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Burley is located along the Snake River, and it has its own municipal airport nearby. It also occupies more than one spot on our list. It’s known for water-focused activities, like bass fishing and water skiing, and hosts many community events centralized along the river, like the Spudman Triathlon.

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Pocatello makes a few appearances on this list, too, as it has a lot to offer. Sitting close to the Bannock Range mountains and home to Idaho State University, Pocatello has a lively and historic downtown area with antique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. The major employers here, in addition to the university, are in manufacturing, mining, transportation, agriculture, and medical products.

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This eastern Idaho city is the fourth-largest metropolitan area in the state. It sits along the Snake River and is a magnet for outdoor-lovers. The Idaho Falls River Walk – Greenbelt Trail, a five-mile path here, connects many of the city’s main attractions. The city also has a regional airport and a minor-league baseball team. Outside of town, the Hells Half Acre lava field offers hiking trails in a natural historical landmark.

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Twenty percent of households here have children, and this suburban area offers convenient access to all the Boise area has to offer. Parents are drawn here in part by its well-regarded school system. In addition to a zoo, a historic train depot, and plenty of parks, hiking trails, and outdoor adventure, Boise offers a science center and the popular World Center for Birds of Prey, where curious kids can see live bird demonstrations.

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Just under a third of households in this pretty valley city are families with children, drawn by the area’s advantages noted above but also by fun family activities, such as Zoo Idaho, Fort Hall Replica (a local history museum), and the Idaho Museum of Natural History. Parents also appreciate that many of the local public schools are rated better-than-average.

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Roughly a 5.5-hour drive north from Boise in the western part of the state lies Moscow, another family-friendly place in Idaho. Moscow is home to the state’s land grant university, the University of Idaho, and also boasts a thriving art scene that includes the Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival — the largest of its kind west of the Mississippi. There are lots of sporting events to keep families entertained, plus a local arboretum and botanical garden, and ample parks and bike paths. This city is more costly than others in Idaho, possibly due to location and the steady migration from California driving up prices here over the last decade or so. But it’s a good value when compared to cities in other states.

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A young adult starting out will find a range of job opportunities in Idaho’s most populous city, where the median age is 39 and two thirds of households do not have children. Major employers here include Micron Technology, J.R. Simplot Company, HP, Inc., and Boise Cascade. Although the cost of living in Boise is higher than some other locations in Idaho, the proximity to natural beauty combined with career opportunities and lots of activities for singles makes this city appealing to young adults.

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Idaho Falls, known for its outdoor leisure activities, is also home to Idaho National Laboratory, a leader in clean-energy research and a main employer in the area. Over 20% job growth between 2018 and 2023 has kept this city on the Milken Institute Best-Performing Cities Index in 2025, yet housing costs remain relatively low, making this an appealing destination for young adults. The average age of the population here is 31.

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A smaller city about a half hour west of Boise, Caldwell is in a more agricultural area, and young adults willing to make the commute will find reasonable home prices and rents not far from a bustling job market. The area is known for its fertile soil and all-terrain sports, and it’s a short drive from Idaho’s Lake Lowell and the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge. Another nearby fast-growing municipality is called Star.

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Nature lovers looking for a retirement spot will savor the opportunities for hiking and other outdoor activities in Twin Falls, located two hours by car southeast of Boise. Shoshone Falls, with a 212-foot vertical drop, which has earned them the nickname of “Niagara Falls of the West,” and the 5-acre Orton Botanical Gardens are popular local spots, and the downtown offers breweries, shops, and art exhibits for entertainment.

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As noted above, Burley is a popular spot for water-sports and fishing enthusiasts. Retirees might also enjoy spending time at the Cassia County Historical Museum and the King Fine Arts Center. Burley has two 55+ communities.

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This rural community offers views of mountains and sand dunes. Residents enjoy an annual country music festival, and Boise, which offers lots of cultural attractions and access to top-notch health care resources, is 45 minutes away by car.

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Swan Valley is a tiny town in the Yellowstone range, less than an hour’s drive by car from both the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. It is on the banks of the South Fork of the Snake River and is best known for its world-class fly fishing.

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This popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts is about 70 miles north of Boise. After biking, fishing, hiking, or skiing, residents and visitors enjoy the local hot springs and maybe a little axe-throwing at the local bar for good measure.

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This town lies between three mountain ranges on the shores of Idaho’s largest lake, the 43-mile-long Lake Pend Oreille. It prides itself on having a small-town (vs. a resort-town) vibe, and offers abundant opportunities for outdoor adventure plus a thriving arts and culture scene.

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Sioux Falls is the largest city in South Dakota, so you can expect to find plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment options downtown and in the surrounding area. There are lots of outdoor activities as well, right in the city, including the Great Plains Zoo and Falls Park, which overlooks the scenic waterfalls of the Big Sioux River. Don’t let the size of the city scare you off — median home values are lower than for the U.S. overall, and the cost of living here is one of the lowest in the U.S., period.

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Vermillion is located near the banks of the Missouri River and has a historic downtown district with specialty shops, galleries, dining, and more. It’s also home to the University of South Dakota — so it’s a vibrant city with lots of activities, festivals, and live music performances. And there’s plenty of history to explore, as well.

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Want to live in a city but feel like your vacation is just steps away? Rapid City is known as the gateway to Mount Rushmore, and it’s close to all the great touristy stuff that draws visitors to the state. But it also can be an affordable and fun place to live and work. The downtown area offers plenty of galleries and public art for residents to enjoy, and the city celebrates the area’s Native American history and culture every year with the popular Black Hills PowWow.

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Brookings is home to South Dakota State University, the largest university in the state, and it’s South Dakota’s fourth-most-populous city. Still, the city is known for its sense of community and small-town charm. Families will find the good schools appealing, and there’s plenty there for both grownups and kids to do. The Brookings County Outdoor Adventure Center has an Olympic-sized archery range and hosts the county’s 4H program. If you’re wondering how much house you can afford, check out a home affordability calculator — and get some tips for your home-buying journey.

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If you like the idea of living close to two popular lakes and two state parks, you’ll want to check out Watertown. The town offers plenty of activities throughout the year, including fishing and ice fishing, a cinema, bowling, a family aquatic center, and the Bramble Park Zoo. And the cost of living in Watertown is well below the national average.

Harrisburg is one of the fastest-growing cities in South Dakota, and the city’s school system continues to expand to meet the community’s needs. The city also boasts a wide range of amenities for families, including parks and recreation facilities. Harrisburg residents can also enjoy the big-city amenities in Sioux City, which is just a short drive north.

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Madison is one of those cities that could be described as “just right,” especially for young adults. It’s not too big or too small, the cost of living is low, and homes aren’t too expensive. There’s a vibrant downtown with shops, restaurants, museums, and more. And you don’t have to go far to get away from it all and enjoy hiking, fishing, camping, and more. It’s also the home of Dakota State University, so you’ll get that fun college-town vibe. Homes are mostly affordable, and first-time homebuyers may find their sweet spot here.

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Whether you plan to rent or buy, if affordability is a house-hunting priority, you may want to start with Aberdeen. You may even find a nice fixer-upper to invest in. And there’s no shortage of things to do in Aberdeen, from mini golf and movies to skating and a community garden. Aberdeen is another college town (it’s home to Northern State University), so there’s almost always a game or event going on. And the city is known for its fun nightlife.

North Sioux City is another small South Dakota city that has lots to offer. It’s just a short commute to downtown Sioux City, Iowa, but North Sioux City also has its own thriving local business community. When you’re ready to play, there’s nearby McCook Lake for fishing and boating. And there are several restaurants, bars, and casinos on the stretch of road known as “The Strip.” North Sioux City is one of the pricier locations for homebuyers in South Dakota, but some neighborhoods are less expensive than others, so you may be able to find a bargain.

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Hot Springs is known for its natural beauty and the therapeutic benefits of its natural mineral springs. Its popularity with veterans (it’s actually nicknamed “Veterans Town”) dates back to World War I, when a national hospital was established for the treatment of veterans, followed by a VA health-care facility and a state veterans home. The city is also a popular tourist spot, known for its vibrant art scene and its proximity to many of the state’s historic landmarks. Although the home price-to-income ratio for Hot Springs is outside the healthy range, the median home value there is much lower than in some nearby locations.

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Yankton, also known as the “River City,” is located along one of the last natural-flowing stretches of the Missouri River. This makes it a big draw for outdoors lovers — but there’s also a historic downtown, museums, a live theater, and more. And the cost of living in Yankton is among the lowest in the state.

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You may know Sturgis for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, one of the largest bike rallies in the world — but it’s also a growing yet tight-knit community that welcomes families and retirees. The city hosts several festivals throughout the year, a Hometown Marketplace that showcases local vendors, and in the summer, there’s the Music on Main Summer Event Series. Hoping to stay in shape in retirement? The Sturgis Community Center has a pool and fitness facility, and there’s also a community garden. Understanding the different types of mortgage loans available could help you keep your options open if you are purchasing in Sturgis.

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Belle Fourche (“beautiful fork”) is a quiet city located on the northern slopes of South Dakota’s Black Hills. It’s near the 8,000-acre Belle Fourche Reservoir, which is a popular spot for birding, biking, boating, and canoeing. And it’s close to many of the state’s most popular tourist attractions.

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Spearfish Creek, the second-largest stream in the Black Hills, runs right through the center of the city of Spearfish, making it a mecca for freshwater fishing fans and tourists. But the city is also a family-friendly place to live, with a historic downtown lined with shops, coffeeshops, cafes, and wine bars. And there’s live entertainment in the summer. The overall cost of living in Spearfish is low, but homes can be pricey here.

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Fort Pierre is a picturesque city on the bluffs of the Missouri River, so you’ll find plenty of beautiful scenery and recreational opportunities there. The city embraces its history and the French explorers who settled the region. But it’s also a modern city that prioritizes business growth and quality of life for its residents. The median home value here is down year over year and far below the U.S. median home value, which may make it easier to qualify for a mortgage. Rentals are limited and priced between $1,300 and $1,800 per month.

Looking for an affordable place to live in Alaska that isn’t far outside of the big city of Anchorage? Take a closer look at Knik-Fairview. You’ll have to drive into Anchorage (it’s about an hour) for most things, but if you like the remoteness of the state, Knik-Fairview could be a place to put down roots.

When you’re ready to make a move, know that when home shopping, it can be wise to go through the mortgage preapproval process to compete more effectively in the market.

Badger may be small, but it’s not far from Fairbanks (see below), so there’s still plenty to do (beyond just enjoying Alaska’s beauty). Badger is a great spot to see the Northern Lights, and it’s also super close to the small city of North Pole, known for its year-round Christmas decorations.

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Fairbanks is one of Alaska’s largest cities, but it’s much more affordable than Anchorage. If you’re moving to Alaska on a budget but still need a connection to people, Fairbanks is top of the list of best places in Alaska to live. The area is home to great restaurants, museums, and festivals, but it still offers access to Alaska’s pristine nature.

To see what type of home mortgage loan you might qualify for, consider getting prequalified for a home loan before you embark in earnest on your home search.

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Want to raise your crew in a city large enough to offer all the commodities a busy family needs? Think about settling in Fairbanks. It offers plenty for your kids to do and still lets you easily access the natural part of Alaska that likely drew you to the state in the first place.

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Cordova is a great place to live with your family in Alaska. Though small, it’s ideally situated to reach Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula, plus some of the coastal villages farther south. Families may find its combination of good schools and suburban vibe appealing. While rents and housing prices may not be exceptional for Alaska, the cost of living in Cordova is quite high, so it may be a stretch for those who are not in high-paying careers.

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Unless you’re a commercial fisher, jobs may be hard to come by in Sitka. That said, if you have a remote job, Sitka should certainly be on your personal list of the best places to live in Alaska for families. It’s affordable and offers plenty of outdoor activities to keep kids immersed in nature — and the weather tends to be a little less harsh than cities and villages within the Inside Passage.

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If you’re a young adult drawn to the remote adventures that await in Alaska — but you still want trendy restaurants and exciting nightlife — check out Anchorage. It’s the state’s largest city by a landslide, so there’s always something to do. Anchorage also skews fairly young; the median age is 36.

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Young adults may want to consider putting down roots in Fairbanks. There’s plenty to do in the city for young people, and the median age is 28.6. Job opportunities abound; some of the largest employers include the University of Alaska and Doyon (a large Native corporation), Fairbanks Memorial Hospital.

Fairbanks itself is a great city for young adults, but those who want to be a little farther out from the downtown area can settle down in Badger. The median age here is 34.7, and young adults can find plenty of work in health care, construction, public administration, mining, oil and gas, and more.

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Fairbanks offers retirees easy access to an airport, which might be important in the winter when you want to escape the cold. But if the cold is your thing, you’ll love Fairbanks. In fact, the Milken Institute named Fairbanks one of the Best Cities for Successful Aging a few years back, due in part to easy access to health and wellness amenities.

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Juneau’s population over 65 may be small (just over 15%), but that doesn’t mean the spot isn’t friendly to retirees. If you want to live a more active lifestyle in retirement, the capital city of Alaska offers plenty to do, including wildlife watching and symphony orchestras.

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This coastal town is far enough outside Anchorage to give retirees a sense of remote living, but close enough to get to the airport in three hours — not an everyday drive, of course, but not as inconvenient as some other spots in Alaska. More importantly, Kenai has some of the most stunning scenery in the state, is home to several parks and beaches, and offers plenty of sport fishing, if that’s on your vision board for retirement.

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Sitka sits outside the Inside Passage, truly on the Gulf of Alaska. That makes it the perfect coastal spot for boating, surfing, snorkeling, and kayaking, as well as dolphin and whale watching. If you’re a water enthusiast, Sitka might be high on your list.

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Kenai is located at the end of the Kenai River, where it empties into the Cook Inlet. That makes Kenai a water-lover’s paradise. Kenai Beach is stunning, with ancient rock formations and even camping in the summer months.

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Anchorage sits at the end of the Cook Inlet, right where it forks into two arms. If you want easy access to the coast but don’t want to give up the perks of big-city living — restaurants, breweries, shopping, museums, and more — then Anchorage could be the spot for you.