Summary
- Pecos, Texas offers affordable living with a close-knit community and diverse economy, making it a budget-friendly option compared to big cities.
- Paragould, Arkansas is an underrated small town with a lower cost of living, limited demand for housing, and a low crime rate, providing a safe and affordable place to live.
- Vincennes, Indiana is a pocket-friendly town with diverse job opportunities, abundant and affordable housing options, and a cost of living 22% lower than the national average.
From quaint streets to stunning natural beauty, the United States is bustling with an array of small towns offering a family-like atmosphere and budget-friendly lifestyle with sufficient modern facilities. Whether one is looking to settle in a home on a faraway land or desires to spend their life in a bustling metropolitan feel, these small towns in America are sure to satisfy everyone's needs.
So, get ready to discover the hidden gems of America's landscape with this list of the most affordable small towns in the U.S., offering a tranquil escape in a budget-friendly way.
10 Pecos, Texas
Situated in West Texas, Pecos is a town in Reeves County (home to ancient Pueblo ruins) with a population of approximately twelve thousand residents, offering a close-knit community and affordable living.
In the past, Pecos was majorly an agriculture-dependent area. However, the city's economy has diversified now and is a major hub of the oil and gas processing industry, with increased employment opportunities and economic stability in the area.
The cost of living in the city is 13% lower than the state average and 20% less than the average national cost, making it a budget-friendly option to live as compared to other big cities in the country.
The limited urbanization and lack of ultra-modern infrastructure contribute to the lower property and rent cost in the area, making living less costly for the locals.
- Facilities available in Pecos: Healthcare Facilities, Public Transport, Financial Institutions, Airport, Shopping District, Recreational Spaces, and Entertainment Venues
Texas is a no-income tax region and most of its revenue is generated through sales tax, making the town of Pecos in Texas even more budget-friendly.
9 Paragould, Arkansas
Located in the northeastern part of the state, Paragould is one of the most underrated small towns in Arkansas, with a population of about 29,000 residents and a thriving economy.
The job market in the area may not be as good as major cities in the country, but there are abundant opportunities for locals to earn a decent living.
One of the prime factors contributing to the relative affordability of the area is the lower housing cost, due to the limited demand mainly because of the small-town atmosphere and limited number of residents.
The cost of living in the city is around 19% lower than the national average, making it one of the most budget-friendly places to live with the availability of most modern-day amenities.
- Facilities available in Paragould: Healthcare Facilities, Education, Banks, Transport, Shopping Malls, Recreational Areas, and Entertainment Venues
Paragould has a relatively low crime rate as compared to most larger cities in the United States, promoting a sense of safety for its residents and adding more to the livability of the place.
8 Williston, North Dakota
Situated in the heart of the Bakken Formation, an oil-rich region, Williston is one of the most beautiful towns in North Dakota in the western part of the state. The city has a strong economy with a progressive job market because of the thriving oil and industry, contributing to the relative affordability of the place.
Williston has a decent infrastructure and facilities with budget-friendly property prices, mainly because of its distance from greater metropolitan areas.
The cost of living in the city is 3% lower than the national average with an average yearly expense of $37000 for a single adult, however, it is still more expensive than most areas in the state, primarily due to the better quality of life and facilities.
- Facilities available in Williston: Public Library, Transport, Healthcare, Recreational Parks, Entertainment Venues, Educational Institutes, and Shopping Districts
7 Vincennes, Indiana
Situated in the southwestern part of Indiana, Vincennes is one of the oldest places in Indiana, dating back to 1732, with an intermediate population of almost 17000 residents.
The city has a diverse economy with a mix of employment opportunities in manufacturing, healthcare, and retail industry, adding to the financial stability of its residents.
The local government housing initiatives in the city are a major factor contributing to the abundant and affordable housing options available across the city.
The cost of living in Vincennes is 22% less than the country's average, making it one of the most pocket-friendly places to live in the U.S., without compromising on the quality of life.
- Facilities available in Vincennes: Healthcare, Public Transport, Recreational Facilities, Educational Institutes, Shopping Malls, Entertainment Venues, and Public Library
The median home price in Vincennes, Indiana is around $195k, which is relatively cheaper than big metropolitan towns, contributing to the overall affordability of the place.
6 Emporia, Kansas
Situated in the eastern part of the state, Emporia is a town in Lyon County, Kansas, offering a close-knit community with a population of about 24,000 residents.
The city is known for the Emporia State University, offering high-quality education to people all around the state, adding to the friendly atmosphere of the city.
Besides that, Emporia celebrate various cultural events and festival and has various beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, providing residents with affordable leisure time options.
The cost of living in the city is almost 9% lower than the national average and 30% lower than the living expenditure in other parts of the state.
- Facilities available in Emporia: Educational Institutes, Healthcare Clinics, Shopping Districts, Public Library, Transport Facilities, Airport and recreational Venues
5 Dublin, Georgia
Dublin is a town central part of Georgia and is known for its southern charm and friendly community.
The town mostly depends on the manufacturing and retail industry and serves as an important center for trade-related activities, providing surplus employment opportunities for the locals.
The town, with an intermediate population, offers various budget-friendly accommodation options with the availability of various modern amenities.
Additionally, there are also numerous recreational points and entertainment venues to cater to the needs of the residents.
The cost of living in Dublin is 15% lower than the national average of the country including the expense of food, transport and housing, and other utilities.
- Facilities available in Dublin: Healthcare, Local Government Services, Transport, Education, Shopping Malls, Recreational Spaces and Public Libraries
4 Ponca City, Oklahoma
Ponca City, Oklahoma, is often considered an affordable place to live compared to many larger cities and metropolitan areas.
The town contributes a great deal in the country's oil and gas processing sector which greatly impacts the financial status of its inhabitants and overall affordability, respectively.
The cost of living in the town is 14% lower than the national average, making everyday expenses like groceries, utilities, transport costs, and healthcare more affordable than in other places.
- Facilities in Ponca City: Healthcare Facilities, Entertainment Venues, Parks, Public Transport, Library, Entertainment Venues, Educational Facilities, and Shopping Malls
The average monthly expense in Ponca City for a family of four makes around $2300 without the cost of rent. The accommodation prices may differ according to one's personal preference.
3 Meridian, Mississippi
Nestled in Lauderdale County, Mississippi, in the eastern part of the state, near the border with Alabama, Meridian is a town known for its vibrant atmosphere and rich cultural heritage.
The cost of housing in the area is generally more affordable as compared to other cities because of the low property tax, contributing to the city's overall affordability.
The cost of living in the town is 10% lower than the average national; $4600 is the average monthly expense for a family of four, including all the necessities and rental costs.
- Facilities available in Meridian: Healthcare Facilities, Education, Transport, Shopping Malls, Recreational Spaces, and Entertainment Venues
2 Ashland, Ohio
Nestled in the north-central part of the state, the charming town of Ashland is known for its friendly community and serene atmosphere.
The town is majorly dependent on sectors like healthcare, manufacturing businesses, and education, boasting an array of employment opportunities for residents.
Ashland is home to the county's most reputable higher education institution, providing quality education to people all around the state.
The cost of living in the area is 17% lower than the national average of the country, with an average monthly expense of around $1300 for a single person, including all the necessities.
- Facilities available in Ashland: Healthcare, Education, Transport, Shopping Malls, Recreational Parks, and Entertainment Venues
Ashland experiences a mild climate with warm summers and cool winters, minimizing the expense of cooling and heating throughout the year, making the place even more budget-friendly as compared to other towns and cities.
1 Seneca Falls, New York
Located in Seneca County, Seneca Falls is one of the most beautiful towns in New York State, in the Finger Lakes region, known for its historical significance, and natural beauty.
The economy of the region is mostly dependent on agriculture and tourism its natural beauty and various cultural attractions.
Despite being a popular tourist destination, the cost of living in the area is almost 7% below the national average with the total yearly expense of a single adult of over $36000, making it an ideal place to call home for its serene natural atmosphere and affordability.
- Facilities available in Seneca Falls: Hospitals, Public Transport, SuperMarkets, Shopping Centers, Recreational Attractions, Educational Facilities, and Entertainment Venues