- 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 relief from high costs, these ten budget-friendly communities have successfully lowered their prices. cost of living .
"They are towns that aren’t so tiny they have nothing going on," explained Seamus Nally, who runs the property management software firm TurboTenant. Colorado mentioned regarding the compilation of budget-friendly towns by Realtor.com .
'The area maintains substantial population levels and offers 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 people can live comfortably without breaking the bank and still have plenty of opportunities for 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 uncover the top ten most budget-friendly towns.
Branson, Missouri
The town of Branson in the midst of the Ozark Mountains offers numerous ways to keep occupied throughout the year due to its extensive range of entertainment options, featuring over 50 theatres and performance spaces.
The town is known as 'the entertainment hub of the Ozarks,' providing live music, theater, magic shows, or comedy performances with 'something happening each night of 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, suggesting that Branson provides the excitement typically associated with larger cities but at a lower expense.
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 substantial opportunities through over 30 academic programs leading to either a Bachelor of Arts or Science degree. Additionally, they offer tuition-free education for students who agree to work while studying.
Should the arts not capture your interest, then perhaps the numerous lakes will provide entertainment through various water-based activities like fishing, boating, and swimming. Additionally, you might enjoy exploring caves or going hiking at Table Rock State Park.
This family-oriented community features numerous entertainments for kids including theme and water parks, golf courses, along with popular attractions such as the Hollywood wax museum and the Titanic Museum.
Springfield, Illinois
As the capital of Illinois and the former residence of Abraham Lincoln, Springfield boasts affordable housing options along with a tight-knit community that celebrates a vibrant mix of cultural and historical influences.
The city’s 206,063 residents benefit from a median home price of $209,900 and enjoy a cost of living that is 10 percent lower than the national average.
Locals appreciate the affordable lifestyle and strong sense of community in this town, along with 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 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 access to nearby islands featuring various seasonal 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 average price on their listing stands at $337,950, and the town’s population is 74,145.
Glen Falls, New York
Nicknamed 'Hometown USA', Glen Falls, New York, stands as one of the earliest inhabited regions in the nation, featuring numerous historic structures and architectural gems.
The town is encircled by natural splendor like Glen Falls and sits close to the Adirondack Mountains.
This town features an array of events and fun options including dancing, theater performances, outdoor excursions, museum visits, and wine tastings at local vineyards. It frequently hosts outdoor film screenings, 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 population of 126,131 residents.
The town is also known for hosting the Hyde Museum, which stands out among the smaller art museums in the Northeast due to its impressive collections of both European and American artworks. This museum’s main attraction includes works from celebrated 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 its gambling venues.
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.
Referred to as the center for betting and vibrant night entertainment, Atlantic City was originally established in the 19th century 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.
Atlantic City attracts over 27 million visitors annually and 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 and is situated approximately two hours from Milwaukee and under an hour 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 and stands as Wisconsin’s biggest 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 pricing 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 yearly Oktoberfest celebration.
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 abundant natural charm.
Boasting the Canoe Creek State Park, this area encompasses 961 acres including a 155-acre lake along with extensive wetlands and woodlands. This picturesque lake attracts many visitors interested in fishing and swimming. Additionally, the park provides various trails, a sandy shoreline, and an abundance of wildlife 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 take pleasure in visiting amusement parks, museums, historical locations, and hiking paths.
Fairbanks, Alaska
Founded in 1901, the city of Fairbanks, Alaska experienced a surge in population during the Fairbanks Gold Rush.
Despite having a population of 95,739, this place ranks as the second most populous town in the state. Situated somewhat remotely amidst wild landscapes, the town is home to the University of Alaska.
This region hosts 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 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 various lodges and tour operators specializing in showcasing this stunning natural phenomenon.
Kearney, Nebraska
Dubbed as the cultural hub of Nebraska, this welcoming town offers a delightful array of artistic experiences for all ages. Situated approximately two and a half hours west of Omaha, Kearney boasts an impressive arts scene featuring venues such as the Merryman Performing Arts Center and the World Theatre, both known for their continuous schedule of 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 nationwide average. This allows inhabitants to fully take advantage of what the community offers without straining their finances.
This community provides numerous leisure pursuits to its populace of 57,843 residents including horseback riding, tennis, golf, excursions at Fort Kearny, 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 exploring either the River's Edge Trail or enjoying events at Montana's State Fair.
The median listing price for properties in this area 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 focused on Lewis and Clark.
This town offers an ideal setting for nature enthusiasts, featuring constant opportunities like hiking paths throughout the year and downhill skiing during winter months at Showdown Mountain. Additionally, summertime provides easy access to both the waters of the Missouri River and riverside areas.
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