Top 10 Cities To Live, Work, And Buy A Home

These top ten low-cost communities have been diligently chosen based on essential criteria that include plentiful jobs, low cost of living, affordable housing and great quality of life. Several of these locales are college towns and many are located amidst beautiful and picturesque natural surroundings.

The following communities are the top 10 affordable places to live and work, according to Sperling's Best Places.

1. Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, Arkansas/Missouri

Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, Fayetteville is a small college town with a progressive feel, a thriving economy and an ideal environment for young families. While Springdale is a hub of several booming businesses including light manufacturing, trucking and agricultural processing, Rogers is a major residential area with a booming economy contributed by big stores such as Wal-Mart. The area enjoys a five-year job growth of 26.1 % (the national average being 4.9 %) and a low unemployment rate of 3.5 %. The three-city area had a median home price of $212,300 in January 2007.

2. Idaho Falls, Idaho

The name itself is indicative of the natural bounty that this town enjoys. Idaho Falls is located on the northeast part of the Snake River and has the Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks in its proximity. Jobs are plenty in this small town that is driven by a mixed economy of agriculture and industry. A nuclear-research center, a health care center and small businesses offer plenty of employment. The town has a mixed population in terms of religion with about half of the residents being adherents of the Mormon faith. Idaho Falls' median home price in January 2007 was $224,800.

3. Logan, Utah

Set in the middle of beautiful mountain ranges and valleys, Logan, Utah, offers great outdoor experiences. Cultural and sporting events are aplenty in this college town. A diverse economy, young work force, family owned businesses and pedestrian-friendly streets are major plus points. This beautiful town had a median home price of $200,600 in January 2007. The moderate climate and low cost of living are favorable for residents. The town has over 70 % of residents who are practicing Mormons.

4. Auburn-Opelika, Alabama

Home to Alabama University, the area is ideal for families and young people. A growing economy, good job prospects and high level of education among residents characterize Auburn. On the flip side, Auburn is removed from other major cities and summers are hot and humid. The job growth for 5 years is 16.1 % and median home price in January was $210,900.

5. Iowa City, Iowa

Another college town, Iowa City offers its residents a lively cultural scene, an attractive downtown and a panoramic natural setting. However, the area experiences harsh winters although summers are moderate. A lot of suburban and large retail developments are happening in the city. The median home price in January was $206,900.

6. Dubuque, Iowa

Dubuque is a small industrial town characterized by Victorian brick buildings and reasonable housing. The city has some decent amenities including a symphony and theater company, and a convention center. The economy is largely driven by manufacturing businesses. Climate in this area can be rather harsh with temperatures ranging from minus 32 degrees to 110 degrees F. The area has a 5 year job growth of 11.86 % and the median home price in January 2007 was $152,300.

7. Pensacola, Ferry Pass and Brent, Florida.

Pensacola's beaches are the top most attraction for residents who enjoy its 52 miles of Caribbean-like, white sandy beaches. The community is home to a lively bar scene, the University of West Florida and the Pensacola Naval Air Station. The economy is diverse and thriving. On the other hand, the area being a hurricane zone could be a spirit dampener for many. The January median home price was $223,900.

8. Blacksburg, Christiansburg and Radford, Virginia

Popular for housing the Virginia Polytechnic Institute or the Virginia Tech, this tri-city area offers a small-town feel and college amenities, amidst a beautiful mountain landscape. Residents enjoy a pleasant climate, and a low cost of living with the advantages of arts, entertainment, commerce and health care. Isolation from air service could be a disadvantage to some. The median home price in January 2007 was at a low $197,800.

9. Huntsville, Alabama

The "Space Capital of America' as it is called, Huntsville is home to numerous technology and aerospace firms, besides being the center for research, technology and high-tech manufacturing. Several big companies have contributed to its economy and the city is known for its well-educated and well-paid work force. Residents enjoy the lovely mountainous surroundings. However limited air services and slow progress in infrastructural development are drawbacks.

10. Fargo, North Dakota

There is no dearth for college amenities in this college town which is home to North Dakota State University and has the Moorhead State University and Concordia College located close by. Modern buildings, a robust economy and the lowest unemployment rate in the whole country (2.6 %) makes Fargo a great place to live and work. Although winters are a negative aspect the town offers plenty of action. The area had a median home price of $162,586 in January 2007.

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