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The Top 50 Small Towns for Raising a Family Revealed
The charm of small-town living has surged in popularity, and with Americans seeking respite from high costs, these ten budget-friendly towns have successfully managed to lower their cost of living.
cost of living
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“They are towns that aren’t so tiny they offer no activities,” explained Seamus Nally, CEO of the property management software firm TurboTenant.
Colorado
mentioned regarding the roster of budget-friendly towns assembled by
Realtor.com
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The area maintains a significant populace and offers numerous chances for communal and recreational activities, yet living expenses remain reasonably affordable.
People in America are discovering 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 U.S. micropolitan areas where people can live comfortably without dedicating their entire income and yet have access to leisure 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 referred to as ‘the entertainment hub of the Ozarks’ and provides an array of performances including live music, theater, magic shows, or stand-up comedy, boasting ‘a nightly spectacle seven days a 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 of a large metropolis sans the high expenses.
The community, with a populace of 57,490, 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 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 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 enriched by a diverse cultural heritage and historical significance.
The city, with a population of 206,063, has a median home price of $209,900 and boasts a cost of living that is 10 percent lower than the national average.
The townspeople appreciate the affordable lifestyle and strong sense of community. They also enjoy a wide array of cultural activities along with numerous recreational opportunities including over twenty-five public parks.
The city of Chicago is just a four-hour train ride away, offering residents the chance to maintain ties 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
Dubbed a ‘seaside retreat,’ the quaint town of Sandusky, Ohio, graces 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 pricing chart stands at $337,950, and the community boasts a populace of 74,145 inhabitants.
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 various events and attractions including dancing, theatrical performances, outdoor excursions, museums, and vineyards. It frequently hosts open-air cinema evenings, 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 the city has a population of 126,131.
This town houses the Hyde Museum, which stands out among the Northeast’s smaller art institutions for its impressive displays 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 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 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 follows the course of the Baraboo River. It is situated roughly two hours away from Milwaukee and under an hour’s drive from Madison.
The town houses the International Crane Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to 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 stems from being the birthplace of the famous Ringling Brothers Circus. Today, visitors can explore attractions such as 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 residents.
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 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 splendor.
Located near the Canoe Creek State Park, this area encompasses 961 acres including a 155-acre lake along with extensive wetlands and woodlands. This sizable body of water is ideal for both fishing and swimming activities. In addition to these attractions, visitors can enjoy various hiking paths, explore a sandy shoreline, and observe an abundance of local fauna within the park grounds.
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 significant growth when the region was impacted by the Fairbanks Gold Rush.
Despite having a population of 95,739, it stands as the second-most populous town in the state. Situated somewhat remotely amidst wild landscapes, this 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 below freezing create ideal conditions for the yearly World Ice Art Championship.
The middle value for the price list stands at $315,000, and surprisingly, the town’s cost of living is 24 percent lower than the national average.
Fairbanks is an excellent location for viewing the Aurora Borealis, with numerous lodges and tour operators specializing in helping visitors experience this stunning phenomenon.
Kearney, Nebraska
Dubbed the cultural hub of Nebraska, this welcoming town offers a delightful array of artistic experiences. Located approximately two and a half hours west of Omaha, Kearney boasts an impressive arts scene with notable 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 expenses being 11.9 percent lower than the national average. This allows inhabitants to fully experience all the town offers without straining their finances.
This town provides numerous leisure options for its populace of 57,843 residents including horseback riding, tennis, golfing opportunities, excursions at Fort Kearney, and multiple parks designed for those who love 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 history.
Residents of this town, which has a population of 85,333, can delight in visiting its ten museums, pursuing buffalo hunts, and relaxing along either 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, history museums, and a dedicated space for commemorating Lewis and Clark’s journey.
This town offers excellent opportunities for nature enthusiasts with continuous recreational options like hiking paths throughout the year. During winters, you can enjoy skiing at Showdown Mountain, while summers provide easy access to both the waters of the Missouri River and nearby trails.
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