Big cities have a big draw: they have more jobs, more restaurants, more to do. But they also come with a big price tag.
Worrying about paying rent in your NYC, one-room apartment the size of a college dorm? Maybe a move is in order. Because, even though it costs an arm and a leg to live in some of your favorite cities, there are plenty of cities that are more easily affordable. Smart Asset has illustrated the Top 10 cities in America where you can afford to live:
As Business Insider explains, the only places considered for this ranking were cities that had a population over 150,000 (since obviously a small town is more affordable). And the Top 10 include mostly cities in the Midwest and the South, but the number one slot went to a city in the Northeast. Here’s a breakdown of each of the cities and why you might want to live there.
1. Buffalo, NY
Buffalo is famous for one thing: the seemingly never-ending snow. But if you’re a fan of the cold, Buffalo is a great place to live, partially due to the fact that it has the cheapest rent of all the cities on this list. And if you don’t like snow, don’t count Buffalo out. In the summer, being so close to Lake Ontario is pretty nice. Not to mention, it’s the home of Buffalo Wings.
2. Springfield, MO
Springfield is the number one choice for anyone who wants to own a home, thanks to the super low property taxes. So the cost is low and the value is high, which is definitely something a home owner can get behind. People in Springfield are the perfect mix between country and city, being a city so close to the Ozarks. And don’t forget: its the birthplace of Route 66!
3. Fort Wayne, IN
In Fort Wayne, you get the best of both worlds: a bustling city (with endless BBQ joints) that’s only a few miles away from the relaxation of Amish country. The city dedicates time to teach children science and the arts, so the city is full of music, art, and theatre. If you’re still not convinced, check out the amazing Embassy Theatre, which is used as a concert venue now.
4. Knoxville, TN
Go Orange! Knoxville loves their college sports teams, acting as home to the flagship campus of the University of Tennessee. You never need to be worried about boredom setting in, with the 100,000 fans filling the stadium each game day. But if you’re not a sports fan, the city is also beautiful, with the Tennessee River flowing by. There are plenty of water activities, like taking a ride on The Star of Knoxville paddlewheel riverboat.
5. Jackson, MS
Known as “The City With Soul,” Jackson is one of the stops on the Mississippi Blues Trail. Which is clear by the number of songs it’s mentioned in, from Johnny Cash’s Jackson in 1963, to, more recently, Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars. But besides music, Jackson is known for two other things: southern hospitality and southern cooking.
6. Birmingham, AL
Birmingham is one of the most affordable cities, rated not only by Smart Asset, but also Forbes and Kiplinger. It’s a hub for one of the biggest magazine publishers in the nation, and downtown is home to a lot of Brooklyn style coffee shops and cocktail bars. The city isn’t just a metro area, but there’s also a lot of opportunity for hiking and amazing views. Birmingham also has a huge craft beer market, which goes hand-in-hand with their passion for football (the Southeastern Conference Headquarters are located here).
7. Akron, OH
Akron is to thank for many of the things we celebrate today, like the K-12 school system, or Arbor Day. The latter might have something to do with the fact that Akron is home to a beautiful state park, connecting the city with Cleveland, which is 50 miles away. And sports lovers will know that the PGA World Tour stops here every year, so there must be something special about this small city.
8. Shreveport, LA
True Blood got something right hosting some of the hit HBO show in Shreveport. And while there might not be werewolves running around, there is a bustling city with the highest median home value on this list. Sometimes called the “melting pot” of southern culture, its a 5 hour drive from New Orleans, and its only 2 hours to Dallas.
9. Amarillo, TX
Vegetarians need not visit, because Amarillo is one of the major players in the beef industry in the United States. All the Texan stereotypes happen here: amazing BBQ, tons rodeos, drag races, and the people live the true cowboy lifestyle. But Amarillo also has a sophisticated side, boasting a great symphony.
10. Detroit, MI
Detroit may have a bad reputation, but there are plenty of things that make the city great. The only place on this list with a sports team in all four Major Sports, the city is serious about their rivalries. It’s also home to some of the greatest musicians of all time (like Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and Madonna). And although some people who live here have gone through tough times, they are hopeful and working together to make it a great place to live going forward.
These are just 10 of the small cities that are each affordable and amazing in their own way. Just imagine what else you are missing when you’re planning your move to NYC or San Francisco. Those big cities are great, and have a lot to offer, but don’t count out these small cities yet. It may be cheaper to live here, but it might be just as rewarding.
[Featured Image Credit: findyourspot.com]
