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Kokomo, Indiana, is an affordable place to live, with plenty of free things to do for families on a budget. The downtown area is walkable, and you’ll find plenty of parks and trails to explore. The economy here relies on manufacturing, services, and agriculture. In late 2024, the U.S. government committed to helping to fund two new electric battery plants in Kokomo, which would bring 2,800 jobs to the area.

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Over the last decade and a half, South Bend has undergone a major revitalization effort that has made it an even more desirable place to live. It’s now filled with pedestrian-friendly streets, new housing units, and more job opportunities. The desirability of the town has, however, sent rent and housing prices up, but overall, South Bend has a low cost of living. If you’re looking to buy, you likely won’t need a jumbo mortgage loan.

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Fort Wayne offers an abundance of job opportunities in manufacturing, but as you leave the city center, you’ll find that the area’s main source of income is agriculture. As a larger city in the Hoosier State, Fort Wayne offers plenty to do, from zoos and museums to restaurants and theaters.

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This suburban town north of Indianapolis is close enough to the big city that families have plenty to do (and plenty of job opportunities), but it’s away from the loud hustle and bustle of downtown. Carmel offers families lots of good features: ample shopping centers, plenty of outdoor spaces, and a delightful arts district. Parents will especially appreciate its well-reviewed schools. If you’re planning to buy a house in Carmel, review the different types of mortgage loans available to you before making a decision.

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The capital of Indiana offers everything a family needs. There’s always something going on downtown, and you have easy access to restaurants, health care, and entertainment, including a fantastic zoo. Parents like the school system here. If your family likes peace and quiet, however, this busy city might not be right for you. But if you are ready to settle, explore tips to qualify for a mortgage for a home within your price range.

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South Bend has flourished in recent years, so it’s making its second appearance on our list. The city is a great, peaceful place to raise a family. Families focused on education will appreciate the well-regarded school system. Plus, there’s plenty for families to do throughout town. Howard Park offers ice skating and an immense, ADA-accessible playground with activities for children from ages 2 to 12. If you’re interested in buying in South Bend, learn how the mortgage preapproval process works first.

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Young adults can’t go wrong with Indianapolis. There’s so much to do downtown, from sporting events to dueling piano bars to the zoo to fine dining. Meet friends for a cup of coffee and a walk around the canals. Job opportunities can be found in the city’s financial district, and the city is a major employer in the health care sector, with Eli Lilly & Co., Cummins, and Salesforce among top employers.

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Fort Wayne is the second largest city in Indiana, meaning there are ample job opportunities for young professionals plus plenty of nightlife. You’ll find sports bars, wine and martini bars, comedy clubs, and restaurants — you can even try your hand at axe throwing. Of course, Fort Wayne is also appealing for its abundance of jobs; the major employers in the city include Parkview Health, General Motors, Lutheran Health Network, Streetwater Sound, Lincoln Financial Group, and Amazon. Check our guide designed for first-time homebuyers to see what next steps you should take if you’re interested in a home purchase.

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South Bend attracts college hopefuls who bleed blue and gold, but there’s a lot here even if you don’t attend Notre Dame. At the start of the century, South Bend was a dying town, but major revitalization has made the town attractive once again. Over the last decade and a half, as the town was revitalized, unemployment fell; a tech hub now occupies the long-shuttered Studebaker auto plant. Plus, there’s plenty for young adults to do after work hours, with a vibrant downtown teeming with restaurants and bars. And it’s a short drive to Lake Michigan for a day on the water. South Bend also has its own airport, making it easy to travel.

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In 2022, a Census Data Report named Muncie the third best place to retire in America. And it’s easy to see why: The cost of living is lower than the national average, there are plenty of parks and trails to enjoy, and Muncie offers a healthy downtown with plenty of ways for seniors to get involved in the community. Muncie is also not far from Indianapolis, but might be friendlier than the big city to those on a fixed retirement budget. The area also is home to Ball State University, which offers performing arts events for the public, and Indiana University Health Ball Hospital. And when grandkids visit, there’s Muncie Children’s Museum and the local planetarium. There are several retirement communities here, as well as assisted living communities for those who need more care.

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You read that right: Michigan City is in Indiana. And it offers entertainment for retirees with any interests — a botanic garden for outdoorsy types, a casino, historic sites, plus the Lake Michigan lakefront (which is why it’s also on our list of best affordable cities near the water). A home that isn’t on the waterfront will be the most affordable choice here, and fortunately there are lots of ranch-style homes available, ideal for seniors who don’t want to climb stairs. Visit a home loan help center if you’re thinking about making a purchase in Michigan City.

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Imagine how eager your grandchildren would be to visit when they hear you live in a town called Santa Claus. There’s plenty to enjoy in retirement here — even without the long, white beard. Santa Claus is also neatly sandwiched between Louisville, St. Louis, and Indianapolis, giving you plenty of fun day trips to take whenever you’re up for some adventure.

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The best lake town in Indiana shares a name with the state’s nearby neighbor. This waterfront city offers stunning views of Lake Michigan and is ideal for boaters. But there’s more to do than just get out on the water; in Michigan City, you might ride your bike along stunning trails, take a trip to Indiana Dunes National Park, check out the botanical gardens, or grab a glass of regional wine at Shady Creek Winery. If you expect a home with a water view, you’ll pay big time in Michigan City. As you move farther south of the beach, however, property becomes more affordable. Review our guide to mortgage prequalification vs. preapproval before looking for a lender for your new home.

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Gary doesn’t offer views of the lake like Michigan City does, but it’s not far at all from Lake Michigan and the Miller Beach area has relatively pristine lake frontage and Indiana Dunes National Park is nearby. If you love boating but want to live somewhere slightly more affordable, Gary could be the perfect spot. Its proximity to Chicago (half an hour by car when the traffic is light) is a nice bonus. The average value of a home here is under $80,000, one of the lowest on our list.

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A popular suburb of Indianapolis, Fishers offers access to all that the city has to offer, but avid boaters, kayakers, and, well, fishers will find plenty of water activities here. Fishers is far south of Lake Michigan, but the city butts up against the Geist Reservoir, which offers ample opportunities to get out on the water and enjoy the sunshine. Buying a house near the water could be pricey, but if you’re open to living elsewhere in Fishers, prices start in the mid-$200,000 range. If you already own in the Indianapolis area and are thinking about staying put, you might get lower payments if you consider a mortgage refinance.

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If you like a small-town feel and are looking to save on housing costs, then Portales, home to Eastern New Mexico University, could be a good fit. Cannon Air Force base is nearby, and the peanut and dairy industries also have a significant footprint in the local economy.

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Clovis can be a welcome community for those wanting to settle in New Mexico. It’s close to the Texas border, and the Cannon Air Force base is right outside town. The area is known for its rodeo events and music festivals. Locals and visitors enjoy the town’s zoo and 17 parks, as well as checking out the restaurants (from Spanish to Japanese) and breweries.

To compete more effectively in the market when home shopping, think about going through the mortgage preapproval process before your search heats up.

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Located on Route 66 and featuring an active downtown commercial area, Grants is a welcoming community that is a good fit no matter what stage of life you’re in. El Malpais National Monument, with its jaw-dropping volcanic landscape, is just outside town, and Albuquerque, with its more urban attractions, is about an hour away.

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Located on a mountain plateau not far from Santa Fe and Taos and many parks and protected lands, Los Alamos is home to the Los Alamos National Laboratory, which is also its main employer. Families might appreciate that, per capita, the population has exceptionally high levels of education, and the high-ranking school district here is appreciated by parents. There are a few primarily science-focused museums for families to explore as well.

If you’re buying one of the more expensive properties here, you might require a jumbo mortgage loan in order to make your purchase.

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Families are often drawn to the highly ranked public schools in Rio Rancho. When the kids aren’t hard at work, they can enjoy a lot of fun in this community. From outdoor parks to indoor trampoline centers that help beat the summer heat, there’s no shortage of good times to be found in Rio Rancho.

If you enter the market at a competitive moment, it can be wise to understand mortgage prequalification vs. preapproval and the right time in your search to explore these steps.

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If you’re looking for a kid-friendly city to raise your brood in, Roswell has a lot to offer. From the Chattahoochee River to the many UFO attractions to zoos to cinemas, there is no shortage of family-friendly fun waiting for you in Roswell. Add to that its lower-than-average cost of living, and you may understand why this is a popular community for clans with youngsters.

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Young adults often like to skip the sleepy suburbs in favor of a bit more hustle and bustle. With over half a million residents in Albuquerque, the largest city in New Mexico, young adults have a lot of opportunities to meet friends, date, and expand their professional network.

If you’re thinking of purchasing a home, it would be wise to explore first-time homebuyer programs in New Mexico.

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When first starting out, young adults tend to earn lower salaries, but it can be a smart move to settle in an area with a high earning potential. Home to the University of New Mexico and Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos offers ample opportunities for growth. It’s also not far from Santa Fe and other larger cities that may offer job options.

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Roswell can be a great place to make new friends and enjoy single life before settling down to start a family — not to mention the hundreds of job opportunities available, so finding that great first job should be doable. This can be an affordable place to call home when budgeting on an entry-level salary.

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If you want to live where seniors make up a good chunk of the population, consider Los Alamos, where almost 17% of residents are over the age of 65. It’s easy to meet new people in Los Alamos, thanks to the wide range of attractions like museums, parks, and senior centers.

If you’re planning to buy a home, explore the different types of mortgage loans to see how your payments would be affected by your loan type.

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Located near the Sierra Blanca mountains, this quaint town has a tranquil pace to daily life. A plethora of wineries and riverfront activities is likely to ensure kids and grandkids will keep coming back for fun visits. Exploring the outdoors is a popular way to spend time here (from kayaking to skiing), and just taking in the views of the snow-capped mountains add to the quality of life in Ruidoso, too.

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Rio Rancho offers a range of retiree amenities through its senior centers and services. The Meadowlark Senior Center provides recreational, social, and educational classes and programs, while the Broadmoor Senior Center serves as an additional hub for lifelong learning, offering health, fitness, and nutrition classes, as well as cultural and technology activities. Rio Rancho’s Senior Services Advisory Board plays a pivotal role in shaping and enhancing these offerings, ultimately enriching the retirement experience there.

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Taos residents of any age enjoy the scenery here. Taos lies in the southern Rocky Mountains and is near the Sangre de Cristo range. Williams Lake is a picturesque mountain lake that combines the best of both worlds, mountains and water. There’s also the beloved historic Taos Pueblo less than 10 minutes from the center of town. While homeownership can be pricey, renting can offer an affordable way to enjoy the Taos lifestyle.

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Aztec is near the Angel Peak Scenic Area and offers more than 30 miles of mountain biking trails, not to mention hiking, bird-watching, and lake access. You can explore the history of the Puebloan ruins or visit the Aztec Speedway for an adrenaline-pumping show.

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Between lakes and wineries, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the many recreational options that come with living in Ruidoso, located in the Sacramento Mountains at 6,900 feet elevation. Want every day to feel like a vacation? You’ll fit right into this small town.

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Youngstown is a vibrant and inexpensive place to live in Ohio. The city is close enough to the Pennsylvania border that you could even live here and work there. Youngstown is regularly named one of the best places to live in Ohio, with a thriving downtown scene and plenty of wide open spaces and farm land. Youngstown has one of the lowest home price-to-income ratios of any town on our list, meaning homes are relatively affordable compared to the typical income. Plus, there are first-time homebuyer programs in Ohio that may help those who are house hunting.

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This small town in northwest Ohio has been undergoing a major downtown revitalization. Now is a great time to purchase a home in Van Wert — before the town becomes an even more desirable place to live. Major employers in the area include Central Insurance, Cooper Farms, and Danfoss. At just $585 a month, Van Wert has one of the lowest average rent prices in Ohio. Purchasing a house in Van Wert is also affordable.

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Springfield is less than 30 miles from the city of Dayton, giving you the best of both worlds: Springfield’s affordable housing market and Dayton’s breweries, restaurants, museums, and theaters. Yellow Springs, an artsy suburb of Dayton, is only 20 minutes away.

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A suburb of Cincinnati, Mason is just a short drive away from the downtown area, where you can catch professional baseball and football games. Cincinnati’s revitalized Over-the-Rhine area offers plenty of restaurants, activities, and parks, and Mason itself is home to many great places for families to visit. It’s also just a few miles from Kings Island, a premier amusement park in Ohio.

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A quiet, walkable suburb of Dayton, the town is known for its stunning older homes. Families flock to it in part because it’s a top-rated school district in the Dayton area. The inventory of homes for sale here is quite limited. Going through the mortgage preapproval process could help you move quickly when you find a property you like.

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Sandusky is great for families who like outdoor adventures. Famously, the city is home to Cedar Point, one of the world’s biggest amusement parks, and it also has a water park. Plus, Sandusky is right on Lake Erie, so there are endless water activities for families to enjoy. Prospective buyers may want to explore the different types of mortgage loans available to find the best option for their circumstances.

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It’s known as the birthplace of aviation (the Wright Brothers were born here), and Dayton is still flying high. Recent college grads can look for jobs at the Air Force base or with major employers like Reynolds & Reynolds. The social scene is active, too, especially in the downtown Oregon District. Young adults are clearly drawn to Dayton: The city’s median age is 33.6. Consider house-hunting in affordable Dayton suburbs, including Kettering, Fairborn, and Miamisburg.

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The capital of Ohio is known for its college football team and thriving downtown, with great restaurants, museums, music venues, and more. For graduates of Ohio State University, Columbus can be a great place to find a job — employers include JPMorgan Chase, Nationwide, and Honda — and build a life. Many younger people do just that: The city’s median age is 33.4.

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This bustling city has three major sports teams, sits right on Lake Erie, and is close to a beautiful national park with plenty of hiking and other activities. The downtown area offers great nightlife options for young adults, and the Cleveland Clinic is a major medical employer in the city. Affordable suburbs like Berea and Bedford may give you even more for your money, making them some of the best places to live in Cleveland, Ohio.

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A quiet suburb of Dayton, Centerville is a great place for retirees to live. Nearly a third of the population is 65 or older, and the city has plenty of restaurants and stores. Those who like to travel will appreciate Centerville’s close distance to the airport (just a 30-minute drive).

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Bellefontaine (pronounced “bell fountain”) is close to Indian Lake, a 5,100-acre lake with beaches and lots of recreational activities. Retirees can look for lakefront property or simply visit the lake for boating, jet skiing, or fishing. Best of all, housing costs in Bellefontaine are on the lower end compared to other top Ohio cities for retirees.

If you’re house hunting here, jumbo mortgage loans may be one option to explore.

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A charming suburb of Cleveland, Avon Lake is situated on the southern shore of Lake Erie. Retirees will enjoy the quiet suburban atmosphere, with its access to shopping and restaurants, and close proximity to downtown Cleveland.

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Located on the shore of Lake Erie, Sandusky is home to Cedar Point, the large and highly popular amusement park on a peninsula that juts out into the lake. That makes it one of the best places in Ohio to live near the water.

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Cleveland is a city built on the coast of Lake Erie. It’s also just north of Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the Cuyahoga River. Paddling the river in a kayak or canoe is a fun way to enjoy this area.

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This vibrant city on the Ohio River offers stunning views of the water from the Great American Ballpark and Paycor Stadium. Spend an afternoon strolling along the river, or head to Eden Park for a breathtaking vantage point.

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Carson City, located in the northern part of the state, is the capital city of Nevada and is 32 miles from Reno. The city boasts beautiful parks, scenic trails, museums, art venues, and many shops and restaurants. It provides easy access to the great outdoors with Lake Tahoe just 20 miles away.

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Perhaps Nevada’s most famous — and infamous — destination, Las Vegas boasts hotels, casinos, nightlife, and diverse restaurants, so there’s always plenty to do. Winters are mild, but summers are very hot. When you’re tired of hanging out on the strip and feel the need to commune with nature, nearby parks, like Red Rock Canyon, provide access to the great outdoors.

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Home of the Hoover Dam, and established to house its builders, Boulder City provides easy access to outdoor activities on Lake Mead, in Black Canyon, and on the Colorado River. It’s just 26 miles outside of Las Vegas, so it offers quick access to the resources of a much bigger city.

Located in northwestern Nevada, Winnemucca is one of the smaller cities on our list. It offers a spread-out suburban feel, and families can explore local attractions like the Humboldt Museum, get in a round of bowling at Spare Time, or picnic in Vesco Park. Water Canyon Recreation Area offers hiking, biking, and camping. Families may appreciate the city’s above-average schools.

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A bit bigger than Winnemucca, and toward the eastern part of the state, Elko offers a similar suburban feel. Families may enjoy the Ruby Mountain Balloon Festival, heading to the rodeo at the Silver State Stampede, or hiking, horseback riding, and snow sledding in the Humboldt National Forest. (Parents also appreciate the above-average school system.) If you’re looking to buy in the area, consider these tips to qualify for a mortgage.

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Right next door to Las Vegas, Henderson is the second-largest city in Nevada. Parents might appreciate its well-rated school system. The city is also in close proximity to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Outdoor recreation areas like Cornerstone Park, which features a 31-acre lake, nature trails, picnic areas, sports facilities, and a playground, provide spaces for families to gather and play. If you’re thinking of buying a large property for your family, you may want to investigate getting a jumbo mortgage loan, which can help with financing for a pricey house.

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Nevada’s largest city may offer the most opportunities for job, entertainment, and companionship. The biggest employers are the resort companies that run the city’s famous casinos, but the city also has large health-care employers and is a growing tech hub with many startups setting up shop.

Thinking of moving to Vegas? Familiarize yourself with different types of mortgage loans, and visit a home loan help center to get comfortable with mortgage basics.

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Henderson provides easy access to the vibrant nightlife of Las Vegas just next door. There are also plenty of job opportunities, not just in entertainment but in technology, with Google and Amazon opening large data centers in the city. The Las Vegas Raiders have also built their headquarters in town.

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Fernley is about 30 miles east of Reno, a fair commute for young adults who work in Reno but are in search of lower housing prices. Living in Fernley also puts residents within easy reach of Pyramid Lake, the home of the Paiute Tribe, one of America’s most beautiful desert lakes, and a fishing mecca.

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Mesquite is located on the Virgin River on the border of Arizona. It’s home to hotels, casinos, and golf courses. If you’re thinking of retiring here, you’re not alone: 45% of the population is 65 and older.

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Boulder City has a large concentration of retirement communities, and about 30% of the population is 65 or older. Because it is near the shores of Lake Mead, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, and at just 25 miles from Las Vegas, the city is a stone’s throw away from nightlife and culture.

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Las Vegas is a good option for retirees looking for an active retirement. It boasts easy access to health care and a large number of retirement communities and recreation centers in addition to its famed hotels, casinos, and nightlife.

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Just 34 minutes outside of Reno, Fernley is nestled close to Lake Tahoe, Washoe Lake, and Pyramid Lake where residents can hike, fish, kayak, and mountain bike. There is skiing in the nearby Sierra Nevadas.

Winnemucca is a small town in northwestern Nevada. Residents can explore the Winnemucca sand dunes, hike or mountain bike in the Water Canyon Recreation Center, and hike the Winnemucca Mountain Trail on the city’s namesake peak.

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A city known for hotels shaped like Egyptian pyramids, Roman palaces, and the city of Paris may not be the first to mind when it comes to outdoor recreation. But Las Vegas is close to some of the nation’s premier national parks, including nearby Red Rock Canyon. The city can also serve as a jumping off point to some of the crown jewels of the national parks system, including Zion National Park and Death Valley, each a two-hour drive away, and the Grand Canyon, a four hour drive.