Alright, I thought of a nice starting city in Ohio. If the Gm doesn't mind me doing his job, sort of.
Johnson's IslandWhat was a minor historical landmark before the End-the sight of a Civil War Era prison-it became a makeshift home for people fleeing over Lake Erie from the mainland.
As the decades rolled by, The Island's population grew-and while it never thrived, it was never invaded, mostly to the length the inhabitants went to hide themselves from the roving gangs of marauders-they collapsed the causeway into the bay not 50 years ago.
Cue modern day. Johnsons Island is well fortified, populated and a rest stop and haven for anyone who has enough pull with the somewhat strict City Council to be let past the straits without being blown out of the water by a fleet of ramshackle patrol crafts-which range from tiny fishing ships, houseboats and even a fully stocked US Navy Corvette-, formerly the 'USS Freedom'-now the 'Johnsons Pride'.
The actual living population is kept strictly low. Few travelers are allowed to stay past their welcome (and the local constabulary is notoriously impatient with troublemakers), but for it, the island is a bonanza for traders and scavengers-and there are amusements to be had, some of the best left, if you can convince, steal or bribe your way to them. Still, most people get the message. Do your business-and get out.
All in all, a small spot of civilization in the wasteland-one that's remained safe, for now at least.