There are many places to live in the United States but in some areas, the dollar goes much further. A number of towns in the country but many smaller communities, with less than 60,000 individuals, offer a low unemployment rate and reasonable housing prices while also promising a below-average crime rate. Here are some inexpensive places to live that offer both safety and comfort.
Derby, Kansas
Derby Kansas is a suburb of Wichita, Kansas, located in the southeast metropolitan area. In 2007, “Family Circle” Magazine named it one of the best towns in the country for families. The town has a number of school systems, including several elementary schools. The city has a number of recreational programs including a 4th of July celebration, art gallery, historical museum, open-air market, the Rock River Rapids and a skate park. As of 2010, the city’s median home price is $139,057 with an unemployment rate of 7.6 percent..
Norwalk, Iowa
Norwalk, Iowa is an economically strong, family-friendly town and, in 2010, “Business Week” named it the Best Affordable Suburb in Iowa. The city rests only 10-minutes from the metro Des Moines and offers housing diversity, excellent schools, safety and large green space for relaxation. The city has a country club, private lake, two golf facilities, tennis courts, parks and swimming pools. As of 2010, the city is still growing with new developments under way. As of 2010, the city’s median home price is $136,250 with an unemployment rate of 6.6 percent.
Bryant, Arkansas
CNN’s Money Magazine ranked Bryant, Arkansas as the No. 86 “Best Places to Live” in 2009 and the No. 10 “Best Places for Jobs.” The town is located 20-miles from Little Rock, Arkansas. The community focuses on families with married couples with children representing 35.5 percent of the population. During 2008-09, the Bryant school system ranked above the Arkansas state average. The city offers access to Lake Ouachita, a nice spot for fishing, boating and swimming. As of 2010, the city’s median home price is $147,500 with an unemployment rate of 6.0 percent.
Moore, Oklahoma
Early settlers founded Moore in 1889 and the area became a city in 1962. The world knows Moore, Oklahoma thanks to the violent tornado that swept through and ravaged the town in 1999. The city rests between the state capital of Oklahoma City and the city of Norman, which houses the University of Oklahoma. The town has seven gated communities. As of 2010, the town has added over 4,900 single family since 2000. The town also has three high schools, five junior highs and 21 elementary level schools. As of 2010, the city’s median home price is $120,000 with an unemployment rate of 5.3 percent.
