There are a lot of things to consider when deciding where to live, including finding a place that’s appealing and won’t break the bank. With housing and living costs on the rise, it’s more important than ever to take expenses into account if you’re relocating.
A new report from “Travel and Leisure” can offer some insight. It uses data from “U.S. News & World Report,” including everything from the median home price to the cost of living, to come up with the most beautiful and affordable cities to live in the U.S.
The 10 Most Beautiful and Affordable Places to Live in the U.S.
- Hickory, North Carolina - This family-friendly destination is located at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and it’s currently the cheapest place to live in the country, with a median home price of $161-thousand. It’s close to Asheville and Charlotte and it’s a technological hub for Google and Apple.
- Grand Rapids, Michigan - With a growing arts and culture scene and scenic parks along Grand River, this city is also affordable, with a median home price of $367-thousand.
- Greenville, South Carolina - Known for its lively downtown and picturesque views of Falls Park on the Reedy, Greenville is located at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the median home price is about $320-thousand, which is below the national median.
- Louisville, Kentucky - Home to the Kentucky Derby, it sits along the Ohio River and offers spectacular views from Waterfront Park and Big Four Pedestrian Bridge. One of Louisville’s big draws is its low median home price, about $163-thousand, as well as its park system and creative culinary scene.
- Knoxville, Tennessee - It’s near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, home to the University of Tennessee and offers the beauty of the great outdoors and a bustling downtown. The median home price of approximately $335-thousand is another draw.
- St. Louis, Missouri - This Midwestern city is famous for its landmark Gateway Arch National Park and the 13-hundred acre Forest Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country. The median home price of around $260-thousand is also appealing.
- Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas - Dallas has an energetic downtown and thriving arts district, and the Fort Worth Stockyards is a historic district with daily cattle drives. DFW offers scenic walking trails, fun nightlife and a median housing cost of about $394-thousand.
- Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina - With top-tier universities and a growing job market, these cities have a median housing price of just over $436-thousand.
- South Bend, Indiana - This college town is appealing to nature seekers, thanks to its hiking trails and outdoor recreational opportunities, as well as its low cost of living, with a median home price of around $142-thousand.
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - With its skyline views, cultural district and culinary scene, Pittsburgh is still more affordable than other major U.S. cities with a median housing cost of approximately $222-thousand.
Source: Travel and Leisure