Joshua 21:8

And the children of Israel gave by lot unto the Levites these cities with their suburbs, their pasture- or meadow-lands, as the Lord commanded by the hand of Moses. While provision was here made also for the future, it should be noted that the priests and Levites did not occupy these cities alone, but other people lived there as well. It was merely that they were sure of a place to live, and that they, by living in the very midst of the people, should serve as an example to the entire nation.