The charm of small-town living has surged in popularity, and with Americans seeking relief from high costs, these ten budget-friendly communities have successfully lowered their prices. cost of living .
'Some of these towns aren’t too tiny; they have plenty of activities to offer,' explained Seamus Nally, who serves as the CEO at TurboTenant, a provider of property management software. Colorado mentioned regarding the compilation of budget-friendly towns created by Realtor.com .
There are still sizable communities and plenty of chances for communal activities and entertainment, yet living expenses aren’t exorbitant in this place.
People in America are noticing that their dollars go farther in lesser-known urban areas, allowing them to secure larger living spaces at more affordable rates.
Data obtained from Realtor.com shows the most appealing "micropolitan areas" in the U.S., where residents can live comfortably without breaking the bank and also partake in leisurely pursuits.
The outlet examined so-called 'micropolitan areas' — counties home to between 10,000 and 50,000 inhabitants — and assessed spending per 100,000 residents to identify the top ten most budget-friendly towns.
Branson, Missouri
The city of Branson, nestled within the Ozark Mountains in Missouri, offers numerous activities throughout the year thanks to over 50 theatres and performance spaces available for visitors' enjoyment.
The town is known as 'the entertainment hub of the Ozarks' and provides live music, theater, magic shows, or comedy performances with something happening each evening throughout the week.
The town boasts a median listing price of $274,950 and its cost of living stands at 15 percent less than the national average, which means Branson provides the excitement of a large metropolis minus the high expenses.
The community of 57,490 people benefits from low unemployment and crime rates, along with a steady flow of visitors.
The College of the Ozarks provides numerous opportunities through over 30 academic programs offered at both the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science levels. Additionally, they offer tuition-free education for students who agree to work while studying.
Should the arts not amuse you, then the numerous lakes provide ample chances for various outdoor pursuits such as fishing, boating, and swimming. Additionally, you might enjoy cave exploration or hiking at Table Rock State Park.
This family-oriented community offers various entertainments for kids including theme and water parks, golf courses, as well as the Hollywood wax museum and Titanic Museum attractions.
Springfield, Illinois
As the capital of Illinois and the former residence of Abraham Lincoln, Springfield boasts affordable housing options along with a vibrant community spirit. It also embraces a diverse blend of cultures and historical significance.
The city, with a population of 206,063, has a median home value of $209,900 and experiences a cost of living that is 10 percent lower than the national average.
The townspeople appreciate the affordable lifestyle and strong sense of community here. They also enjoy the abundance of artistic events, local sports activities, and over twenty public parks available.
The city of Chicago is just a four-hour train ride away, offering residents the chance to retain some connection with a major urban center without significantly increasing their expenses.
The town’s heritage offers abundant cultural richness and aesthetic appeal, featuring structures like the Old State Capitol constructed in 1839, along with numerous museums and war monuments, including Abraham Lincoln’s residence.
Sandusky, Ohio
Known as a 'seaside retreat,' the quaint town of Sandusky, Ohio, hugs the shores of Lake Erie, providing convenient passage to neighboring islands featuring various summer activities and an energetic night scene.
The town is located one hour west of Cleveland, with a cost of living that is 23 percent lower than the national average.
Sandusky is just a short drive away from Cedar Point, one of the Midwest's premier amusement parks, often referred to as the 'Roller Coaster Capital of the World'.
The median listing price is $337,950, and the town’s population stands at 74,145.
Glen Falls, New York
Referred to as 'Hometown USA', Glen Falls, New York, stands out as one of the earliest inhabited regions in the nation, boasting numerous historic structures and architectural gems.
The town is encircled by natural splendor like Glen Falls and sits close to the Adirondack Mountains.
The town offers various events and attractions including dancing, theater performances, outdoor expeditions, museums, and vineyards. It frequently hosts open-air cinema sessions, farmer’s markets, and the Adirondack Theatre Festival.
The median listing price stands at $352,450, with the cost of living being 1.5 percent lower than the national average, and the city has a populace of 126,131 residents.
This town houses the Hyde Museum, which stands out among the Northeast’s smaller art institutions for its impressive array of both European and American artworks. The museum's main collection features works from celebrated creators like Botticelli, Picasso, and Homer.
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Even though it's famous for them, Atlantic City offers far more attractions beyond just casinos.
The town in New Jersey offers attractions like the Atlantic City Boardwalk, extending for four miles with numerous eateries, pubs, stores, and amusement games. Additionally, visitors can explore the historical Absecon Lighthouse, constructed in 1857 and reaching a height of 171 feet.
Renowned for its gaming scene and vibrant night life, Atlantic City was originally established in the 1800s as a wellness retreat where visitors could enjoy the soothing waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
The median price on their list is $389,999, and they have a cost of living that is 6.1 percent lower than the national average.
Each year, Atlantic City attracts over 27 million tourists; meanwhile, it is gradually shifting towards being more family-oriented as its population reaches 276,008.
Baraboo, Wisconsin
Encircled by stunning state parks and steeped in history, Baraboo is situated alongside the Baraboo River. It lies within a two-hour drive from Milwaukee and under an hour’s journey from Madison.
The town houses the International Crane Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on crane conservation. Additionally, within Baraboo lies Devil's Lake State Park, which spans across 9,200 acres, making it the biggest state park in Wisconsin.
Baraboo has earned the nickname 'Circus City,' primarily because of its significant connection to the circus industry, which began with the founding of the Ringling Brothers Circus. Today, visitors can explore attractions such as the Circus World Museum and the Clown Hall of Fame.
The midpoint price listing stands at $369,900, with the cost of living being 14.7 percent lower than the national average and a populace of 66,174.
Baraboo provides numerous attractions including zoos, water parks, wineries, and distilleries, along with an annual Oktoberfest celebration.
Altoona, Pennsylvania
In the 19th century, the town of Altoona was mainly founded as a central point for railways and became well-known for the Horseshoe Curve, where train tracks loop around the side of a mountain.
Nestled at the foot of Brush Mountain in Blair County, Pennsylvania, Altoona boasts a rich tapestry of history and natural splendor.
Boasting the Canoe Creek State Park, spanning over 961 acres with a 155-acre lake, along with extensive wetlands and woodlands. This lake attracts many visitors for activities like fishing and swimming, and the park provides various amenities including hiking paths, a sandy shoreline, and abundant fauna.
The midpoint in the pricing list stands at $149,000, with the cost of living being 22 percent lower than the national average.
Approximately 120,089 residents take pleasure in visiting amusement parks, museums, historical locations, and hiking paths.
Fairbanks, Alaska
Founded in 1901, the community of Fairbanks, Alaska experienced a surge in population during the Fairbanks Gold Rush.
Despite having a population of 95,739, this town is the second most populous in the state. Situated somewhat remotely amidst vast wilderness areas, the town is home to the University of Alaska.
This region hosts both the Angel Rocks Trail and the Fairbanks Ice Museum. The consistently frigid conditions, often plummeting below freezing point, create ideal circumstances for hosting the yearly World Ice Art competition.
The middle value for the price list stands at $315,000, and surprisingly, the town’s cost of living sits 24 percent beneath the national average.
Fairbanks is an excellent location for viewing the Aurora Borealis, with numerous lodges and tour operators specialized in helping visitors experience this spectacular phenomenon.
Kearney, Nebraska
This welcoming town has earned the title of the cultural hub of Nebraska. Situated 2.5 hours west of Omaha, Kearney boasts an impressive arts scene with venues like the Merryman Performing Arts Center and the World Theatre, which present performances throughout the year.
The typical listing price in this area stands at $319,900, with living expenses being 11.9 percent lower than the U.S. average. This allows inhabitants to fully experience all that the town provides without straining their finances.
This community provides numerous leisure pursuits for its residents, who number 57,843, including horseback riding, tennis, golf, tours at Fort Kearny, and multiple parks designed for enthusiasts of the outdoors.
Great Falls, Montana
Nestled among four mountain ranges, three rivers, two wilderness areas, and a wildlife refuge, Great Falls, Montana, boasts a vibrant culture and extensive history.
Residents of this town, which has a population of 85,333, can delight in visiting its ten museums, going buffalo hunting, and relaxing along the River's Edge Trail or attending events at Montana's State Fair.
The median listing price there stands at $424,500, with the cost of living being 12.1 percent lower than the national average. Additionally, the town features art museums, history museums, and a dedicated center for Lewis and Clark.
This town offers an excellent environment for those who enjoy outdoor activities throughout the year. It features numerous hiking paths and you can go skiing during winters at Showdown Mountain. In summertime, you have easy access to the Missouri River for various water-based pursuits.
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