- READ MORE: The top 50 charming small towns for raising a family unveiled
The charm of small-town living has surged in popularity, and with Americans seeking respite from high costs, these ten budget-friendly communities have successfully lowered their cost of living. cost of living .
'Some of these towns aren’t too tiny to be boring; they have plenty of activities,' explained Seamus Nally, who runs property management software firm TurboTenant. Colorado mentioned regarding the compilation of budget-friendly towns created by Realtor.com .
'The area maintains substantial population levels with numerous chances for communal activities and leisure pursuits, yet living expenses remain reasonably affordable.'
People in America are discovering that their funds 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 dedicating their entire income to expenses and also have access to leisure activities.
The publication examined so-called 'micropolitan areas'—counties home to 10,000 to 50,000 inhabitants—and assessed spending per 100,000 residents to spotlight the top ten most budget-friendly towns.
Branson, Missouri
The town of Branson in the middle of the Ozark Mountains offers numerous activities throughout the year, featuring over 50 theatres and performance spaces for visitors to enjoy.
The town is known as 'the entertainment hub of the Ozarks' and provides live music, theater, magic shows, or comedy with 'something happening each evening'.
The town boasts a median listing price of $274,950 and its cost of living stands at 15 percent beneath the national average, suggesting that Branson provides the excitement typically associated with larger cities but without the high expenses.
The community of 57,490 people benefits from minimal unemployment and crime rates, along with a steady stream 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 taking classes.
Should the arts not be what captures your interest, then perhaps the numerous lakes provide ample opportunity for various outdoor pursuits such as fishing, boating, and swimming. Additionally, you might enjoy exploring caves or going hiking at Table Rock State Park.
This family-oriented community offers various entertainments for kids including theme and water parks, golf courses, along with attractions like the Hollywood wax museum and the Titanic Museum.
Springfield, Illinois
As the capital of Illinois and Abraham Lincoln’s former residence, Springfield boasts affordable housing options along with a vibrant community spirit. It showcases a diverse blend of cultures and historical significance.
The city, with a population of 206,063, has a median home price of $209,900 and experiences a cost of living that is 10 percent lower than the national average.
Locals appreciate the affordable lifestyle and strong sense of community within the town. They also enjoy the abundance of artistic events, local sports activities, and over twenty-five parks available.
The city of Chicago is just a four-hour train ride away, offering residents the chance to maintain their connection with urban life without sacrificing affordability.
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
Referred to as a 'beach retreat,' the quaint town of Sandusky, Ohio, is located along the shores of Lake Erie. It provides convenient access to nearby islands and features various seasonal activities alongside an energetic nighttime 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, featuring numerous historic structures and architectural sites.
The town is encircled by natural splendor like Glen Falls and sits close to the Adirondack Mountains.
This town features 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 is $352,450, with the cost of living being 1.5 percent lower than the national average, and a total population of 126,131.
This town houses the Hyde Museum, which stands out among the smaller art institutions in the Northeast due to its impressive collection of both European and American artworks. Among their main exhibits are works from famous artists like Botticelli, Picasso, and Homer.
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Even though it's famous for them, Atlantic City offers far more attractions beyond just gambling houses.
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 casino scene and vibrant nocturnal activities, 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 stands at $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, despite having a populace of 276,008.
Baraboo, Wisconsin
Encircled by stunning state parks and steeped in history, Baraboo stretches alongside the Baraboo River. It is conveniently located within a two-hour drive from Milwaukee and under an hour’s travel time from Madison.
The town houses the International Crane Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on crane conservation. Additionally, within Baraboo lies Devil's Lake State Park, which spans across 9,200 acres and stands as Wisconsin’s most extensive state park.
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 like 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 celebration of Oktoberfest.
Altoona, Pennsylvania
The town of Altoona was mainly founded in the 1800s as a key railway center and is 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.
Hosting the Canoe Creek State Park, this area encompasses 961 acres including a sizable 155-acre lake along with extensive wetlands and woodlands. This expansive body of water attracts many visitors interested in fishing and swimming. In addition to these attractions, the park provides various hiking paths, a sandy shoreline perfect for sunbathing, and an abundance of local fauna to observe.
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 relish visits to amusement parks and museums, along with exploring historic sites and hiking trails.
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, it ranks as the second-largest town in the state. Situated somewhat remotely amidst wild landscapes, this town is home to the University of Alaska.
This region houses the Angel Rocks Trail along with the Fairbanks Ice Museum, and the consistently frigid temperatures that often fall beneath freezing point serve ideally for the yearly World Ice Art competition.
The midpoint price listing stands at $315,000, and remarkably, the town’s cost of living sits 24 percent beneath the national average.
Fairbanks is an excellent location for viewing the Aurora Borealis, with various lodges and tour operators specializing in helping visitors experience this stunning natural 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 a vibrant arts scene with venues such as the Merryman Performing Arts Center and the World Theatre, both offering continuous performances throughout the year.
The typical listing price in this area stands at $319,900, with living costs that are 11.9 percent lower than the national average. This allows inhabitants to fully take advantage of what the town provides without straining their finances.
This community provides numerous leisure options for its residents totaling 57,843 people including horseback riding, tennis, golf, excursions at Fort Kearney, and multiple parks designed for those fond of nature.
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 relish visiting its ten museums, going buffalo hunting, and leisurely spending their time along the River's Edge Trail or 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 boasts art museums, historical museums, and a dedicated center for Lewis and Clark.
This town offers excellent opportunities for those who love the outdoors, featuring perennial activities like hiking paths throughout the year and downhill skiing during winters at Showdown Mountain. Additionally, summertime provides easy access to both the waters of the Missouri River and nearby trails alongside it.
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