General:
* Village: A small community, often smaller than a town.
* Hamlet: A very small settlement, often even smaller than a village.
* Burgh: An old-fashioned term for a small town, especially in Scotland.
* Township: A small administrative district in some countries.
* Municipality: A small self-governing city or town.
Descriptive:
* Rural community: Emphasizing its location in a countryside setting.
* Backwater: A place that is isolated and unchanging, often implying a lack of progress.
* Podunk: A slang term for a small, insignificant town, often humorous.
* One-horse town: A small town with limited opportunities.
* Sleepy town: A quiet, peaceful town, often with a slower pace of life.
Literary:
* Hearthside: A cozy, homey, and traditional town.
* Cranbrook: A fictionalized name often used to denote a small town.
The best word choice will depend on the specific context and the feeling you want to evoke.