If living in a big city is too big, but a small town is too small, buying a home in a small town just might be the perfect middle ground.
Nearly a third of Americans say they would prefer the suburbs to a big city, and the cost of housing and other expenses is clearly a factor pushing them to greener pastures.
But since country life can be a little too sleepy, small towns hit that sweet spot with plenty to do on a budget – and a new survey has found the best of the bunch.
WalletHub ranked the 1,318 best small cities in America with populations between 25,000 and 100,000, analyzing 45 key livability indicators that fall into these categories: affordability, economic health, education and health, safety and quality of life.
“Moving from a bustling metropolitan city to a small town can drastically lower your cost of living,” says WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo. “In addition, the best small cities offer strong job markets, high-quality education, good health care, safe living conditions and plenty of local flair to help you achieve a high quality of life.”
Additionally, small towns offer a smoother ride than urban metros.
“With fewer residents and less congestion, travel within these cities is more convenient, which contributes to a better work-life balance,” says Lupo. “While they may sacrifice some urban amenities, the combination of affordability and ease of living make these small towns attractive alternatives to both larger cities and rural communities.”
If you’re planning to pack up and move to one of the best small towns, it helps if you love the Hoosier State.
Indiana dominates the list, with four of its small cities (Carmel, Fishers, Westfield and Noblesville) making the 99th percentile, more than any other state.
Home of the Colts and Pacers, Indiana is where native John Mellencamp penned the ultimate small-town anthem: “Small Town.”
There are many top-tier colleges, including Notre Dame, Purdue, and Indiana University.
Here are 10 of the top-ranked affordable small towns, along with their overall affordability ranking and median home price.
Overall affordability ranking: 19
Median listing price: $440,000
Fishers has the charm of a small town combined with the industry of larger metros; INCOG BioPharma services are based here.
“Fishers is a major hub for life sciences and biopharma manufacturing,” says Mayor Scott Fadness.
Fishers Event Center hosts headliners such as standup comedian Leanne Morgan. There is also a 70-acre water park for swimming and non-motorized boats, hiking trails and playgrounds. Fishers ranks fifth in safety and 43rd in education and health.
Overall affordability ranking: 20
Median listing price: $520,000
Just a 20 minute drive from Fishers is Westfield. With no less than 11 parks, this small city has a lot to offer nature lovers.
The heart of the city, Grand Junction Plaza, has plenty of free entertainment, from concerts to movies. This small city is ranked sixth for safety and 59th for education and health.
Overall affordability ranking: 26
Median listing price: $530,000
“Carmel is probably the most expensive part of the state and home to many Indian celebrities,” says real estate investor Tyler Drew.
A big draw is the low unemployment rate (3%) combined with the high median annual household income ($133,000).
It has a healthy community, with the fourth lowest percentage of adults in good or poor health and the 23rd lowest premature death rate in the country.
Its streets are safe, with the fourth lowest pedestrian fatality rate and the 75th lowest violent crime rate.
In case that doesn’t impress you, the city has no less than 140 roundabouts – more than any other American locality – that contribute to its safe roads.
Overall affordability ranking: 30
Median listing price: $600,000
Less than half an hour from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University and Duke University, and 15 miles from an international airport, Apex combines the amenities of a college town with the charm of a small town.
It has a historic center with many shops and restaurants, as well as camping, fishing and boating on nearby lakes.
Overall affordability ranking: 35
Median listing price: $717,500
Home to Utah State University and its famous botanical gardens, Kaysville was settled by Latter-day Saint pioneers in 1847.
With stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, Kaysville has plenty for the outdoor enthusiast with parks, trails and a large football stadium.
Overall Affordability Rank: 76
Median listing price: $500,000
Brookfield, outside of Milwaukee, has a very low unemployment rate (3%), and only 3% of the city’s population lives in poverty, the 10th lowest percentage among all cities in the study.
Brookfield residents also have the 96th highest rate of homeownership in the country and the fifth lowest share of residents in good or poor health.
Its large city hospital, Elmbrook, with many specialist services, helps with this. Additionally, 98% of the population has health insurance, the 11th highest percentage in the country.
Overall Affordability Rank: 78
Median listing price: $400,000
A suburb along the White River and just 13 minutes north of Fishers, Noblesville is home to the Ruoff Music Center—a 25,000-seat amphitheater that attracts famous musicians from around the world—and the Hamilton County Courthouse, one of the most famous and celebrities of the country. stunning examples of Second Empire style architecture.
Overall Affordability Rank: 84
Median listing price: $739,000
Less than an hour from Denver, Castle Rock is named for the iconic castle-shaped butte visible from downtown.
It’s also close to Castlewood Canyon State Park, where you can marvel at ancient geological formations, camp, hike, and maybe spot a wolf.
Overall Affordability Rank: 98
Median listing price: $1.7 million
Brentwood’s website boasts not only “pristine rolling hills and lush forests,” but also a thriving retail and restaurant scene.
It is ranked 58th in economic health and 60th in safety. The city ranks no less than 8 in the Realtor.com® school rankings for each of its schools.
It’s also something of a celebrity enclave, where musicians, actors and other big names flock for a slower pace of life away from the bright lights of Hollywood.
Overall Affordability Rank: 101
Median listing price: $634,500
Located 12 miles northwest of New York City, Fair Lawn is a town that has retained its historic atmosphere. Its oldest house, the Garreston-Brocker House, was built around 1708 and now functions as a museum.
The city’s website boasts that President George Washington visited the area for every year of the Revolutionary War when he served as a general.
It is ranked 21st overall in safety and 34th in education and health.
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