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West of Hartford, in the picturesque Litchfield Hills, is Torrington, the largest city in Litchfield county. Like many towns in this state of river valleys, it’s a former manufacturing center with a historic downtown area. Today, Torrington is home to the Warner Theatre, Nutmeg Conservatory, and many art galleries. A state forest and ample parks, plus a children’s museum, make this a welcoming setting for arts aficionados, outdoorsy types, families, and everyone in between.

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Located in the middle of the state, New Britain has easy access to highways running up to Hartford and Boston and down to New York City. It’s also home to a lively arts scene, including the New Britain Museum of American Art. The headquarters of Stanley Black & Decker is here, and the downtown area houses Central Connecticut State University, so the town is diverse. New Britain has a large Polish population and hosts an annual Polish festival. New Britain boasts some beautiful historic districts as well as a vigorous rental market. If this is your first time purchasing a home, consider using a first-time homebuyer guide to learn more about the process before you start shopping.

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Canterbury, in the eastern part of the state, is home to lovely historic architecture and many of the quaint charms of New England, including alpaca and dairy farms, antique stores, farm stands, and farm-to-table restaurants. If you’re looking for a more rural way of life, this could be your sweet spot. Canterbury’s proximity to Providence, Rhode Island and Boston means that there are some higher priced homes that would require a jumbo mortgage loan sprinkled into the mix.

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It’s easy to see why parents would be attracted to the area. It offers relatively affordable homes in proximity to the jobs of a major city. And there are abundant parks, ball fields, and other outdoor opportunities for those raising children. Families who enjoy hiking and biking will appreciate the rails-to-trails pathway. Parents are drawn to the area’s well-regarded public schools, and the town is also the home of Avon Old Farms School, a prestigious boarding school.

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Granby and the nearby town of East Granby are somewhat distant suburbs of Hartford that are also located not far from Springfield, Massachusetts. More rural than some of the other Hartford-area suburbs, these communities have easy access to hiking trails, bike paths, and farmland. About a third of the households here have children, and parents appreciate the area’s strong public school system. If you’re looking for a new home for your family, read up on the different types of mortgage loans so you’ll be prepared when it’s time to seal the deal.

Just north and west of New Haven, Woodbridge is conveniently located for families who want easy access to regular commuter trains to New York City, but who also desire proximity to the forest, the beach, and other outdoor recreation. Families also like the town’s well-rated public schools, rural feel, and historic homes. Owning a home near New Haven and its conveniences can be costly, and if you’re interested in buying, studying up on some of the tips to qualify for a mortgage could be helpful.

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This urban/suburban area near Hartford was a 19th-century center for textile manufacturing. Today it offers lots of shopping and dining options, including a vibrant brewery and cider culture. It’s a short drive to Hartford for work or the cultural events the big city offers. The median age here is 36, and most households don’t have kids.

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If you like a robust arts and restaurant scene, plus major sporting events and a concert venue that draws top-notch acts, Hartford could be a good spot for you. The population is large and diverse, and there are large employers in the insurance industry as well as in health care and government. The trendy Parkville Market food hall is an all-season gathering place for young city dwellers. And the cost of living is 13% lower than in Connecticut as a whole.

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This diverse waterfront community in eastern Connecticut is small, and three-quarters of households do not have children. There are plenty of bars, coffee shops, restaurants, and parks. Young adults who like a maritime New England atmosphere and proximity to beaches in the summer months will want to check out New London, which is less than an hour by car from Hartford, New Haven, and Providence, Rhode Island, and mere minutes from Groton, home of a U.S. Navy submarine base.

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Avon is popular with retirees as well as with families. A strong local health care system and proximity to Hartford make this an attractive home base. The local area boasts abundant restaurants, museums, and other cultural institutions within a 30-minute drive, as well as several golf courses, hiking trails, and protected bike paths, making it a good headquarters for active types. If you’re looking to downsize into a condo or apartment, the town and its neighbor, Simsbury, together offer more than five retirement living communities for elders.

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This rural/suburban town not far from New Haven is home to Heritage Village, Connecticut’s largest community for active adults 55 and over. The median age here is 51, a reflection of the area’s appeal to those near or in the retirement zone. The town has a lovely downtown as well as parks, golf courses, and lots of scenic beauty.

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Located 10 miles southeast of Hartford, this Connecticut River town has access to the health care and cultural activities of the city. Local activities for seniors include a Senior Lunch Program, and there is an active Senior Center for those 50+. There are several retirement communities in the area.

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This town, home to a Naval submarine base, also boasts three well-regarded public beaches, including Esker Point Beach, which has parking and changing rooms. Bordered by two rivers, Groton is also not far from Hartford, New Haven, and Providence, Rhode Island. There is a range of housing options, from historic homes to modern condo apartments.

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Situated on Long Island Sound near the mouth of the Housatonic River, Stratford has 18 miles of coastline, two public beaches, and five marinas. Nature lovers will appreciate that the town is also close to a forest, a salt marsh, and a wildlife refuge.

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A half-hour by car east of New Haven, Clinton has a local beach and residents can purchase a beach pass for $25 per year. (Nonresidents pay steeper fees). But it is also close to Hammonasset Beach State Park, with free access for Connecticut residents. Like other beach towns, it borders the Long Island Sound and there are also marinas here. Clinton also offers a bustling outlet center, a local vineyard, and sport fishing tours.

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If you’d like to land somewhere that isn’t quite a small town or a big city, then Jackson might be exactly what you’re looking for. With around 31,000 residents, this urban area is by no means tiny, but you won’t have to worry about the hustle and bustle of a big city. Top employers include CMS Energy Corporation and Allegiance Health. And there is plenty to do outside of work — with multiple museums and parks, you’ll never be bored. Jackson is a top spot for golf lovers, as well. Going for a smaller town can help you keep your budget nice and tight.

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When you want a bigger-city feel, but still like to keep things affordable, Kalamazoo enters the picture. You’ll appreciate that the rent prices here start at around $350. This area of Michigan is known for its craft beer, so you can’t miss out on brewery-hopping with the locals. The city is small but diverse, and there are plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities. You’ll also be located midway between Chicago and Ann Arbor. If you’re looking to purchase a home, to compete more effectively in the market, it may help to go through the mortgage preapproval process before your search heats up.

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Don’t let the idea of big city prices scare you off if you want to live in Michigan. Detroit is the biggest city on our list of the best affordable places to live in Michigan, with rental prices starting as low as $500. For a helpful point of reference: Portland, Oregon, has about the same number of residents as Detroit, but its average rent price is about 30% higher. Sure, there are areas in and around Detroit where you’re likely to need a jumbo mortgage loan, but home values in metro Detroit fall well below the national average. In the desirable (and walkable) Downtown and Midtown neighborhoods, there are condos and small homes priced below $500,000.

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Families may gravitate to Okemos due to its well-regarded public schools and solid job opportunities in government, health care, and manufacturing. The area benefits from its proximity to the state capital of East Lansing and to Michigan State University. Okemos is another example of a Michigan city that has much more affordable housing opportunities that can offer families on a budget some much-needed relief.

Why is Huntington Woods such a great place for families? Like Okemos, it has well-regarded schools. It also offers a low-key social scene, not to mention there are a lot of opportunities for outdoor family fun. You’re also close to Detroit if you want to commute to work there but not raise kids there. There are first-time homebuyer programs in Michigan that can help make home ownership affordable, and buyers who have previously owned a home can qualify in some cases.

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If you have water babies, get ready for sun fun on the sand. Muskegon has a handful of waterfront state parks where you can enjoy days in the sun. Art museums, hiking trails, theme parks, and many other attractions make Muskegon a really cool spot to raise active and curious kids.

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While Ann Arbor isn’t the cheapest place to live in Michigan, it is a very affordable big city. Finding a good job shouldn’t be a problem either. Education, health care, and automotive employers dominate, although the area is also home to the headquarters of Domino’s Pizza. There are also plenty of opportunities for young adults to let their hair down and have a little fun. For outdoor enthusiasts, the area offers kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding on the Huron River in the summer, as well as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating in the winter. Young creatives can explore renowned galleries, museums, and theatrical and musical organizations.

Young adults looking to start their career off may be looking to move somewhere with a high median household income and good job opportunities. They may want to consider East Grand Rapids, which has a median household income of $168,000. If this is your first time purchasing a home, consult a home loan help center to learn more about the ins and outs of this transaction.

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Young people will appreciate all the fun things to do in Kalamazoo. From breweries to live theater and musical performances to impressive dining destinations, there’s no shortage of ways to fill your nights and weekends. The median age of the population in Kalamazoo is 29, and a quarter of the population is made up of people in their twenties, so young singles will appreciate the opportunities to meet and mingle with others in the same stage of life.

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Most retirees live on a fixed income and may have a tight budget to stick to. Petoskey is an affordable spot for retirees whether they choose to rent or own. There are many opportunities to enjoy arts and culture in the area, and golf and ski resorts are plentiful. The Gaslight District boasts 90 specialty shops. And the area has several highly rated retirement communities and assisted-living facilities.

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Retirees just want to have fun, and they stand to have a lot of fun in Kalamazoo. Those looking for a slower pace can enjoy the farmer’s markets, antique shops, and museums. Seniors looking to stay active can hit the hiking and biking trails when they aren’t playing a round of golf or taking their grandkids to one of Kalamazoo’s many parks. The county has a local tax, approved by voters, that raises funds for community supports that enhance the quality of life for seniors.

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Retirees who dream of the charm of Europe but who also want to stay close to home can find everything they’re looking for in Holland, Michigan. The Dutch heritage of this town is still celebrated today with the preservation of unique architecture, blooming tulip fields, celebratory festivals, and of course, some impressive windmills.

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Play tourist whenever you feel like it in Grand Haven. Visitors flock there to take advantage of the seven area beaches, as well as its museums, galleries, shops, and restaurants. Make your move here and you can take advantage of everything Grand Haven has to offer, which includes catching a show at the Grand Haven Musical Fountain or strolling down the boardwalk. Retirees who don’t like to drive can catch a ride on the Lakeshore Trolley each summer. And with miles of Lake Michigan beaches, the soft sand and beautiful sunsets make summers in Grand Haven especially inviting.

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Morning strolls by the waterfront Bayfront Park sound like the perfect start to any day. From beach days to water sports, in Petoskey, there’s no shortage of ways to take advantage of being so close to the water.

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Traverse City is one of the pricier beachside towns we looked at but for good reasons. Families looking for an outdoorsy home will also appreciate that the area has a well-ranked public school system even as it also offers reasonable property taxes and all the waterfront amenities you could ask for. Residents here can make the most of weekends by indulging in wine tours, sailboat cruises, and hiking. When wine country combines with beaches, you know you’re in for a good time.