15 Charming U.S. Small Towns That Are Actually Affordable To Live In

Whether you want a low cost of living, more land, or lots of charm, those thinking about relocating shouldn't overlook small towns.

Families, people who work from home, and retirees all find these places attractive. An added bonus? The lower cost of living also might help boost your bank account .

If you’re thinking about moving to a small town, here are a few options to check out. See if one of these places could be the right home for you.

1. Midway, Utah

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Midway is located about an hour outside of Salt Lake City. It offers the perfect charm of a mountain town along with some modern amenities.

Check out Homestead Resort for water activities and golfing. You can retire early and spend recreational time in the mountains while saving money.

2. Beacon, New York

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Along the Hudson River is Beacon, which may be a good option for New York City residents trying to get away from the hectic nature of the city.

The town is on the Metro-North Railroad line into the city, giving residents a convenient way to get into Manhattan.

Or, you can explore the sights of Beacon itself, including quaint shops and a “Doctor Who”-themed restaurant for fans of the show.

3. Florence, Alabama

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Florence is located in The Shoals area of northern Alabama. It’s a great place to enjoy the natural beauty surrounding a small town.

The area is home to hiking and outdoor adventures. Or, enjoy some of the town’s rich music roots with concerts and other events.

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4. Los Alamos, New Mexico

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You may have heard of Los Alamos after seeing the blockbuster movie “Oppenheimer” about the Manhattan Project.

Los Alamos can be a great small-town alternative to bigger and better-known cities in New Mexico. Check out Manhattan Project National Historical Park and the Bradbury Science Museum.

5. Sitka, Alaska

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Sitka is a great small town if you don’t mind a little cold to go along with beautiful views of the water.

The island town has plenty of nature to enjoy. You can hike or watch whales. Or if you prefer, explore the town’s historical Russian heritage at landmarks such as the Russian Bishop’s House.

Pro tip: There are a lot of opportunities in a small town to earn extra money and give you the spending cash you need to travel.

6. Brooklyn, Michigan

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Like other towns in Michigan, Brooklyn is known for its location near lakes, giving residents plenty of opportunities for activities on the water.

The town is also home to the Michigan International Speedway, which hosts major racing events.

7. Thermopolis, Wyoming

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Thermopolis is home to numerous hot springs. Enjoy the warm water before heading to the Wyoming Dinosaur Center.

The town is also relatively close to Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park, giving residents the perfect opportunity to venture out to beautiful national parks.

8. Marfa, Texas

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Marfa might be a great option If you’re looking for a small-town feel in Texas with a beautiful desert landscape.

The town is located in the Big Bend region of western Texas. And check out Prada Marfa, a fake luxury store in the middle of the desert that’s perfect for photos.

9. Durango, Colorado

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Colorado is known for mountain activities such as hiking and skiing. Durango can give you those things with a small-town feel.

The town also has plenty of lakes and reservoirs if you enjoy water activities.

10. Lambertville, New Jersey

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Lambertville was founded in 1705, and the town’s charm includes preserved federal townhouses and Victorian homes.

The town is also close enough to big cities such as Trenton and Philadelphia that you won’t be far from big-city life when you want to enjoy it.

11. Guthrie, Oklahoma

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North of Oklahoma City is the town of Guthrie, which served as the state’s first capital.

Now, the town is home to antique shops and other stores in its quaint downtown, as well as plenty of old homes that have been preserved.

12. Holbrook, Arizona

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Holbrook was once a fabled stop on Route 66, and it still has some of the old-fashioned charm that made it the perfect place for visitors and residents.

It’s also close to the Petrified Forest National Park and the Painted Desert if you want to venture out and save money on travel , enjoying the beauty of the Arizona desert.

13. Billings, Montana

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Big Sky Country could be a great place to live if you love nature and open spaces — as long as you don’t mind plenty of snow in the winter.

Check out the Rimrocks, which are beautiful sandstone cliffs surrounding the town. Or, try out the city’s food scene, including a walking tour of six breweries.

14. Kennebunkport, Maine

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Kennebunkport is a great spot if you want to live on the Atlantic Ocean and enjoy all that a harbor town has to offer.

The town has plenty of whale-watching opportunities and beaches to visit in the summer. Or, check out the shops in town and get fresh lobster from some of the local restaurants.

15. Onalaska, Wisconsin

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Onalaska is located near La Crosse on the Wisconsin/Minnesota border. It is perfect for people who want to get outdoors and fish close to home.

The town is known for its fishing opportunities on Lake Onalaska. Swing by the Sunny the Sunfish statue near the lake to celebrate local fishing before heading into town to enjoy the sunset at one of the local restaurants.

Pro tip: Using a credit card for your retirement purchases that offers rewards like cash back can stretch your money as long as you don't carry a balance.

Bottom line

One of the great things about living in a small town is the lower cost of living, which can help you lower your financial stress .

It’s also a good opportunity to help you save money while also being able to take life a little slower. A small town still has plenty to offer and can provide a terrific place to retire.

Money tips that can work for everyone

No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.

Focus on paying off your debt . Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.

Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.

Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).