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 the Northeast regions in particular make a strong showing on this list, most likely because these areas are famed 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, they may be able to afford buying a house in these smaller cities,” Nally adds.
These are the 10 most affordable small towns to make the Realtor.com 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 list price is more than $150,000 below the national median. It’s also known as “the entertainment capital of the Ozarks” with year-round music and drama performances held within more than 50 theaters and venues.
In short, Branson is the spot to see everything from live music to comedy to magic—there’s a show every night of the week.
And despite the major influx of tourists to the town, Bransonites brag about their town’s low unemployment and crime rates.
Outdoor enthusiasts will also love visiting the area’s many lakes for fishing, boating, and swimming, exploring nearby caves, or hiking/biking at Table Rock State Park. Branson is also home to the College of the Ozarks, which offers free education to students willing to work while they attend.
Springfield, IL
Median list price: $209,900
Cost of living: 10% below the national average
Population: 206,063
Springfield, the home of Abraham Lincoln, wins big points from residents for its mix of culture and history. As the capital of Illinois, it has bustling energy but remains budget-friendly.
Residents of Springfield love its low cost of living and the sense of community the town provides. There’s a wealth of recreational sports and more than two dozen parks in and around the area. The town has an active arts community, with ballet, 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, perched on the shores of Lake Erie.
“While you’re still technically in Ohio, Sandusky has a distinct atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a coastal getaway,” says Adam Zimmerman of Engel & Völkers, a Cleveland brokerage that services the Sandusky market.
Sandusky has become a popular spot for second homes, Zimmerman says, largely due to the parks and recreational opportunities that dot the area.
The town’s waterfront offers easy access to neighboring islands like Kelleys Island, Catawba, and Put-in-Bay, each known for their old-town atmosphere and seasonal attractions, including lively nightlife and events.
“These islands provide a well-rounded experience, from weekend getaways to vibrant entertainment, all within a short distance from Sandusky,” says Zimmerman.
Sandusky is also not far from Cedar Point, one of the Midwest’s major amusement parks known as the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World.”
Glens Falls, NY
Median list price: $352,450
Cost of living: 1.5% below the national average
Population: 126,131
In 1944, Look magazine named Glens Falls “Hometown USA,” and it really lives up to that moniker. Located just 50 minutes north of Albany on the Hudson River, the town is surrounded by natural beauty and near the Adirondacks. In 2021 and 2022, Rocket Mortgage named it the safest city in the country.
The town’s history dates to 1766, when it was initially named for Quaker leader Abraham Wing. Even today, traces of this towns Quaker past remain. As one of the oldest settled areas in the country, it features several historically designated buildings and districts.
In the summer, the town holds outdoor movie nights, farmers markets, and the Adirondack Theatre Festival. It also boasts the Hyde Museum, a world-class gallery that contains works from Rembrandt to Rauschenberg.
Atlantic City, NJ
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 center, Atlantic City was initially settled in the 1800s as a health resort where people could take in the calming waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
In the 1970s, the town, looking for an economic boost, legalized gambling, which increased crime and brought an influx of tourists. These days, Atlantic City draws more than 27 million visitors a year, but it’s also reshaping itself as a family destination. Its famous boardwalk has indoor and outdoor activities for kids and adults, including mini golf, amusement parks, arcades, and boat tours.
Baraboo, WI
Median list price: $369,900
Cost of living: 14.7% below the national average
Population: 66,174
Perched on the Baraboo River, this town is less than two hours from Milwaukee and less than an hour from Madison. But its vibe? It feels like it’s worlds away.
Baraboo is home to the Devil’s Lake State Park as well as the International Crane Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the world’s crane species.
The town might 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 museum about the history of circuses, and the Clown Hall of Fame. Wineries and distilleries abound; each year, the city hosts an Oktoberfest celebration.
Altoona, PA
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 hub and remains a must-see destination for train enthusiasts. It is home to the Horseshoe Curve, an area of track that is considered an engineering marvel because of how the tracks wind around the curve of a mountain.
Although the town suffered an economic downturn as manufacturing work dried up, health care is now a major industry in the area, and the city has invested heavily in revitalizing the downtown area and creating pedestrian zones.
Fairbanks, AK
Median list price: $315,000
Cost of living: 24% above the national average
Population: 95,739
Fairbanks was established in 1901, and the population boomed a couple of years later during the Fairbanks Gold Rush. These days, health care, tourism, and mining dominate the economy.
Fairbanks is the second-largest town in the state, but its population is fewer than 100,000 people. It’s surrounded by a vast wilderness, which makes it perfect for outdoorsy types. But it is also home to the University of Alaska, so residents have access to plenty of cultural events, too. It’s also a regular cruise ship stop.
The weather might not be for everyone, though. It’s on the same meridian as the Arctic Circle, and temperatures regularly drop below zero degrees Fahrenheit. That said, this makes it a great place to host the annual World Ice Art championship each February.
Kearney, NE
Median list price: $319,900
Cost of living: 11.9% below the national average
Population: 57,843
This town, located about 2.5 hours west of Omaha, is considered Nebraska’s cultural heart. Its Viaero Center, Merryman Performing Arts Center, and the World Theatre host events and shows year-round. But nature lovers can take advantage of its parks and golf courses.
“It’s just one of the best places to live,” says local Coldwell Banker real estate agent Kelsey Janssen. She tells people moving to Kearney not to be alarmed when people they don’t recognize wave at them.
“That’s just how friendly people here are,” she says.
Great Falls, MT
Median list price: $424,500
Cost of living: 12.1% below the national average
Population: 85,333
Residents of Great Falls enjoy the outdoors year-round, with hiking trails, skiing in the winter, and plenty to do along the winding Missouri River. Culture also abounds. There are art museums, history museums, and an entire center devoted 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 major cities like Bozeman and Missoula.
Just make sure to watch out for the grizzly bears!