×

20 Most Affordable Places For Families To Live In The US


20 Most Affordable Places For Families To Live In The US


Easy Savings

In this troubling economy, it’s important to save money when you can. One great way to lower rent and afford a house is by moving, and luckily the U.S. is full of beautiful and affordable places to call home.

a red car driving down a street next to a houseAlexander Kovalev on Unsplash

1. Decatur, Illinois

Often ranked as one of the most livable places in the United States, this city has a lot going for it. The average cost of rent is $570, while houses cost around $90,000, making it easy to save and buy. Plus, there are lots of historical sites and coffee shops on offer, making the scenery one of the perks.

File:Downtown-MerchantRsz.jpgGil Lebois on Wikimedia

2. Springfield, Illinois

Springfield is a pretty popular place to live, and has lots to offer, from libraries to museums, to a bustling selection of restaurants. The median rent is also $711, while the median house price is $153,738.

File:Illinois State Capitol distance.jpgAsher Heimermann on Wikimedia

3. Bay City, Michigan

Not to be confused with the other Bay City, this town offers a very reasonable rent rate at $636, while the median house price is only $90,930. In addition to this, the town has a large antique mall, and beautiful sights along the Saginaw River.

File:Bay City Bascule Bridge Bay City MI.JPGAndrew Jameson on Wikimedia

Advertisement

4. Eagle Pass, Texas

You’ll soon find that Texas is littered with highly affordable and beautiful cities to live in. Consider Eagle Pass, which is on the smaller side with a population of 27,962. Impressively, the median rent cost is only $592, while houses range at $161,889.

File:Eagle Pass TX - Business Section (NBY 430506).jpgUnknown authorUnknown author on Wikimedia

5. Enid, Oklahoma

With a modest population of only 50,763, Enid’s median house price is $143,000, while rent costs an average of $647. In addition to this, the city offers a public art scene and performances by a state symphony.

File:Downtown Enid, Oklahoma during Oktoberfest.jpgKiddo27 on Wikimedia

6. Midland, Michigan

This stunningly beautiful town has gorgeous rivers, parks, and forests. Plus, the median rent is only $873, while houses cost around $194,845. Additionally, it is considered one of the most desirable places to live due to its blend of urban and nature.

File:St. Brigid - Midland, Michigan 03.jpgFarragutful on Wikimedia

7. Fort Smith, Arkansas

Getting down to the numbers, Fort Smith offers a median rent of $594 while houses sit around $176,305. Not to mention, it’s stunningly beautiful, and includes the Belle Grove Historic District and uniquely Victorian-style homes.

File:Fort Smith, AR 005.jpgBrandonrush on Wikimedia

8. Mission, Texas

To add to the list of many livable places in Texas, consider Mission, which has beautiful houses in between mountains and rivers. Additionally, rent sits at a comfortable $699 average, while houses range around the $165,761 mark.

File:Mission,TX.jpgTheunderratedtaco on Wikimedia

9. Johnstown, Pennsylvania

Just one look at this beautiful city is enough to convince most to move. Located in between rolling hills and forests, the city has everything from history to nature. Plus, the average rent is only $444, while houses are valued at $46,678.

File:Fall Colors in Johnstown - panoramio (22).jpgRon Shawley on Wikimedia

Advertisement

10. Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Cedar Rapids has a lot to offer, not only is it beautiful, but it also has a bustling historical scene and plenty of nature to explore. In terms of rent, you’ll only be paying an average of $715, while houses cost around $174,452.

File:City Hall - Cedar Rapids, Iowa.jpgFarragutful on Wikimedia

11. Weirton, West Virginia

With an even smaller population sitting at around 18,403, this Virginia town not only has affordable rent at an average of $528 and houses around $117,000, but it also has plenty of parks to explore along the Ohio River.

File:Weirton, West Virginia 090108 492.jpgDougtone on Wikimedia

12. Laredo, Texas

Another beautiful Texas city to consider is Laredo, which might feel quite busy with a population of 256,842. While still relatively small compared to other cities, the median rent is $795, while houses are valued at $174,659. There are also lots of recreational activities by the lake to enjoy, and the city is home to one of the busiest international trade ports around.

File:Greetings from Laredo, Texas - Large Letter Postcard (7999407243).jpgSteve Shook from Moscow, Idaho, USA on Wikimedia

13. Anniston, Alabama

With a modest population of 22,262, Anniston has a lot going for it in terms of small city vibes. The median rent is $513, while most houses sit at $141,900. The town also had roots in the iron industry and has lots of history to explore.

File:Anniston, Alabama.JPGRivers Langley; SaveRivers on Wikimedia

14. St. Joseph, Missouri

If you enjoy history and nature, then St. Joseph is another great pick. The median rent is pricier at $1,127 and houses valued at $156,229, but it’s hard to beat the nice weather and elegant architecture.

File:Speyer - Altstadt - Altpörtel - Blick auf Gedächtniskirche und St. Joseph mit Sonnenuntergang.jpgRoman Eisele on Wikimedia

15. League City, Texas

Another busy port city in Texas is none other than League City, where the median rent is $1,231, and the houses are valued at $327,511. Despite being one of the pricier options on this list, it’s still well under the national median in terms of cost, plus, you get the perks of being by Clear Lake.

File:South Shore Harbour Resort & Conference Center -- League City, Texas.jpgJim Evans on Wikimedia

Advertisement

16. Dothan, Alabama

Another Alabama city to consider is none other than Dothan, where you can comfortably live paying $624 for rent or buying a house at a median cost of $187,797. There are also botanical gardens, a National Peanut Festival, and shops to explore.

File:DowntownDothan02.jpgPrussian_Fool on Wikimedia

17. Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

With a population of 116,677, this small city has a median rent of $1,000, and a typical house value of $233,573. Nestled between forests, you’ll have access to hiking trails and the Ray Harral Nature Park.

File:Building in Broken Arrow Oklahoma.jpgJordanmac at English Wikipedia on Wikimedia

18. Katy, Texas

Another beautiful city in Texas, Katy is also on the pricier side with a median rent of $1,196, and $343,597. That being said, the city is stunningly beautiful, and has spots for trails, wildlife preservation, and plenty of shops.

File:The MKT Depot Katy Texas.jpgUnited States Geological Survey on Wikimedia

19. Florence, South Carolina

Florence is a smaller city with a population of 40,618, median rent of $619, and a median house price at $186,847. With all these numbers in mind, the city is home to food festivals and is historically significant as a railroad terminal.

File:Florence - Graded School 01.jpgUnknown author on Wikimedia

20. Wichita Falls, Texas

Ending on one final Texan note, Wichita Falls is home to Midwestern State University, making it a great pick for families with older kids. Additionally, the city has great trails, a median rent of $749, and a median home value of $148,320.

File:Wichita Falls October 2015 07 (The Falls).jpgMichael Barera on Wikimedia