Deer stayed away from Mack Brown's house 15 years ago.

The urban ambience surrounding Brown's Topeka home wasn't all that inviting to wildlife. A move to Silver Lake changed that.

Even within the city limits, Brown said deer have grazed through his lawn.

Brown, mayor of Silver Lake, moved to the community to flee life in the larger city. His wife was born and raised in Silver Lake, and the couple left the city in search of small-town living.

Brown said Silver Lake boasts "the best of both worlds." Located only about five miles from Topeka, Silver Lake offers country living with the convenience of a large city, he said.

"There are a lot of people who like the idea of a small town, but like to live near the big city," he said.

Silver Lake relies on Topeka for many conveniences of daily life. Brown said there isn't a swimming pool in the community, but residents wouldn't justify spending tax dollars for a pool with similar facilities nearby in Topeka.

Community involvement, a family environment and a low crime rate keep residents in Silver Lake, Brown said.

"It's a good community to raise kids," he said. "There's a good environment for family living. We talk to people who move to Silver Lake and it's basically for those reasons."

The city is becoming increasingly progressive, Brown said. He said although the population has remained steady within Silver Lake, growth in surrounding areas is bringing an increase in school enrollment.

Silver Lake residents also are Eagles fanatics. The Silver Lake Eagles have a tradition of bringing at least one championship to the community almost every year. The school district has about 700 students.

Businesses in Silver Lake include a shopping mall, a barbecue restaurant and a Chinese restaurant. Brown said the community is willing to expand, but not at the cost of losing its appeal.

"We would like to keep the small-town environment," he said. "Does that mean we don't want more businesses? Absolutely not. Small towns need those businesses to thrive and survive."

Silver Lake rests on US-24 highway about six miles east of Rossville. The town is about eight miles west of Topeka.

Brown, a former Silver Lake city council member, defeated three opponents to become mayor of the town. He said like other residents of the city, he is happy to return home to Silver Lake after a short commute from Topeka.

"You kind of do it because you are proud of the city," he said. "It's more of a pride of working to make the city better."