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There's a respectable population and many opportunities for community engagement and leisure activities, without breaking the bank to live there.
Americans are discovering that their money goes further in smaller towns, allowing them to purchase larger homes at more affordable prices.
Census data from Realtor.com shows the most attractive US "micropolitan areas" where Americans can afford to enjoy recreational activities despite their income.
The review looked at 'micropolitan-areas,' which consist of counties with populations ranging from 10,000 to 50,000 people, and found out where money is being spent to reveal the top ten most budget-friendly towns per 100,000 residents.
Branson, Missouri
The Missouri town of Branson, situated at the heart of the Ozark Mountains, offers a wide variety of activities to keep visitors engaged, with its extensive array of live entertainment available throughout the year including more than 50 theaters and performance venues.
The town is often referred to as the entertainment capital of the Ozarks, boasting live music, drama, magic, or comedy performances, with 'a show every night of the week'.
The town has a median price tag of $274,950 and its cost of living is 15 percent lower than the national average, making Branson a place where you can experience the excitement of a big city without the hefty price tag.
The population of 57,490 also benefits from low employment and crime rates, in addition to a significant influx of tourists.
The College of the Ozarks also provides numerous opportunities through over 30 academic programs in both Bachelor of Arts and Science degrees. Education here is also completely free, on the condition that students work simultaneously alongside their courses.
If it isn't the arts that keep you entertained, the numerous lakes provide opportunities for a range of outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, and swimming, as well as cave exploration and hiking at Table Rock State Park.
The town is also a suitable place for families, with entertainment options for kids, theme parks, water parks, golf facilities, and its Hollywood wax museum and Titanic Museum exhibitions.
Springfield, Illinois
The capital of the U.S. state of Illinois and the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, Springfield features affordable housing options and a strong sense of community with a diverse and rich history.
The city has a population of 206,063 residents, with a median home price of $209,900 and a cost of living that is 10 percent lower than the national average.
Local residents praise the town's affordable cost of living and strong sense of community, as well as its diverse cultural offerings, various community sports options, and extensive network of over two dozen parks.
The city of Chicago is roughly four hours away by train, affording residents the potential to maintain a connection to big city life while keeping living costs manageable.
The town's rich history offers a wealth of cultural and architectural attractions, featuring notable landmarks like the 1839-built Old State Capitol, numerous museums, and war memorials, including the home of Abraham Lincoln.
Sandusky, Ohio
Located on the shore of Lake Erie, the town of Sandusky, Ohio, is often referred to as a relaxing coastal escape. Residents and visitors can enjoy convenient access to nearby islands, featuring diverse seasonal activities and a vibrant nightlife scene.
The town lies one hour west of Cleveland and features a cost of living that is 23 percent lower than the national average.
Cedar Point, situated just a short drive from Sandusky, is renowned as the 'Roller Coaster Capitol of the World'.
The town's median selling prices are listed at $337,950, and the total population is 74,145 residents.
Glen Falls, New York
Known as "Hometown USA", Glen Falls, New York, is one of the country's oldest inhabited areas, featuring various historical structures and architectural styles.
Surrounded by picturesque natural landscapes, the town boasts Glen Falls and scenic proximity to the magnificent Adirondack Mountains.
The town boasts a diverse array of recreational activities and entertainment options, including dance performances, theater productions, outdoor excursions, museums, and wineries. It frequently hosts outdoor movie screenings, farmers' markets, and the Adirondack Theatre Festival.
They list a median price of 352,450 dollars with a cost of living that is 1.5 percent below the national average, and a population of 126,131 people.
The town accommodates the Hyde Museum, a distinguished small art museum located in the Northeast, featuring an impressive collection of European and American art. Its core collection houses pieces by celebrated artists such as Boticelli, Picasso, and Homer.
Atlantic City, New Jersey
At first glance, Atlantic City is more than just a city catering to gamblers.
The town of New Jersey offers various sightseeing opportunities, including the Atlantic City Boardwalk, featuring a four-mile stretch of restaurants, bars, shops, and carnival games. The historic Absecon Lighthouse, constructed in 1857, stands at an impressive 171 feet tall.
Known as the focal point for gaming and an unconventional nightlife, Atlantic City was initially established in the 1800s as a spa destination, where residents could relax near the tranquil waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Their median sale price is $389,999, which is 6.1 percent lower than the national average cost of living.
Atlantic City welcomes over 27 million visitors annually, gradually evolving to become a more family-oriented destination, boasting a population of approximately 276,008 residents.
Baraboo, Wisconsin
Surrounded by beautiful state parks and steeped in history, Baraboo is nestled along the banks of the Baraboo River and is conveniently situated just a two-hour drive from Milwaukee and less than an hour from Madison.
The town is home to the International Crane Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to safeguarding cranes. Baraboo also features Devil's Lake State Park, which covers an area of approximately 9,200 acres, making it the largest state park in Wisconsin.
Baraboo is also known as 'Circus City', the town's historical ties to the circus world are largely due to the fact that the Ringling Brothers Circus was born there, and it now features the Circus World Museum and the Clown Hall of Fame.
The median price list is $369,900, and the cost of living is 14.7 percent lower than the national average, with a total population of 66,174.
Baraboo offers a wide range of activities, including zoos, waterparks, wineries, and distilleries, as well as an annual Oktoberfest celebration.
Altoona, Pennsylvania
In the 1800s, the town of Altoona was primarily founded as a central hub for railroads and is also home to the Horseshoe Curve, a section of railroad tracks that wraps around the curve of a mountain.
Located at the bottom of Brush Mountain in Blair County, Pennsylvania, Altoona offers a rich history and an abundance of natural attractions.
The Canoe Creek State Park, covering nearly 961 acres, houses a 155-acre lake and is surrounded by wetlands and forests. The lake has gained popularity among fishing and swimming enthusiasts, and the park also features hiking trails, a sandy beach, and varieties of wildlife.
The median asking price is $149,000, and the cost of living is 22% lower than the national average.
The area is home to a population of 120,089, offering a variety of attractions including amusement parks, museums, historic sites, and hiking trails.
Fairbanks, Alaska
Found in 1901, the town of Fairbanks, Alaska, experienced a significant surge in population during the Fairbanks Gold Rush.
It is the second-largest town in the state, despite having a population of 95,739 residents. While rather isolated and surrounded by wilderness, this town is home to the University of Alaska.
The area boasts the Angel Rocks Trail and the Fairbanks Ice Museum, and its consistently cold temperatures, which often plummet below zero degrees, make it an ideal location for the annual World Ice Art championship.
The median price listing is $315,000, and the town's cost of living stands at a significant 24 percent below the national average.
Fairbanks is also a wonderful location to observe the Northern Lights, and is home to lodges and tours focused on experiencing the stunning display.
Kearney, Nebraska
This family-friendly town has been referred to as the cultural hub of the state of Nebraska. Kearney, located two and a half hours west of Omaha, is home to a thriving arts community. This includes the Merryman Performing Arts Center and the World Theatre, which present year-round productions.
With a median list price of $319,900 and a cost-of-living 11.9 percent below the national average, residents enjoy all that the town has to offer while saving money.
The town, boasting a population of 57,843, provides a wide range of recreational activities, including horseback riding, tennis, golf, Fort Kearney boat cruises, and a variety of parks catering to nature enthusiasts.
Great Falls, Montana
Great Falls, Montana, is nestled in a secluded position between four distinct mountain ranges, three rivers, two protected wilderness areas, and a wildlife sanctuary, and boasts a diverse and storied cultural and historical heritage.
The town has a population of 85,333 residents who can visit ten museums, hunt buffalo, and also enjoy leisure time along the River's Edge Trail and at the Montana State Fair.
The average price of homes for sale in the area is $424,500, while the cost of living is 12.1% lower than the national average. The town is also home to art museums, history museums, and a center dedicated to the explorations of Lewis and Clark.
The town is an ideal destination for enthusiasts of the great outdoors, with an array of year-round activities available, including hikes along treasured trails, snow-covered skiing at Showdown Mountain during winter, and water pursuits along the scenic Missouri River during the summer months.
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