Looking for an affordable place to call home without sacrificing quality of life? These towns across the United States offer not only budget-friendly living but also safety, education, and community!
Whether you’re looking for a safe place to raise a family, affordable housing options, or a close-knit community, you’re sure to find something that suits your preferences in one of these towns.
Here are some of America’s most affordable hometowns, along with key details to help you make an informed choice.
Elmira, NY
All Star Home ranked the top hometown in the United States, and Elmira, NY, is the top one.
Elmira boasts a community score of 43, reflecting its strong sense of community. Safety is a top priority here, with a safety rating of 80.9. The average home value in Elmira is a modest $109,766, making it an attractive option for homeowners. Plus, the student-to-teacher ratio of 16.49 ensures quality education for your family, contributing to an impressive overall score of 75.
Corning, NY
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Corning may have a lower community score of 36, but it shines in safety with a rating of 40.6. The city’s affordable housing market offers an average home value of $152,734, making it an accessible place to live. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 11.8, it provides excellent educational opportunities. The overall score of 74 reflects its overall affordability.
Utica, NY
Utica boasts a community score of 43, indicating a strong sense of community. While safety, with a rating of 363.55, may raise some concerns, the city’s home values are appealing, with an average of $172,052. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 13.75, it offers good educational resources, contributing to an overall score of 71.
Binghamton, NY
Binghamton scores a 37 for its community, reflecting a strong local connection. Safety, though rated at 327, doesn’t take anything away from its appeal. The city’s average home value of $158,636 makes it budget-friendly. Binghamton excels in education with a low student-to-teacher ratio of 10.44, resulting in a commendable overall score of 70.
Hattiesburg, MS
Hattiesburg may have a lower community score of 28, but it makes up for it with safety, rated at 127.91. Affordable homes with an average value of $200,669 are a highlight. A reasonable student-to-teacher ratio of 12 ensures good education options, contributing to an overall score of 65.
Bowling Green, KY
Bowling Green’s community score of 33 highlights its welcoming environment. Safety is well-maintained at 214. The city offers budget-friendly housing with an average home value of $266,037. A student-to-teacher ratio of 14.97 ensures your children will receive a quality education, resulting in an overall score of 62.
Hannibal, MO
Hannibal scores 28 for its community, reflecting a strong local connection. Safety, rated at 74.82, may raise some concerns, but it’s a budget-friendly place to live with an average home value of $138,274. The student-to-teacher ratio of 13.07 contributes to a decent overall score of 62.
Charlottesville, VA
Charlottesville boasts a community score of 39, reflecting its strong sense of community. While safety is rated at 196.55, the city’s home values are on the higher side, with an average of $459,287. However, a student-to-teacher ratio of 13.09 ensures quality education, contributing to an overall score of 61.
Greenwood, MS
Greenwood may have a lower community score of 27, but it’s a safe place with a safety rating of 81. Affordable housing is one of its strong points, with an average home value of $93,069. A reasonable student-to-teacher ratio of 13.24 ensures good educational resources, resulting in an overall score of 61.
Watertown, NY
Watertown boasts a community score of 33, reflecting its strong sense of community. Safety is a top priority here, with a safety rating of 144.55. The average home value in Watertown is $180,969, making it an attractive option for homeowners. Plus, the student-to-teacher ratio of 13.45 ensures quality education for your family, contributing to an impressive overall score of 61.
Meridian, MS
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Meridian scores 29 for its community, indicating a strong local connection. Safety, rated at 204.3, is well-maintained. The city offers budget-friendly homes with an average value of $104,321. A reasonable student-to-teacher ratio of 13.54 ensures good education options, contributing to an overall score of 60.
Saint Joseph, MO
Saint Joseph boasts a community score of 30, indicating a sense of belonging. Safety, rated at 402.45, ensures a secure environment. The city’s average home value of $147,268 is budget-friendly. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 13.82, it offers quality education, resulting in an overall score of 60.
Steubenville, OH
Steubenville has a community score of 29, reflecting a strong local bond. Safety is well-maintained, with a rating of 45.57. The city’s average home value of $125,206 is accessible. A student-to-teacher ratio of 17.47 ensures a good learning environment, contributing to an overall score of 59.
Quincy, IL
Quincy scores 32 for its community, highlighting its strong local ties. Safety, rated at 192.55, provides a secure living environment. The city offers budget-friendly homes with an average value of $167,631. A reasonable student-to-teacher ratio of 15.92 ensures quality education, resulting in an overall score of 58.
Harrisonburg, VA
Harrisonburg boasts a community score of 29, reflecting a close-knit community. Safety, rated at 113.73, ensures a secure living environment. While home values are higher, with an average of $318,210, a student-to-teacher ratio of 14.89 guarantees quality education, contributing to an overall score of 57.
Greenville, MS
Greenville may have a lower community score of 19, but safety, rated at 79.43, doesn’t compromise residents’ well-being. The city offers budget-friendly homes with an average value of $69,470. A reasonable student-to-teacher ratio of 14.81 ensures quality education options, resulting in an overall score of 56.
Lafayette, IN
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Lafayette boasts a community score of 30, reflecting a strong sense of belonging. Safety, rated at 386.8, provides a secure living environment. The city’s average home value of $229,525 is accessible. A student-to-teacher ratio of 14.13 ensures a quality learning environment, contributing to an overall score of 56.
Mankato, MN
Mankato has a community score of 28, indicating a strong local bond. Safety, rated at 115.64, ensures residents’ well-being. The city offers budget-friendly homes with an average value of $287,739. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 15.27, it offers quality education, resulting in an overall score of 56.
Victoria, TX
Victoria boasts a community score of 28, reflecting its strong sense of community. Safety is a top priority here, with a safety rating of 332.27. The average home value in Victoria is a modest $208,641, making it an attractive option for homeowners. Plus, the student-to-teacher ratio of 15.51 ensures quality education for your family, contributing to an impressive overall score of 56.
Kirksville, MO
Kirksville may have a lower community score of 17, but it’s a safe place to live with a safety rating of 66.45. Affordable housing is one of its strong points, with an average home value of $140,359. A reasonable student-to-teacher ratio of 12.19 ensures good educational resources, resulting in an overall score of 55.
Ada, OK
Ada scores 25 for its community, indicating a sense of belonging. Safety, rated at 106.09, ensures residents’ well-being. The city offers budget-friendly homes with an average value of $166,542. A reasonable student-to-teacher ratio of 13.57 guarantees quality education options, contributing to an overall score of 53.
Laurel, MS
Laurel may have a lower community score of 24, but safety, rated at 88.09, provides a secure living environment. The city’s average home value of $125,590 is budget-friendly. A reasonable student-to-teacher ratio of 15.1 ensures quality education, resulting in an overall score of 53.
Sherman, TX
Sherman boasts a community score of 23, reflecting its strong sense of community. Safety is a top priority here, with a safety rating of 157.27. The average home value in Sherman is a modest $260,291, making it an attractive option for homeowners. Plus, the student-to-teacher ratio of 13.44 ensures quality education for your family, contributing to an impressive overall score of 53.
Casper, WY
Casper may have a lower community score of 20, but it’s a safe place to live with a safety rating of 100.4. Affordable housing is one of its strong points, with an average home value of $273,235. A reasonable student-to-teacher ratio of 14.91 ensures good educational resources, resulting in an overall score of 51.
Clarksburg, WV
Clarksburg scores 13 for its community, reflecting a sense of belonging. Safety, rated at 57.43, may raise some concerns, but it’s a budget-friendly place to live with an average home value of $104,715. A reasonable student-to-teacher ratio of 12.72 ensures quality education options, contributing to an overall score of 51.
Parkersburg, WV
Parkersburg boasts a community score of 19, indicating a strong local bond. Safety is well-maintained, with a rating of 151.09. The city’s average home value of $133,972 is accessible. A student-to-teacher ratio of 13.69 ensures a good learning environment, contributing to an overall score of 51.
Scottsbluff, NV
Scottsbluff may have a lower community score of 20, but safety, rated at 50.45, provides a secure living environment. The city offers budget-friendly homes with an average value of $163,426. A reasonable student-to-teacher ratio of 14.99 ensures quality education, resulting in an overall score of 51.
Sweetwater, TX
Sweetwater scores 19 for its community, indicating a sense of belonging. Safety, rated at 60.7, ensures residents’ well-being. The city offers budget-friendly homes with an average value of $103,105. A reasonable student-to-teacher ratio of 13.24 guarantees quality education options, contributing to an overall score of 51.
Alexandria, LA
Alexandria boasts a community score of 33, reflecting its strong sense of community. Safety is a top priority here, with a safety rating of 799.73. The average home value in Alexandria is a modest $133,289, making it an attractive option for homeowners. Plus, the student-to-teacher ratio of 16.13 ensures quality education for your family, contributing to an impressive overall score of 50.
Cheyenne, WY
Cheyenne may have a lower community score of 22, but it’s a safe place to live with a safety rating of 171.27. Affordable housing is one of its strong points, with an average home value of $361,081. A reasonable student-to-teacher ratio of 13.76 ensures good educational resources, resulting in an overall score of 50.
Weston, WV
Weston scores 9 for its community, indicating a sense of belonging. Safety, rated at 2.55, may raise some concerns, but it’s a budget-friendly place to live with an average home value of $122,917. A reasonable student-to-teacher ratio of 14.07 ensures quality education options, contributing to an overall score of 50.
Wheeling, WV
Wheeling boasts a community score of 26, reflecting a strong local bond. Safety is well-maintained, with a rating of 256.91. The city’s average home value of $133,492 is accessible. A student-to-teacher ratio of 12.55 ensures a good learning environment, contributing to an overall score of 50.
Zanesville, OH
Zanesville may have a lower community score of 27, but safety, rated at 99.55, provides a secure living environment. The city’s average home value of $171,518 is budget-friendly. A reasonable student-to-teacher ratio of 17.92 ensures quality education, resulting in an overall score of 50.
Oak Hill, WV
Oak Hill scores 9 for its community, indicating a sense of belonging. Safety, rated at 12.3, may raise some concerns, but it’s a budget-friendly place to live with an average home value of $121,478. A reasonable student-to-teacher ratio of 13.46 ensures quality education options, contributing to an overall score of 49.
Fairbanks, AK
Fairbanks boasts a community score of 32, reflecting its strong sense of community. Safety is a top priority here, with a safety rating of 192.73. The average home value in Fairbanks is a modest $286,692, making it an attractive option for homeowners. Plus, the student-to-teacher ratio of 18.32 ensures quality education for your family, contributing to an impressive overall score of 47.
Lake Charles, LA
Lake Charles may have a lower community score of 23, but it’s a safe place to live with a safety rating of 507.18. Affordable housing is one of its strong points, with an average home value of $191,384. A reasonable student-to-teacher ratio of 15.18 ensures good educational resources, resulting in an overall score of 47.
Lima, OH
Lima boasts a community score of 23, indicating a strong local bond. Safety, rated at 315.45, provides a secure living environment. The city’s average home value of $130,093 is accessible. A reasonable student-to-teacher ratio of 13.55 ensures a quality learning environment, contributing to an overall score of 46.
Marquette, MI
Marquette may have a lower community score of 18, but safety, rated at 31.64, provides a secure living environment. The city’s average home value of $288,516 is budget-friendly. A reasonable student-to-teacher ratio of 17.68 ensures quality education, resulting in an overall score of 46.
North Platte, NE
North Platte scores 15 for its community, reflecting a sense of belonging. Safety, rated at 77.09, ensures residents’ well-being. The city offers budget-friendly homes with an average value of $182,632. A reasonable student-to-teacher ratio of 15.07 guarantees quality education options, contributing to an overall score of 46.
Ottumwa, IA
Ottumwa boasts a community score of 16, indicating a strong local bond. Safety is well-maintained, with a rating of 124.27. The city’s average home value of $105,904 is accessible. A student-to-teacher ratio of 15.17 ensures a good learning environment, contributing to an overall score of 46.
Bozeman, MT
Bozeman may have a lower community score of 24, but safety, rated at 120.36, ensures a secure living environment. The city offers homes with an average value of $715,030. A reasonable student-to-teacher ratio of 15.57 ensures quality education, resulting in an overall score of 45.
Glendive, MT
Glendive scores 11 for its community, indicating a sense of belonging. Safety, rated at 12.45, may raise some concerns, but it’s a budget-friendly place to live with an average home value of $227,729. A reasonable student-to-teacher ratio of 13.54 ensures quality education options, contributing to an overall score of 45.
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