Small cities offer affordable alternatives amid rising urban living costs

If living in a bustling city feels overwhelming, yet a small town seems too quiet, relocating to a small city might be the ideal compromise. According to recent data, nearly one-third of Americans prefer suburban living over big cities, with housing costs being a significant factor in this trend.

WalletHub conducted an analysis of 1,318 small U.S. cities with populations ranging from 25,000 to 100,000. The study considered 45 indicators of livability across categories such as affordability, economic health, education and health, safety, and quality of life.

"Moving from a bustling metropolis city to a small city could drastically cut down your cost of living," said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo. He noted that the best small cities also provide strong job markets and good healthcare options.

Lupo added that these cities offer more convenient commutes due to less congestion: "With fewer residents and less congestion, travel within these cities is more convenient."

Indiana stands out in the survey with four cities—Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, and Noblesville—ranking highly. Indiana's reputation is enhanced by its colleges such as Notre Dame and Purdue University.

Fishers combines small-town charm with industrial activity. "Fishers is a leading hub for life sciences and biopharma manufacturing," according to Mayor Scott Fadness.

Westfield offers numerous parks for nature enthusiasts and hosts events at Grand Junction Plaza. Carmel boasts low unemployment rates and high median household incomes. Apex in North Carolina combines proximity to universities with small-city charm.

Kaysville in Utah offers scenic views alongside educational institutions like Utah State University. Brookfield near Milwaukee features low unemployment rates and extensive healthcare services.

Noblesville is known for cultural sites like the Ruoff Music Center. Castle Rock in Colorado provides outdoor activities close to Denver.

Brentwood in Tennessee attracts celebrities seeking tranquility away from Hollywood while maintaining vibrant retail offerings. Fair Lawn near New York City retains historical significance while offering modern amenities.

These findings suggest that smaller cities may present appealing alternatives for those looking for affordable living without sacrificing quality of life.