The cost of living is up, prompting a growing number of Americans to flee big cities and opt for small-town life instead.
A tiny, tight-knit community might seem like heaven to those who want a slower pace of life, but that doesn’t mean that smaller towns are sleepy, cultural wastelands.
Many towns across the country offer the same top-notch amenities found in larger cities—they just come with a more laid-back, know-your-neighbors vibe at an affordable price tag.
To find these hidden gems, the Realtor.com® data team examined real estate in every U.S. “micropolitan area”—that is, counties with a population between 10,000 and 50,000. Then, we gathered U.S. Census Bureau data detailing the dining, entertainment, recreation, and quality-of-life business establishments in the area and calculated their rate per 100,000 residents.
From there, we limited our list to places where the median 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.
Still, the Midwest and Northeast regions in particular make a strong showing on this list because these areas are known for their affordability as well as their range of cultural institutions and universities.
“Many of these places are attractive to residents because they are far more affordable than the big cities nearby,” says Seamus Nally, CEO of TurboTenant in Fort Collins, CO. “They are towns that aren’t so small that there is nothing to do—there are still decent population sizes and lots of opportunities for things involving community and entertainment—but it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg to live there.”
This lower cost of living extends to housing, offering hopeful homebuyers more budget-friendly lodging than what can typically be found in urban centers.
“While people may only be able to afford renting an apartment in the big cities nearby,” Nally adds. “They may be able to afford buying a house in these smaller cities.”
These are the 10 most affordable small towns according to Realtor.com’s 2024 list:
Branson tops our rankings not only because its median list price is more than $150,000 below the national median but also because it’s known as “the entertainment capital of the Ozarks” with year-round music and drama performances held within more than 50 theaters and venues. Bransonites also boast about their town’s low unemployment and crime rates. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy visiting many lakes for fishing or hiking at Table Rock State Park. The College of the Ozarks offers free education for students willing to work while they attend.
– Median list price: $274,950
– Cost of living: 15% below national average
– Population: 57,490
Springfield wins points from residents for its mix of culture and history. As Illinois’ capital city with bustling energy yet remaining budget-friendly.
– Median list price: $209,900
– Cost of living: 10% below national average
– Population: 206,063
Sandusky has become popular for second homes due largely due parks & recreational opportunities dotted around Lake Erie.
– Median list price: $337.,950
– Cost of living: 23% below national average
– Population: 74.,145
Glens Falls lives up ‘Hometown USA’ moniker surrounded by natural beauty near Adirondacks; Rocket Mortgage named it safest city nationally consecutively two years.
-Median List Price :$352 ,450
-Cost Of Living :1 .5 % Below National Average
-Population :126 ,131
Atlantic City reshaping itself family destination despite being initially settled health resort now draws over million visitors annually reknown boardwalk indoor outdoor activities kids adults alike.
-Median List Price :$389 ,999
-Cost Of Living :6 .1 % Below National Average
-Population :276 ,008
Baraboo less hours Milwaukee Madison home Devil s Lake State Park International Crane Foundation nonprofit protecting world crane species connections circus world birthplace Ringling Brothers Museum History Circuses Clown Hall Fame wineries distilleries abound hosts annual Oktoberfest celebration each year .
Median List Price:$369 ,900
Cost Of Living :14 .7 % Below National Average
Population66 :,174
Altoona east Pittsburgh established railroad hub remains must see destination train enthusiasts Horseshoe Curve track considered engineering marvel tracks wind around curve mountain although suffered economic downturn manufacturing dried healthcare major industry invested heavily revitalizing downtown creating pedestrian zones Fairbanks was established gold rush era dominated tourism mining surrounded vast wilderness perfect outdoorsy types University Alaska access plenty cultural events regular cruise ship stop however weather cold temperatures drop zero degrees Fahrenheit hosting World Ice Art championship annually February .
Median List Price:$315 ,000
Cost Of Living24:% Above National Average
Population95:,739
Kearney west Omaha Nebraska s cultural heart Viaero Center Merryman Performing Arts Center World Theatre host events shows nature lovers parks golf courses friendly people wave moving alarmed .
Median List Price:$319 .,900
Cost Of Living11:.9% Below National Average
Population57:,843
Great Falls Montana’s other major cities Bozeman Missoula watch grizzly bears Residents Great Falls enjoy outdoors year round hiking trails skiing winter winding Missouri River Culture abounds art museums history museums entire center devoted Lewis Clark rates high affordability scale homes have median listing price significantly cheaper compared rest country affording reasonable housing options prospective buyers seeking value .
