Top 10 affordable small towns you’d love to live in

The cost of living has risen, causing a growing number of Americans to leave big cities and choose life in small towns.

A small, close-knit community may seem like paradise for those who want a slower pace of life, but that doesn’t mean smaller towns are sleepy lands and cultural wastelands.

Many towns across the country offer the same high-end amenities found in larger cities—they just come with a more laid-back, familiar-with-your-neighbor vibe at an affordable price.

To find these hidden gems, Realtor.com’s data team examined real estate in every US “micropolitan area” — that is, counties with a population between 10,000 and 50,000. Next, we collected US Census Bureau data detailing the area’s dining, entertainment, entertainment, and quality-of-life business establishments and calculated their rate per 100,000 residents.

From there, we limited our list to places where the average list price per square foot is lower than the national average and selected only the highest-ranking micropolitan area in any given state to ensure geographic diversity.

However, the Central and Northeast regions in particular make a strong showing on this list, most likely because these areas are famous for their affordability as well as their range of cultural institutions and universities.

“Many of these places are attractive to residents because they are much more affordable than the big cities nearby,” says Seamus Nally, CEO of TurboTenant in Fort Collins, CO. “They’re cities that aren’t so small that there’s nothing to do” there’s still a good population and lots of opportunities for things that involve community and entertainment” but it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg to live there. â€

This lower cost of living extends to housing, offering hopeful homebuyers more budget accommodation than what can typically be found in urban centers.

“While people may only be able to afford to rent an apartment in nearby large cities, they may be able to afford to buy a home in these smaller towns,” adds Nally.

These are the 10 most affordable small towns to make Realtor.com’s 2024 list.

Branson, MO

Median list price: $274,950
Cost of living: 15% below the national average
Population: 57,490

Branson tops our rankings not only because its median listing price is more than $150,000 below the national average. It is also known as the “entertainment capital of the Ozarks” with year-round music and dramatic performances held in more than 50 theaters and venues.

In short, Branson is THE place to see everything from live music to comedy to magic – there’s a show every night of the week.

And despite the heavy influx of tourists to the city, Bransonites boast about their city’s low unemployment and crime rates.

Nature enthusiasts will also love visiting the area’s many lakes for fishing, boating and swimming, exploring the nearby caves, or hiking/biking in Table Rock State Park. Branson is also home to the College of the Ozarks, which offers free education to students who wish to work while attending.

Springfield, IL

Median list price: $209,900
Cost of living: 10% below the national average
Population: 206,063

Springfield, home of Abraham Lincolnit earns big points from residents for its mix of culture and history. As the capital of Illinois, it has active energy, but remains budget-friendly.

Springfield residents love the low cost of living and sense of community the city offers. There is a wealth of recreational sports and more than two dozen parks in and around the area. The city has an active arts community, with ballets, touring Broadway shows and concerts.

Bonus: Chicago is about four hours away by train.

Sandusky, OH

Median list price: $337,950
Cost of living: 23% below the national average
Population: 74,145

Sandusky is just an hour west of Cleveland, located on the shores of Lake Erie.

“While you’re still technically in Ohio, Sandusky has a special vibe that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a coastal getaway,” says Adam Zimmerman of Engel & Völkers, a Cleveland brokerage serving the Sandusky market.

Sandusky has become a popular spot for second homes, Zimmerman says, largely because of the parks and recreational opportunities that dot the area.

The city’s waterfront offers easy access to neighboring islands such as Kelleys Island, Catawba and Put-in-Bay, each known for their old-town atmosphere and seasonal attractions, including vibrant nightlife and events.

“These islands offer a complete experience, from weekend getaways to live entertainment, all within a short distance of Sandusky,” Zimmerman says.

Sandusky is also not far from Cedar Point, one of the Midwest’s premier amusement parks known as the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World.”

Median list price: $352,450
Cost of living: 1.5% below the national average
Population: 126,131

In 1944, Look magazine named Glens Falls the “Birthtown of the USA,” and it truly lives up to that designation. Located just 50 minutes north of Albany on the Hudson River, the city is surrounded by natural beauty and close to the Adirondacks. In 2021 and 2022, Rocket Mortgage named it the safest city in the country.

The town’s history dates back to 1766, when it was originally named for a Quaker leader. Abraham’s arm. Even today, traces of this Quaker town’s past remain. As one of the oldest inhabited areas in the country, it contains several historically designated buildings and districts.

In the summer, the town hosts outdoor movie nights, farmers markets and the Adirondack Theater Festival. It also boasts the Hyde Museum, a world-class gallery featuring works by Rembrandt that Rauschenberg.

Median list price: $389,999
Cost of living: 6.1% below the national average
Population: 276,008

Despite its reputation today as a gambling and nightlife hub, Atlantic City was originally established in the 1800s as a health resort where people could soak up the soothing waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

In the 1970s, the city, seeking an economic boost, legalized gambling, which increased crime and brought an influx of tourists. These days, Atlantic City attracts more than 27 million visitors a year, but it’s also recasting itself as a family destination. Its famous street has indoor and outdoor activities for children and adults, including mini golf, amusement parks, arcades and boat tours.

Median list price: $369,900
Cost of living: 14.7% below the national average
Population: 66,174

Located on the Baraboo River, this city is less than two hours from Milwaukee and less than an hour from Madison. But its atmosphere? It feels like it’s so far away.

Baraboo is home to Devil’s Lake State Park as well as the International Crane Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the world’s crane species.

The city may be best known for its connections to the circus world. Known as “Circus City,” Baraboo is the birthplace of the Ringling Brothers Circus and today is home to Circus World, a circus history museum and the Clown Hall of Fame. Wineries and distilleries are numerous; every year, the city hosts an Oktoberfest celebration.

Median list price: $149,000
Cost of living: 22% below the national average
Population: 120,089

About two hours east of Pittsburgh, Altoona was established in the 1800s as a railroad center and remains a must-see destination for train enthusiasts. It is home to the Horseshoe Curve, a track that is considered an engineering marvel because of the way the track curves around the curve of a mountain.

Although the city suffered an economic downturn as manufacturing jobs dried up, healthcare is now a major industry in the area, and the city has invested heavily in revitalizing the downtown area and creating pedestrian areas.

Median list price: $315,000
Cost of living: 24% above the national average
Population: 95,739

Fairbanks was established in 1901 and the population grew a few years later during the Fairbanks Gold Rush. These days, healthcare, tourism and mining dominate the economy.

Fairbanks is the second largest city in the state, but its population is less than 100,000 people. It is surrounded by a vast desert, which makes it perfect for outdoorsy types. But it’s also home to the University of Alaska, so residents have access to plenty of cultural events as well. It is also a regular stop for cruise ships.

However, the weather may not be for everyone. It is on the same meridian as the Arctic Circle and temperatures regularly drop below zero degrees Fahrenheit. That said, it makes it a great place to host the annual world ice art championships every February.

Median list price: $319,900
Cost of living: 11.9% below the national average
Population: 57,843

This city, located about 2.5 hours west of Omaha, is considered the cultural heart of Nebraska. Its Viaero Center, Merryman Performing Arts Center and World Theater host events and performances throughout the year. But nature lovers can take advantage of the parks and golf courses.

“It’s just one of the best places to live,” says local real estate agent Coldwell Banker Kelsey Janssen. She tells people driving in Kearney not to be alarmed when people they don’t know wave at them.

“That’s how friendly people are here,” she says.

Median list price: $424,500
Cost of living: 12.1% below the national average
Population: 85,333

Great Falls residents enjoy the outdoors year-round, with hiking trails, skiing in the winter, and plenty to do along the winding Missouri River. There is also plenty of culture. There are art museums, history museums, and an entire center dedicated to Lewis and Clark.

It also rates high on the affordability scale. Homes have a median list price of $348,950, which is about $100,000 less than the national average. It’s also much more affordable than some of Montana’s other big cities like Bozeman and Missoula.

Just be sure to watch out for the grizzly bears!