famously small towns of Macon, GA (150k population) and Homestead, FL (80k population).

I live in a town of 5k, so I’m sure it’s the same.

any other games they do like? what works for one 12 year old won’t for another.

Menara - cooperative dexterity game, where you building towers Legendary - Marvel Superhero deckbuilding . “Semi” coop, but if you tweak the difficulty, the focus is on coop Flashpoint:Fire Rescue - Firemen. rescue people, fight fires.
Pandemic/Forbidden Island - this is the ‘classic’ coop. it’s a little puzzly for my tastes, but it’s popular.
D&D Adventure Games - Wrath of Ashardalon, Castle Ravenloft. alittle older, but scratches a coop dungeon crawler itch.

my son (11) really enjoys Aeon’s End and Spirit Island.