16 Up and Coming Affordable Small Cities to Live in The USA

We all have different preferences for where we want to live, but for those wanting to get in on the ground floor of a place that’ll soon be on the rise, these are the 16 up and coming affordable small cities to live in the USA.

For me, I’d rather live in a big city and have $2 left in my bank account by pay day than be stuck in a smaller city and have a little more money. I don’t like smaller cities, and I find them to be quite stifling, and quite frankly I hate driving, but so many other people, for some reason, want to be one of the first to live in a small city that’s rising to prominence. It’s so much easier to get a job in a bigger place because there are so many options. Apparently, it’s not true at all and someone would roast me and say I’m completely wrong, but I stand by this.

I will agree, though, that smaller cities have a lower cost of living, but there’s less going on. Most of this list is in Texas, and I’ve lived there before, and it was a garbage fire. Never again. No offense to Texas but also a full offense. It’s listed so many times on this list of the 16 up and coming affordable small cities to live in the USA it’s driving me crazy. I guess that’s why my parents moved there, to begin with — it’s not overly expensive.

There’s something great about the facelessness of a big city. You almost never see the same people unless you make a conscious effort. I used to live in a small town and you would always see people you knew at the grocery store. I don’t need to have a social interaction when I’m rolling up just to buy a bucket of cookie dough. I like when people are unfriendly it makes me feel calm and less obligated to have a conversation when I’m not in the mood. It’s weird that I prefer a city where more people live so I can talk to less of them. If you like talking to people then by all means have a great time with your move. Small cities have 250,000 people or less, and you’re bound to find one suited to your preferences.

These, however, are great places if you’re going to start a family and want to be in a place that is on the rise and has a lot of promise. I’m sure you could argue it’s better for your kids in some way. I think owning a house sounds terrible. If my sink breaks, I don’t want to deal with finding someone to fix it. If you’re into home upkeep I’m very proud of you and you belong in a place where you can afford a house.

To compile this list of up and coming affordable small cities to live in the USA, I took two sources: Money and Forbes, which are both great resources. I took the average of their rankings to find my top 16 and then ranked them myself using the average median household income and cost of living index, which were sourced from Area Vibes.

You could argue that the cities on this list of up and coming affordable small cities to live in the USA are better than the 10 Worst Poorest and Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in New York City, even though I have lived in a few of them and like them, but I digress. Keep reading to find your next home:

 

16. Wylie, Texas

Population: 43,531

Median household income: $83,594

Cost of Living: 105 (National Average is 100)

Population-wise there aren’t very many people here compared to big cities like LA or NYC. The median household income, however, looks promising. The cost of living hovers close to the national average, but it’s cheaper to buy a home here. Only 18 percent of people are renters here, while the rest own a home.

 

15. Spring Hill, Tennessee

Population: 31,467

Median household income: $76,840

Cost of Living: 103 (National Average is 100)

The cost of living in Spring Hill, one of the up and coming affordable small cities to live in the USA, is just about average, but you’ll on average make a lot of money living here. There’s plenty to do here as well and many local amenities. The crime rates are low, so it’s safe for families.

 

14. Leander, Texas

Population: 30,040

Median household income: $75,983

Cost of living: 97 (National Average is 100)

The cost of living here is super low and the median household income is 42 percent above the national average. If you can tolerate living in a small Texas town, check this place out.

 

13. Bentonville, Arkansas

Population: 38,572

Median household income: $71,461

Cost of living: 93 (National Average is 100)

Area Vibes dubbed Bentonville the most livable city in Arkansas, which really doesn’t say much to me considering I’ve been to Arkansas and had a traumatic experience there. Despite this, the median household income is 22 percent higher than the national average and has an extremely low cost of living.

 

12. Carmel, Indiana

Population: 83,474

Median household income: $107,916

Cost of living: 113 (National Average is 100)

You may recognize this city’s name from the iconic TV show Glee that invented television, comedy, and musicals. Carmel High’s Vocal Adrenaline was the New Directions’ rival. It’s a little more than the average to live there, but the median household income is 83 percent higher than the average, so live out your glee club fantasies here.

 

11. Pearland, Texas

Population: 97,427

Median household income: $94,653

Cost of living: 99 (National Average is 100)

Considering Pearland’s size it might pass as a medium-sized city, but there still aren’t very many living here relatively speaking. It’s cheap to live here and the average income does not disappoint.

 

10. Columbia, Maryland

Population: 102,116

Median household income: $100,252

Cost of living: 127 (National Average is 100)

The cost of living here resembles that of a big city, but the household income helps to justify it a bit. It’s on the larger end regarding population, but it’s small enough that it isn’t overwhelming.

 

9. Eden Prairie, Minnesota

Population: 62,096

Median household income: $95,697

Cost of living: 121

The cost of living might look a bit high, but the median household income is enough to sustain a big city life in a smaller city atmosphere. Let’s see what’s next on our list of up and coming affordable small cities to live in the USA.

 

8. Plano, Texas

Population: 271,166

Median household income: $82,944

Cost of living: 113 (National Average is 100)

With great weather and high graduation rates, this city sure is one of the 16 up and coming affordable small cities to live in the USA. Their median household income is at 55% higher than the national average, which also explains their population. Most people would naturally want to live somewhere they can earn more and spend less.

 

7. West Des Moines, Iowa

Population: 59,815

Median household income: $70,882

Cost of living: 96 (National Average is 100)

Known as a quiet yet developing city, one of the biggest reasons why people flock to West Des Moines is the low cost of living. Basic goods and services are affordable, while the average income of every household remains higher than the national average.

 

6. Parsippany, New Jersey

Population: 50,649

Median household income: $168,611

Cost of living: 194 (National Average is 100)

The cost of living might put you off, but take a closer look at their median household income. This city has had rave reviews for being extremely livable, because of the high income and population that is just right for a small, developing city.

 

5. Beaverton, Oregon

Population: 92,593

Median household income: $57,068

Cost of living: 116 (National Average is 100)

The cost of living here is about the same as what you’ll find across Oregon at 116. There’s a simpler lifestyle here, which is why the median household income is just enough to sustain a great life.

 

4. Weston, Florida

Population: 67,567

Median household income: $91,613

Cost of living: 135 (National Average is 100)

Next ob the list of up and coming affordable small cities to live in the USA is Florida that is a great place on its own, and this one does not disappoint. The population is just right, you’ll have quieter nights and wider spaces — perfect for when you have kids. Their cost of living might be much, but since the household income is in the higher range, it still looks sustainable enough.

 

3. Clarkstown, New York

Population: 87,210

Median household income: $103,759

Cost of living: 132 (National Average is 100)

The cost of living is one you can expect from a city in New York. Its location is one with both pros and cons. Pros include amenities and being close enough to bigger cities when you need a change of air. Cons include the high cost of living. Even so, it is still more affordable when you average it with the median household income.

 

2. Highlands Ranch, Colorado

Population: 101,350

Median household income: $110,221

Cost of living: 126 (National Average is 100)

With a median household income that is 59 percent higher than the national average, this city is now among the most popular developing small cities in the country. There is a very low poverty rate, which means the quality of life in the area is great. Their cost of living might seem too high for a small city, but when you realize how much they earn, it is sustainable in Highlands Ranch.

 

1. Naperville, Illinois

Population: 144,108

Median household income: $109,512

Cost of living: 128 (National Average is 100)

Naperville is arguably the most popular small city in America today, mainly because of the high median household income. Housing is far more reasonable, and their cost of living is still one they can afford if you consider their household income.

If you have always been tired of the hustling and bustling big city life, try a change of surrounding by moving to a small city. It will not make you sacrifice the city life, but will only reduce the noise and stress you live with every day. Your best bet is to consider one of these 16 up and coming affordable small cities to live in the USA.