The best affordable little cities to live in America

Why Livability’s top 100 is unique 

We consider only cities with a population of less than 500,000 — no NYC or L.A. adulation here. Not because those cities aren’t incredible but because we’re all familiar with their advantages and disadvantages, and we also know that our biggest cities continue to see a significant exodus. Where should those relocators head next? Well, we have some ideas — this list of the top 100 best places to live in 2023 recognizes the unsung (or at least, less-sung) awesomeness of the many places outside of our largest metros — the cities where most Americans create dream careers, build families, launch businesses and lead meaningful lives. 

Where are the best cities in America to create a life you love, even if you’re an average earner? Our list’s second big differentiator is affordability. We take it seriously: Only cities with a median home value of $500,000 or less have a shot at making our best places list. As home prices hit historic highs and inflation continues to rise, we laud the cities that are growing wages and home values while maintaining an affordable cost of living, including reasonable rent and home prices relative to local income. 

Plus: We are a diverse couple looking for the stars and good libraries in Florida. Where should we retire?

How we chose our top 100 cities

We partnered with Applied Geographic Solutions (AGS) to select our 100 best places to live in 2023. Together we curated our cities based on nearly 100 data points and an algorithm taking into account measures of a city’s economy, housing and cost of living, amenities, transportation, environment, safety, education and health. To learn more about how we chose the top 100 cities, check out the methodology. 

The only thing missing? You.

Aside from the stats, our list answers other questions about what makes these places special. Where can you spend a Saturday or meet your friends for happy hour after a long day? What’s the weather like? What about the local economy and taxes? How is this city different from other places?

If you’re looking for a fresh start, sick of insane rent and want to find a community that’s just the right fit, this list is for you. These cities are welcoming, affordable and offer the space and opportunity to grow.

Johns Creek, Ga.

• LivScore: 877

• Region: South

• Population: 82,493

• Median home value: $453,747

Nestled in the rolling landscapes of Georgia, John’s Creek is where modern amenities meet outdoor interests. The city exudes Southern charm with a flourishing community spirit and parks and trails waiting to be explored, all while maintaining a low cost of living.

Flower Mound, Texas

• LivScore: 872

• Region: South

• Population: 81,173

• Median home value: $423,603

Near the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Flower Mound strikes the perfect balance between natural beauty and big-city living. With lush parks, top-notch schools and an active community, it’s a place where families thrive, professionals flourish and there are plenty of things to do.

Carmel, Ind.

• LivScore: 866

• Region: Midwest

• Population: 103,628

• Median home value: $388,578

Roughly 30 minutes outside of Indianapolis is Carmel, Indiana, a picturesque city with a stellar arts scene and top-rated schools. Carmel embraces quality of life, and residents have access to a variety of cultural events and outdoor activities.

Broomfield, Colo.

• LivScore: 855

• Region: West

• Population: 76,856

• Median home value: $491,306

Surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains, Broomfield provides an idyllic backdrop for those seeking a place with a low cost of living that doesn’t skimp on amenities and quality of life and has endless outdoor activities and a thriving local economy.

Sugar Land, Texas

• LivScore: 854

• Region: South

• Population: 118,604

• Median home value: $361,907

Located in the heart of Texas, Sugar Land is the perfect blend of Southern charm and big city amenities. From top-rated schools to a diverse culinary scene and a strong sense of community, Sugar Land offers the ideal balance of comfort and convenience.

Cary, N.C.

• LivScore: 849

• Region: South

• Population: 180,391

• Median home value: $438,130

Between the Western Carolina mountains and East Coast beaches is Cary, a cozy community with a high quality of life, thanks to a thriving economy, top-ranked schools, picturesque neighborhoods and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure.

Also see: I’m looking for a place that has year-round mild, sunny weather and is near or on the water, and my budget is $125,000 — where should I retire?

Overland Park, Kan.

• LivScore: 849

• Region: Midwest

• Population: 200,773

• Median home value: $353,316

Located in the heart of Kansas, Overland Park is a warm and welcoming community with picturesque neighborhoods, a strong economy, top-rated schools and plenty of things to do without skimping on affordability.

Fishers, Ind.

• LivScore: 848

• Region: Midwest

• Population: 103,610

• Median home value: $331,594

Minutes from Indianapolis, Fishers perfectly blends small-town suburban life and big-city amenities. With top-ranked schools, safe neighborhoods and plenty of parks and recreation, the city offers a family-friendly environment and an affordable cost of living.

Naperville, Ill.

• LivScore: 841

• Region: Midwest

• Population: 149,293

• Median home value: $438,434

Located on the outskirts of Chicago, Naperville residents have it all. Top-rated schools, pristine parks and a bustling downtown offer a high quality of life at an affordable cost, and the city also fosters a vibrant, inclusive community.

Don’t miss: Want an ‘average’ retirement lifestyle? You’ll need more than $1 million — sometimes a lot more — in these cities.

Troy, Mich.

• LivScore: 837

• Region: Midwest

• Population: 87,252

• Median home value: $352,806

Just north of Detroit, Troy is a suburb full of modern conveniences, including highly-ranked schools, safe neighborhoods and a thriving economy. From upscale shopping to diverse dining to outdoor activities, Troy provides residents with an abundance of amenities.

Also on MarketWatch: The best and most affordable places to live in Florida

Roswell, Ga.

• LivScore: 832

• Region: South

• Population: 92,536

• Median home value: $407,034

Just an hour outside Atlanta, Roswell captivates residents with historic charm, scenic beauty and modern conveniences. Known for its parks, award-winning schools and a strong sense of community, Roswell offers a suburban lifestyle with all the amenities.

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Clifton, N.J.

• LivScore: 831

• Region: Northeast

• Population: 89,579

• Median home value: $398,692

Clifton’s location in picturesque Passaic County and proximity to New York City make the city a haven for young families and professionals. Charming neighborhoods, excellent schools and plenty of outdoor activities contribute to Clifton’s strong sense of community.

Columbia, Md.

• LivScore: 828

• Region: South

• Population: 106,498

• Median home value: $455,220

Columbia’s location in the heart of Howard County and proximity to Washington, D.C., entices residents to this community that blends nature, culture and innovation. Great schools, pristine parks and a focus on sustainability make it a great place to live.

Sandy, Utah

• LivScore: 817

• Region: West

• Population: 97,754

• Median home value: $477,230

Nestled at the foot of the Wasatch Mountains, Sandy’s natural beauty is unparalleled. With top-rated schools, a tightknit community and endless opportunities for outdoor activities (especially hiking and skiing), residents maintain an active lifestyle here.

Read: This couple retired in Colombia on $4,000 a month. In California, ‘to live this lifestyle, we’d have to be mega, mega millionaires’

Olathe, Kan.

• LivScore: 813

• Region: Midwest

• Population: 142,664

• Median home value: $313,146

Olathe is the epitome of Midwestern charm, with friendly neighborhoods, top-notch schools, a thriving job market and no shortage of things to do. The city’s proximity to Kansas City perfectly balances suburban tranquility and urban conveniences.

Beaverton, Ore.

• LivScore: 809

• Region: West

• Population: 97,966

• Median home value: $494,298

Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Beaverton is a welcoming, vibrant community with lush green spaces, excellent schools and a penchant for sustainable living. Beaverton offers a high quality of life with a low cost of living and diverse neighborhoods.

Also see: The 5 best —and affordable —places to live in California

Gilbert, Ariz.

• LivScore: 805

• Region: West

• Population: 277,284

• Median home value: $413,974

Gilbert’s location in the sun-soaked Sonoran Desert, well-planned neighborhoods and top-ranked schools contribute to the city’s reputation as a suburban oasis. Residents can enjoy a long list of outdoor activities, a thriving economy and a welcoming, inclusive community.

Bloomington, Minn.

• LivScore: 801

• Region: Midwest

• Population: 88,925

• Median home value: $321,368

Bloomington’s location in the Twin Cities metro area makes it a prime spot for young families and professionals. Top-notch schools, a robust economy and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation contribute to Bloomington residents’ high-quality, well-rounded lifestyle.

Round Rock, Texas

• LivScore: 798

• Region: South

• Population: 129,785

• Median home value: $373,907

Just outside of Austin is Round Rock, a small town with big excitement. The city’s vibrant economy, excellent schools, plethora of parks and recreation activities, and low cost of living blend to give residents the best of both worlds.

See: 14 of the best and most affordable places to live on the West Coast

Rochester Hills, Mich.

• LivScore: 798

• Region: Midwest

• Population: 76,113

• Median home value: $334,020

Nestled in the heart of Eastern Michigan just miles from Detroit is Rochester Hills, a picturesque community providing an idyllic setting for families thanks to an abundance of outdoor activities, cultural attractions and a thriving downtown.

Contributing writers: Brittany Anas, Jamie Birdwell-Branson, Kathy Bradshaw, Wesley Broome, Dana Getz, Nicole Haase, Michele Herrmann, Patricia Kaowthumrong and Cara Sanders.

Other contributors:Cathy Atlas, Amanda Ellis, Misty Emery, Julia van Hooser, Sarah Henderson, Kim Holmberg, Branham Maddox, Eric Montzka, Richard Stevens and Jessy Yancey

Read the original article on Livability: The 100 best places to live in the U.S. in 2023