Richmond Hill got some free advertising recently, courtesy MSN and the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

The city was named “the best small town to visit in Georgia,” by MSN writer Brooke Niemeyer on Monday.

She wrote: “Previously a winter home to Henry Ford, Richmond Hill’s features stunning architectural facades dating back to the 1930s. If you rather spend your time exploring the outdoors, the coastal waters of Georgia are prime for fishing or you can try your luck at Sterling Links Golf Club with views of the rolling fairways.”

That paragraph prompted the Atlanta Journal-Constitution to do a story, with a short piece by Nancy Clanton running Tuesday.

It noted the town’s connection to Henry Ford and said Richmond Hill “oozes Southern Charm and History. If you’re visiting, you can shop for antiques, explore the hometown restaurants or go fishing.”

It’s unclear how MSN chose its best small towns, but apparently each had a population of under 10,000. Richmond Hill’s was listed by MSN as 9,523, a number based on the 2010 census.

The city’s current population is estimated to be over 15,000, and Richmond Hill is widely considered one of the fastest growing communities in one of the fastest growing counties in one of the fastest growing areas of the South.

One projection says Richmond Hill has grown by more than 63 percent since the 2010 census.

In short, while the city doesn’t necessarily need the free advertising, it reminds one native son of how special his hometown is.

“The article reveals something that is no surprise to our residents,” said Mayor Russ Carpenter. “Even before the Ford era, we appreciated our coastal beauty, fishing and small town qualities.”

Councilman Steve Scholar, who is retired Air Force, said he moved to Richmond Hill with his family in the 1990s and has never regretted the choice.

“I don’t think we’ll ever leave,” Scholar said. “It’s a wonderful place.”