1. Highlands Ranch, Colorado
Highlands Ranch is the epitome of suburban perfection—if perfection means an endless sea of beige houses, manicured lawns, and HOA rules that could rival the military. TikTokers have dubbed it the “most suburban suburb” in America, and it’s easy to see why. The neighborhood boasts over 6,000 acres of nature preserve and an impressive array of recreational centers, but don’t expect to find a single dive bar or indie coffee shop. The local charm? Well, it’s mostly found in the perfectly trimmed hedges and the occasional neighborhood block party.
Despite its picture-perfect appearance, Highlands Ranch has become a symbol of suburban monotony. TikTok videos often highlight the eerily quiet streets and the lack of anything remotely exciting. It’s the kind of place where the most thrilling event is a new Chipotle opening. Yet, for all its lack of flair, Highlands Ranch has captured the hearts of those who find comfort in its predictability and order.
2. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg looks like a postcard-perfect mountain town, but TikTok turned it into a comedy goldmine. Visitors post endless clips of its crowded strip of candy shops, moonshine tastings, and pancake houses, dubbing it the “Las Vegas of the Smokies.” The town’s quirky mix of family attractions and tourist traps—like giant skylifts and bear-themed everything—has made it a favorite backdrop for lighthearted travel content. One viral video even joked that Gatlinburg is where people go when they want to “party, but with funnel cakes.”
Locals can’t help but laugh at how their quiet mountain escape is now framed as a chaotic carnival. TikTok loves to highlight the odd juxtapositions: a beautiful view of the Smokies right next to a mini-golf course shaped like a volcano. For many, the real appeal is the charming kitsch that Gatlinburg delivers without apology. Thanks to TikTok, this town has officially become both a meme and a must-see.
3. Caldwell, Idaho
Caldwell, Idaho, became the unlikely backdrop for a viral TikTok trend known as the “Kool-Aid Man Challenge.” The challenge involved teenagers running full-speed into fences, aiming to break through them—a stunt that quickly gained popularity on the platform. While the intent was to mimic the iconic Kool-Aid Man bursting through walls, the reality led to significant property damage and local concern. Caldwell, a town more known for its agricultural roots than viral trends, found itself grappling with the consequences of internet fame.
The challenge’s resurgence in Caldwell sparked debates about the influence of social media on youth behavior. Local authorities reported multiple incidents, each resulting in costly repairs for homeowners. The town’s once peaceful streets became the setting for a nationwide conversation about the impact of viral trends on small communities. Caldwell’s brief moment in the TikTok spotlight served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of internet culture.
4. Bowling Green, Kentucky
Bowling Green found itself all over TikTok not because of bourbon or bluegrass, but because of its sinkholes. When the National Corvette Museum’s floor collapsed back in 2014, swallowing several rare cars, TikTok revived the footage years later and turned it into meme gold. Suddenly, Bowling Green became the go-to punchline for “don’t park here unless you want your car in the basement.” The museum leaned into the fame by actually displaying the wrecked cars as an exhibit.
For locals, it was both embarrassing and hilarious that the city’s big viral moment involved Mother Nature devouring sports cars. TikTokers, of course, loved the absurdity and added dramatic soundtracks to the videos. Bowling Green’s blend of small-town charm and weird history made it the perfect backdrop for content that’s part comedy, part cautionary tale. Who knew sinkholes could be so entertaining?
5. Bentonville, Arkansas
Bentonville is best known as Walmart’s hometown, but TikTok gave it an unexpected glow-up. Clips of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, with its futuristic architecture and woodland setting, suddenly had people calling Bentonville a “mini art capital.” Locals joke that visitors come for Walmart HQ gossip but stay for the surprisingly Instagrammable bike trails and coffee shops. For a town once thought of as corporate and plain, its TikTok presence is decidedly cool.
What makes it funnier is that Bentonville seems genuinely confused by the attention. TikTokers frame it as a “hidden gem,” but to locals, it’s just the place where you can buy discount socks and then see a world-class art exhibit in the same afternoon. The mix of big-box culture and boutique vibes has made the town oddly fascinating to outsiders. If nothing else, TikTok turned Bentonville into a bucket-list stop for art lovers and meme-makers alike.
6. East Rutherford, New Jersey
East Rutherford is technically just a small borough in Jersey, but thanks to TikTok, people think it’s the entertainment capital of the world. That’s because it’s home to American Dream Mall, a massive complex featuring a ski slope, waterpark, and an indoor amusement park that TikTokers love to roast. Videos often highlight the surreal emptiness of the place compared to its enormous size, making it feel like a post-apocalyptic shopping fever dream.
What’s funny is that East Rutherford itself is tiny, with under 10,000 residents who probably never imagined their town would be synonymous with roller coasters next to Auntie Anne’s. TikTok has basically made the mall the entire personality of the borough. For better or worse, East Rutherford now trends as the ultimate “weird day trip” destination. If TikTok has its way, it’ll forever be known as the small town with an absurdly oversized playground.
7. Marfa, Texas
Marfa has always been quirky, but TikTok made it practically mythical. The desert town went viral thanks to its bizarre mix of minimalist art installations and the unexplained “Marfa Lights” that locals swear appear at night. Videos of glowing orbs over the desert sky racked up millions of views, with TikTokers flocking to test if they were real or just highway headlights. Add in the random Prada storefront in the middle of nowhere, and you’ve got peak content material.
The best part is that Marfa embraces the weirdness. Locals love leaning into the mystery, selling merch that says “We Believe” and encouraging visitors to stay up late with lawn chairs pointed at the horizon. TikTok made it seem like Marfa is part UFO sighting, part art festival, and part Wild West fever dream. For a tiny Texas town, that’s quite the résumé.
8. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Pigeon Forge has been a family road trip classic for decades, but TikTok transformed it into a campy wonderland. Users can’t get enough of Dollywood, wax museums, and dinner shows where knights duel while you eat chicken. The sheer randomness of its attractions—like indoor snow tubing and a Titanic museum—make it prime content for over-the-top reactions. TikTok essentially crowned it America’s capital of kitsch.
The town leaned into the attention, with influencers posting tongue-in-cheek travel guides on how to “do Pigeon Forge like a local.” Locals chuckle because, to them, it’s just where you take the kids for mini golf and pancakes. But on TikTok, it’s become a badge of honor to say you’ve survived its neon chaos. Pigeon Forge may never have asked for cool points, but it definitely got them online.
9. Sandusky, Ohio
Sandusky is a quiet town most of the year, but TikTok turned it into a trending hotspot for thrill-seekers. That’s because it’s home to Cedar Point, the roller coaster mecca dubbed “America’s Roller Coast.” Clips of screaming riders on coasters like Steel Vengeance and Millennium Force consistently go viral, with TikTokers joking it’s the closest thing Ohio has to international fame. The park’s over-the-top rides make Sandusky a pilgrimage site for adrenaline junkies.
The hilarious part is how ordinary the rest of Sandusky is once you step outside the gates. TikTokers often exaggerate the “culture shock” of leaving world-class roller coasters for sleepy small-town streets. Locals find it funny that their grocery stores and diners get side-by-side airtime with record-breaking coasters. Thanks to TikTok, Sandusky is forever the town where small-town charm meets stomach-dropping freefalls.
10. St. John, Indiana
St. John, Indiana, found itself in the midst of a viral TikTok trend that encouraged teenagers to run through fences, attempting to break them in a manner reminiscent of the Kool-Aid Man. The challenge led to several incidents in St. John, with residents waking up to find their fences damaged and repair costs escalating. While some viewed the trend as harmless fun, others expressed concern over the influence of social media on youth behavior. St. John’s experience underscored the unpredictable nature of viral trends and their impact on small communities.
In response, local authorities issued warnings about the potential legal consequences of participating in such challenges and emphasized the importance of community respect. The incident sparked conversations about the responsibility of social media platforms in curbing harmful trends and promoting positive behavior. St. John’s brief moment in the viral spotlight served as a reminder of the need for vigilance in the face of rapidly spreading online phenomena.
11. Raynham, Massachusetts
Raynham, Massachusetts, is a small town that found itself in the spotlight due to a TikTok trend that encouraged teenagers to run through fences at full speed. The “Kool-Aid Man Challenge,” as it was dubbed, led to several incidents in Raynham, with residents waking up to find their fences damaged. The challenge, inspired by the viral trend, sparked a mix of amusement and concern among locals. While some viewed it as harmless fun, others saw it as a sign of the influence of social media on youth behavior.
The town’s response was swift, with local authorities urging parents to monitor their children’s online activities and emphasizing the importance of respecting private property. Raynham’s brief moment of viral fame highlighted the power of TikTok to influence actions in even the most unexpected places. The incident served as a reminder of the need for communities to stay vigilant in the face of rapidly spreading online trends.
12. Long Island, New York
Long Island, New York, became an unexpected focal point for a viral TikTok trend that involved teenagers running through fences, attempting to emulate the Kool-Aid Man. The challenge led to multiple incidents across the island, with homeowners finding their fences damaged and repair bills mounting. While the trend was intended as a joke, it raised serious concerns about the influence of social media on youth behavior. Long Island’s experience served as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of viral challenges.
Local authorities responded by increasing awareness campaigns about the dangers of participating in such trends and the importance of respecting others’ property. The incident sparked discussions about the role of social media platforms in promoting responsible behavior among users. Long Island’s brief moment in the TikTok spotlight highlighted the need for communities to be proactive in addressing the impacts of online trends.
13. Calera, Alabama
Calera, Alabama, a small town in Shelby County, found itself in the spotlight due to a dangerous TikTok trend known as the “Kool-Aid Man Challenge.” This challenge involved individuals running through fences or kicking in doors, mimicking the iconic Kool-Aid mascot’s tendency to smash through walls. In July 2025, Calera police warned residents about the potential dangers of this trend, emphasizing that such actions could lead to serious legal consequences under Alabama’s stand-your-ground law. The police chief expressed concern that these pranks could escalate into dangerous situations, urging the community to be vigilant.
Despite the serious nature of the incidents, the situation highlighted the influence of viral trends on small communities. The challenge led to property damage and raised questions about the responsibility of social media platforms in curbing harmful content. Calera’s experience served as a cautionary tale about the potential real-world consequences of online challenges. It also sparked discussions about the need for greater awareness and education regarding the impact of viral trends on youth behavior.
14. Twin Falls, Idaho
Twin Falls, Idaho, became an unexpected participant in the viral “Kool-Aid Man Challenge,” a TikTok trend that involved teenagers running through fences at full speed. The challenge led to multiple incidents in Twin Falls, with residents finding their fences damaged and repair bills accumulating. While the trend was intended as a joke, it raised serious concerns about the influence of social media on youth behavior. Twin Falls’ experience highlighted the far-reaching impact of viral trends on even the most rural communities.
Local authorities responded by increasing awareness campaigns about the dangers of participating in such challenges and the importance of respecting others’ property. The incident sparked discussions about the role of social media platforms in promoting responsible behavior among users. Twin Falls’ brief moment in the TikTok spotlight served as a reminder of the need for communities to stay vigilant in the face of rapidly spreading online trends.
15. Omaha, Nebraska
Omaha, Nebraska, found itself in the midst of a viral TikTok trend that encouraged teenagers to run through fences, attempting to break them in a manner reminiscent of the Kool-Aid Man. The challenge led to several incidents in Omaha, with homeowners discovering their fences damaged and repair costs mounting. While some participants viewed the trend as harmless fun, others expressed concern over the potential consequences. Omaha’s experience underscored the influence of social media on youth behavior and the need for community awareness.
In response, local authorities issued warnings about the potential legal ramifications of participating in such challenges and emphasized the importance of respecting private property. The incident sparked conversations about the responsibility of social media platforms in curbing harmful trends and promoting positive behavior. Omaha’s brief moment in the TikTok spotlight served as a reminder of the need for vigilance in the face of rapidly spreading online phenomena.
16. Long Beach, California
Long Beach, California, became an unexpected participant in the viral “Kool-Aid Man Challenge,” a TikTok trend that involved teenagers running through fences at full speed. The challenge led to multiple incidents in Long Beach, with residents finding their fences damaged and repair bills accumulating. While the trend was intended as a joke, it raised serious concerns about the influence of social media on youth behavior. Long Beach’s experience highlighted the far-reaching impact of viral trends on urban communities.
Local authorities responded by increasing awareness campaigns about the dangers of participating in such challenges and the importance of respecting others’ property. The incident sparked discussions about the role of social media platforms in promoting responsible behavior among users. Long Beach’s brief moment in the TikTok spotlight served as a reminder of the need for communities to stay vigilant in the face of rapidly spreading online trends.
This post 16 U.S. Towns That Are More Famous on TikTok Than in Real Life was first published on American Charm.
