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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.

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Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains and located near Kentucky and Tennessee, Big Stone Gap offers those who love to be outdoor an endless variety of things to do, including fishing, mountain biking, and hiking in the nearby national forests. A former coal mining town, Big Stone Gap has a quaint main street with restaurants and shops. If it appeals to you, you might get started with the mortgage preapproval process so that you’ll be well-positioned when you find a house you like.

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Bluefield is a small town located on the border of West Virginia. It’s known as “Virginia’s Tallest Town,” and claims to be the highest town east of Denver, Colorado. It’s a quiet place — there aren’t a lot of restaurants or stores here. However, Bluefield is affordable and offers the benefits of small-town living, such as knowing your neighbors. And when you need your city fix, Roanoke is less than two hours away.

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If you’re a baseball fan, Pulaski could be the home run you’ve been looking for. Historic Calfee Park, the ninth oldest professional in-use Minor League Baseball park in the U.S., is now home to the Pulaski River Turtles, a summer collegiate baseball league. When you’re not at a game, you can hike or fish in one of the many nearby state parks.

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Culpeper is located just 70 miles from Washington, D.C., but it feels like a world away. The town has a long history, and in fact, it changed hands 78 times during the American Civil War. Today, Culpeper offers families a walkable downtown with shops and restaurants and plenty of outdoor spaces and parks for kids to run around. Residents also appreciate the area’s good schools. If you think Culpeper is right for you, you might look into first-time homebuyer programs in Virginia to help make a down payment more affordable.

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This medium-sized city offers families plenty to do, including cultural events, museums, sports, and restaurants. It’s in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, which means residents are surrounded by mountains, and there are miles of trails for walking, biking, and hiking. James Madison University is in Harrisonburg, which gives parents access to college students for babysitters and tutors.

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The most populous city in the state, Virginia Beach offers good schools, plenty of job opportunities, and endless entertainment to keep your kids — and you! — busy. There’s the beach, the boardwalk, state parks, museums, and an aquarium. Your family can hike, bike, kayak, and even paddleboard for fun. Ready to make a move? Check out a home loan help center to understand your mortgage options.

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Virginia Beach has a lot to offer young adults. The beach is a large draw, and the area also has good employment opportunities, a vibrant nightlife, lots of restaurants and shops, plus concerts and other activities. The cost of living in Virginia in this town is a bit below the national average, meaning it could be an affordable option.

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With nearly 100,000 residents, Roanoke is a medium-sized city in the southwestern part of the state. It’s in the Blue Ridge Mountains, so there are plenty of outdoor activities for young adults, like hiking, biking, and camping. There is also a large local brewery scene in Roanoke, along with plenty of restaurants and bars, so young adults can enjoy an active social life here. If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you may find programs to assist you with purchasing in Roanoke.

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A vibrant college town (Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Richmond are both located here) Virginia’s capital draws many young adults. There are plentiful employment opportunities, along with trendy restaurants and bars, shops, museums, and festivals. Whitewater rapids run through downtown Richmond, and it’s the only city in the country that can claim this distinction.

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On the border of North Carolina, Danville, with its rolling countryside and a river that runs through it, has the qualities of a small town and the amenities of a city. Cultural attractions include a fine arts museum, a theater company, and a symphony orchestra. Many retirees live here because of the relaxed and affordable lifestyle.

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Situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains, retirees can live an active life here, with hiking, boating, and biking. There are also museums and other cultural attractions for them to enjoy in town. For those times they want to go to the city, Roanoke is about 50 miles away.

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Retirees who choose to live in Staunton can enjoy all that Charlottesville has to offer (The city is just 40 minutes away) without paying Charlottesville prices. Staunton itself is known for being friendly. The town has museums, parks, shops, and restaurants, so there’s plenty to do close to home. Retirees on a fixed income may want to explore the different types of mortgage loans to learn their options.

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Hampton has 26 miles of shoreline along the coast of the Chesapeake, including four public beaches. The waterfront city also has historic attractions, museums, restaurants, and shops. It’s conveniently located near a number of other cities, including Newport News.

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Located where the Chesapeake meets the Atlantic Ocean, Virginia Beach is a fun, family-friendly beach city, with three miles of boardwalk. The city is filled with restaurants, shops, entertainment venues, and an aquarium.

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Norfolk has over seven miles of public beaches along the Chesapeake Bay. The city has a rich history and is home to the largest naval base in the world. Because of this, you’ll see plenty of naval ships and commercial vessels near the port.