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Wellington, a small town south of Wichita, offers a number of great job opportunities, including careers in aviation, manufacturing, railroad services, and food processing. Despite its small size, Wellington offers residents on a budget plenty to do, including multiple museums and parks.

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Close to the heart of Kansas, Salina offers an affordable place to live, with a cost of living that’s just 75.8% of the U.S. average. Looking for a job in Salina? The city is known for an abundance of manufacturing jobs. There’s plenty to do in the area, even if you’re on a tight budget; grownups may enjoy the Smoky Hill Museum, while the Kenwood Cove Aquatic Park is great for families.

If you’re thinking of buying and this is your first time navigating the housing market, check out a guide for first-time homebuyers before starting your search in Salina.

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About two hours due south of Kansas City is the town of Pittsburg. Pittsburg offers a low cost of living, affordable housing, and plenty of employment opportunities across education and manufacturing (packing and plastics). You’ll still find a charming downtown in this old mining town, and there’s always good eats: Pittsburg is a part of Crawford County, the Fried Chicken Capital of the World.

Andover is a great spot for families near Wichita. Almost a third of all of the town’s residents are under 18, and parents will like that there is an emphasis on education and lots of opportunities for kids to make friends. Andover’s parks and trails are a great way to get kids outside and stay active.

And the town is so affordable, you likely won’t have to investigate getting a jumbo mortgage loan to purchase a home.

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If your family likes to stay active, Wichita is a great city to move to. It offers so much for families to do, from museums and restaurants to parks and sports teams. And families on a budget will appreciate the city’s low home price-to-income ratio: 3.03, which makes it possible to buy a house for your family to enjoy for years to come.

Ready to purchase a house in Wichita? Check out a home loan help center to get started.

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There’s always something going on in Dodge City. This small town goes all out for holidays throughout the year. In the warmer months, families can enjoy weekends at the Dodge City Raceway Park, and for 10 days each summer, the city throws a huge festival, called Dodge City Days. Families will also likely appreciate Dodge City’s well-regarded school system and low cost of living.

Already own a home in Dodge City but want a more affordable monthly payment? See if a mortgage refinance is right for you.

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Young professionals in search of a reliable job should add Wichita to their list for consideration. Wichita is home to multiple aircraft assembly and manufacturing, health care, and education jobs — and the McConnell Air Force Base is a huge employer. There’s always something to do in Wichita for young adults, whether that’s bars and clubs or festivals, concerts, and touring shows.

Ready to make an offer on a home in Wichita? Check out our tips to qualify for a mortgage.

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The capital of Kansas, Topeka offers plenty of government jobs for recent college grads. Young adults in search of an active lifestyle will feel right at home in Topeka, which has a hot dining scene and lots of outdoor spaces to get out and enjoy some fresh air.

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With multiple festivals, an auto-racing track, and the annual 10-day Dodge City Days, Dodge City offers young adults plenty to do, even though it’s far from the major cities on the eastern side of the state. You’ll find ample restaurants, bars, and outdoor places to explore, and the city has plenty of job opportunities.

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Salina has everything you could want in a place to retire: great community activities, several local golf courses, and a low cost of living. It’s also located at the intersection of two major interstates (I-70 and I-135), which is great if you plan to take lots of road trips during your golden years.

If you’d rather not get a mortgage in retirement, you can rent in Salina.

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Wichita is ideal for retirees: It has a low cost of living, it offers seniors plenty of activities, and it has its own airport — great if you want to travel the world during retirement. Wichita also has more than 100 parks, meaning there’s always somewhere new to explore.

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As the seat of the Kansas government, Topeka is an interesting place for seniors to live. There’s plenty going on downtown, and history buffs will enjoy the capital city’s significance in overturning racial segregation in public schools. With a low cost of living, Topeka is great for retirees on a strict budget. Plus, it’s surrounded by ample lakes for those who enjoy spending their days boating, fishing, and hiking.

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Fans of Milford Lake can get even closer to Kansas’ largest body of water by settling down in Junction City, just south of the lake. It’s also right where three major rivers converge: the Smoky Hill River, the Republican River, and the Kansas River. That means river kayaking and canoeing opportunities abound.

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Topeka is an all-around great place to live in Kansas, but the capital city is particularly attractive for people who like to be near the water. The city itself is built along the river, and the Greater Topeka Partnership is currently working toward developing the riverfront area to be designed as a community space. But the city is also located close to several large lakes, including Lake Shawnee, Clinton Lake, and Perry Lake, meaning multiple opportunities for swimming, hiking, boating, hunting, and fishing.

Northeast of Wichita is the small town of El Dorado — and it truly is golden for anyone who likes to live near the water. El Dorado Lake and its state park offer ample outdoor family fun, including boating and fishing. The reservoir transformed this area when it was completed in 1981.

If you are thinking of buying a home in El Dorado, it can be wise to familiarize yourself with the different types of mortgage loans you might want to consider.

This tiny, rural town boasts some affordable properties not to mention lovely scenery and an assortment of shops and restaurants. The median age here is 38.6, and some residents commute to work in New London, Connecticut. Providence is within reach as well, at 40 minutes away. If you’re embarking on your first home purchase, spend some time with a first-time homebuyer guide to learn the ins and outs of the process.

Located in the rural hills of the Pawtuxet River Valley due west of the larger Warwick, Coventry boasts one of the state’s best home price-to-income ratios (the average value of its homes divided by the median income of its residents), which helped land it on our list of the best affordable places to live in Rhode Island. It also offers plenty of biking and walking trails, plus historical sites connected to its history as a mill town.

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This coastal, central-Rhode Island city has easy access to Providence, Narragansett, and Newport and all the cultural and historic sites these cities offer (not to mention some of the best doughnuts in a state known for this breakfast treat). Warwick also has many interesting sites in its own right, plus beach access and restaurants in abundance. Homes for sale move briskly here, so if you’re looking to buy in Warwick, be prepared by going through the mortgage preapproval process in advance.

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Parents who work in Providence might like Lincoln, which is just north of that larger city and has a state park located within the town, as well as many historic sites. Hearthside, a historic house open to visitors, has a year-round blacksmith’s shop that kids will enjoy. (Parents may be more excited by the fact that Lincoln’s school district receives high ratings.) Lincoln is also home to one of two full-service casinos in the state, which provides residents with both employment and entertainment.

Look into the different types of mortgage loans so you are familiar with the options before the search gets serious.

It’s easy to see why families might be drawn to this quiet village within the larger Hopkinton area in the southwestern corner of the state. It has a suburban but rural feel, and parents may be attracted to its well-regarded schools.

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Exeter occupies a large, rural area southwest of Providence that extends all the way to the Connecticut border. There are plenty of farms, forests, and other open spaces here for families to enjoy. Parents may appreciate that Exeter and its affluent neighbor West Greenwich share one of the most highly rated school systems in the state.

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With a median age of 36, this Providence-county city has a relatively young population. It is also the corporate headquarters of CVS Health, and health care, manufacturing, and retail are the city’s largest industries. For those who do business in Boston or need a major airport nearby, Woonsocket is a relatively convenient hour and 15 minutes away by car. Young adults will enjoy the Stadium Theater, biking and hiking on the area’s trails, and city events such as Autumnfest. While the home price-to-income ratio is on the high side, the average rent is a very reasonable $1,595.

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The city is known as the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution and was a center for textile industries. Today, Pawtucket has a variety of industries, arts-related organizations, and small businesses; it nurtures a concentration of artists, including painters, sculptors, and glass-blowers. The city offers dozens of restaurants and a year-round calendar of festivals for entertainment. More than half of Pawtucket’s residents are renters, an unusually high concentration, and the average rent here is $1,750. Residents are just 15 minutes from downtown Providence.

Check out a home loan help center to learn more about the homebuying and mortgage process if you’re pondering your first home purchase.

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One of Rhode Island’s largest cities is a quick 15-minute commute by car to Providence, so access to multiple job markets is a draw. The area offers river shoreline access, with walking and hiking opportunities, as well as plenty of coffee shops, restaurants, and bars and breweries. Young adults looking to purchase their first home will want to read up on tips on how to qualify for a mortgage.

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Woonsocket’s relatively affordable cost of living makes it an attractive option for retirees on a fixed budget. And since Rhode Island is such a small state, retirees here are never far from their heart’s desire, whether that is hiking and walking at a state park, venturing south to the state’s lovely beaches, or enjoying the local cultural offerings. Woonsocket has several apartment buildings designated for the elderly, as well as multiple assisted living facilities. Medical care is also easily accessible, either in the local community hospital or at the state’s largest hospital in Providence.

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This diverse town just north of Pawtucket is a former manufacturing hub, and one of its retirement communities even occupies a historic mill building. Central Falls is small but very densely populated. Providence is less than a half-hour away by car, so access to the big city’s cultural offerings (and its medical care) is easy. While the home price-to-income ratio is high, the average home value here is well below the national average (unusual for Rhode Island) at $355,430.

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This town at the eastern edge of Rhode Island, about 40 minutes away from Providence, is known as a place that tends to attract retirees. Residents here enjoy two beaches on the Sakonnet River for swimming, walking, fishing, or bird-watching. The Four Corners area is a meeting place for those who enjoy historic buildings as well as the local shops and restaurants. Countryview Estates, a 60-acre complex, caters to the 55-plus set, and The Villages on Mount Hope Bay, on the waterfront, is for active adults in the same age group.

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Warren offers easy access to both beaches and farmland from its location on the East Bay between Providence and Newport. It has an abundance of art galleries and studios, gourmet food shops, and quaint stores. A level bike path along an old railroad spur connects local schools and a park. Residents praise the warm, welcoming community, the historic downtown, and the city’s work to revitalize the waterfront. The town beach has great amenities for families with young kids. The average home value here, at $498,546, is above national average but reasonable by Rhode Island waterfront standards.

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One of the few places in Rhode Island that directly borders the ocean (vs. the bay or a riverfront), Westerly has a buzzing scene of shops, restaurants, and bars, plus a waterfront amusement park with a century-old carousel. In the summer, the Chamber of Commerce screens movies on the beach. If you have your heart set on an ocean-view estate, this is the one city where you’re most likely to need a jumbo mortgage loan. But while homes on the seaside command a high price, the average home value here, at $544,000, indicates there are inland properties that are more affordable.

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Bristol has beaches in abundance. Popular options include Bristol Town Beach, Juniper Trail Beach, and Walley Street Beach. Residents might come here for the bayside vibes, but they undoubtedly stay thanks to other quality-of-life factors, such as the vigorous performing, cultural, and literary arts scene.

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Bellevue is part of the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area and it’s one of the larger suburban spots to make our list of the best places to live in Nebraska. Originally established as a fur-trading post, it’s the oldest continuous settlement in the state and is a thriving city that attracts families, young professionals, and retirees who are looking for convenient access to quality health care.

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Omaha is the most populous city in Nebraska, and its thriving economy is a definite mark in its favor for attracting newcomers. Job opportunities abound, as do local attractions, including the famed Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. Parents who move here will appreciate the well-rated school system. Omaha features plenty of affordable rental options, something you don’t always see in a larger city, and the large size of the market and the many homes for sale at all price points means it could be easier to find a place here.

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Kearney is consistently voted as one of the best places to live in Nebraska. Whether you’re interested in shopping, visiting local historic sites, or immersing yourself in the city’s diverse culture, you can do all of that and more here. Kearney also affords numerous opportunities to spend time outdoors, hiking, biking, kayaking, and canoeing. Completing the mortgage preapproval process can give you an idea of how much you might be able to borrow if you plan to buy.

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Seward is part of the Lincoln metro area, which could make it a good fit for families who prefer the suburbs to the busier city. Parents will be happy to hear that the schools are well-regarded. If you’re looking for something fun to do with kids, you can find the world’s largest time capsule located here. If you’re interested in owning a home, researching tips to qualify for a mortgage can make the process of getting a loan easier to navigate.

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Papillion is a suburb of Omaha that’s routinely at the top of ‘best places to live in America’ lists. It offers plenty of family-friendly attractions, and parents appreciate its good-quality schools. French fur traders are reportedly responsible for the town’s name, the French word for butterfly.

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Gering is an outstanding choice for families who are looking for a small-town feel. It’s quiet, there are lots of things to see and do around town with kids, and the cost of living isn’t a dealbreaker. With a home price-to-income ratio of under 3, you aren’t likely to need a jumbo mortgage loan in order to buy.

Ralston is part of the Omaha metro area and it offers many of the things any young professional might value. There’s a vibrant nightlife scene, plenty of parks where you can go for a jog or walk the dog, and the many restaurants and cafes make it a foodie’s dream. Along with those features, Ralston is also an affordable place to live for workers who are trying to do life on an entry-level salary. If this is your first time buying a home, explore the different types of mortgage loans before you go deep with your search.

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Lincoln is Nebraska’s second-largest city and its local economy revolves around business, manufacturing, agriculture, and transportation. Entrepreneurship is also encouraged here, and there are more than a few small business owners launching new ventures. The median age of residents is around 33, and the vast majority of residents are single and childless, which could bode well for those seeking to find “the one.”

La Vista is also a suburb of Omaha, and it manages to combine the best of both worlds, in terms of a small-town feel and big-city amenities. Young professionals will find plenty of affordable rental housing here. It’s perfectly situated for a short commute, though there are a good many job opportunities to be had in La Vista if you’re not interested in driving to Omaha.

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Beatrice sits about 40 minutes from Lincoln, making it close enough for day trips to visit doctors, check in on friends, or just go sightseeing. One in five people here is 65 or over. The local senior center regularly sponsors events and activities that are designed to encourage retirees to connect with their community.

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South Sioux City is uniquely situated along the Nebraska border and sits directly across the Missouri River from Sioux City, Iowa. It’s about halfway between Omaha and Sioux Falls, South Dakota, making it a potentially ideal spot for retirees who want to routinely travel to any of these cities. There’s plenty of local history to soak up as well as numerous scenic trails for stretching your legs. The home price-to-income ratio is low enough to make housing affordable even for seniors living on a fixed income in retirement.

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Sidney is located in western Nebraska, not far from the Colorado and Wyoming borders. It offers the epitome of small-town living and may be perfect for retirees who are looking for a cozy community in which to spend their golden years. The local senior center offers daily activities to help retirees stay active and involved alongside their peers. Sidney has one of the lowest price-to-income ratios on our list, which might make it attractive for retirees who want to own a home.

Burwell is a hotspot for those who enjoy boating, fishing, skiing, and other water sports. The Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area is perfect for a weekend camping trip and there are 31 miles of sandy beaches to lounge on (though, because there are no lifeguards on duty, swimming is at your own risk).

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Fremont could be a dream place to live for anyone who loves being close to the water. Fremont Lakes State Park is where you’ll find residents boating, swimming, camping, and picnicking when the weather is nice. If that’s not exciting enough, you can book an airboat tour along the Platte River, which is a great opportunity to catch a glimpse of the local wildlife. Unsure whether it makes sense to switch from renting to buying? Visit the home loan help center to learn more about how the process works.

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Grand Island is also close to the Platte River, but there are other ways to enjoy the water here. For example, if you have kids, you might take them to the Island Oasis Water Park for some splashy fun. In the spring, you can observe the migration of the sandhill cranes, which draws over one million waterfowl to the area.