Photo: Shared.com