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  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 expenses.
cost of living
.

“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 compilation of budget-friendly towns created by
Realtor.com
.

There are still substantial population numbers and numerous chances for activities related to community engagement and leisure, yet living expenses do not break the bank.

People in America are noticing 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 “micropolitan areas” across the United States where people can live comfortably without breaking the bank and continue to enjoy 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 its over 50 theaters and performance spaces.

The town is known as ‘the entertainment hub of the Ozarks’ and provides an array of performances including live music, theater, magic shows, or stand-up comedy, ensuring there’s ‘a performance every evening’.

The town boasts a median listing price of $274,950 and its cost of living stands at 15 percent below the national average, which means Branson provides the excitement typically associated with larger cities but without the high costs.

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 commit to working part-time while pursuing their studies.

Should the arts not amuse you, then the numerous lakes provide ample chances for various outdoor pursuits such as fishing, boating, and swimming. Additionally, you might enjoy cave exploration or hiking at Table Rock State Park.

This family-oriented community offers various entertainments for kids, including theme and water parks, golf courses, as well as the Hollywood wax museum and Titanic Museum attractions.

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 tapestry 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.

Locals appreciate the affordable lifestyle and strong sense of community within the town. They also enjoy the extensive array of artistic events, local sports activities, and over twenty-five public 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 significantly increasing 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, lies along the shores of Lake Erie, providing convenient access to neighboring 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 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 gems.

The town is encircled by natural splendor like Glen Falls and sits close to the Adirondack Mountains.

The town features various events and attractions including dancing, theatre performances, outdoor expeditions, 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 a population of 126,131.

The town is also known for hosting the Hyde Museum, which stands out among the smaller art institutions in the Northeast due to its impressive array of both European and American artworks. This museum’s main collection features works from distinguished 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 its casinos.

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 a vibrant night scene, 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

Nestled amidst stunning state parks and steeped in history, Baraboo follows the course of the Baraboo River. It is conveniently located within a two-hour drive from Milwaukee and less than an hour’s journey 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, making it the biggest state park in Wisconsin.

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 renowned Ringling Brothers Circus. Today, visitors can explore attractions such as 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 yearly celebration of Oktoberfest.

Altoona, Pennsylvania

The town of Altoona was mainly founded in the 1800s as a central point for railways and is known for the Horseshoe Curve, where train tracks loop around the curvature of a mountainside.

At the foot of Brush Mountain, within Blair County, Pennsylvania, you’ll find Altoona, a place rich with historical significance and natural splendor.

Boasting the Canoe Creek State Park, spanning over 961 acres with a prominent feature being a 155-acre lake along with extensive wetlands and woodlands. This lake attracts many visitors who come here for fishing and swimming. In addition to these attractions, the park provides various hiking paths, a sandy shore area, and abundant opportunities for observing local fauna.

The midpoint price listing stands at $149,000, with the cost of living being 22 percent beneath 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 a surge in inhabitants due to the Fairbanks Gold Rush.

Despite having a population of 95,739, this town is the second most populous in the state. Situated somewhat remotely amidst vast wilderness areas, the town is home to the University of Alaska.

This region houses both the Angel Rocks Trail and the Fairbanks Ice Museum, where consistently frigid conditions often plummeting below freezing provide ideal circumstances for hosting the yearly World Ice Art competition.

The midpoint price listing 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 numerous lodges and tour operators specializing in helping visitors experience this spectacular light show.

Kearney, Nebraska

This welcoming town has earned the title of the cultural hub of Nebraska. Located 2.5 hours west of Omaha, Kearney boasts an impressive arts scene featuring venues like the Merryman Performing Arts Center and the World Theatre, both of which present 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 take advantage of what the town provides without straining their finances.

This community provides numerous leisure options for its populace of 57,843 residents including horseback riding, tennis, golf courses, excursions at Fort Kearny, and multiple parks designed for those who appreciate natural beauty.

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 delight in visiting its ten museums, going buffalo hunting, and leisurely spending their time either along the River’s Edge Trail or 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 features several art museums, historical museums, and a dedicated center focused on Lewis and Clark’s legacy.

This town offers excellent opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts with activities available throughout the year like exploring hiking paths, enjoying downhill skiing at Showdown Mountain during winter months, and accessing the Missouri River area in summertime.

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