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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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On Florida’s Gulf Coast, near Alabama, Pensacola offers pristine beaches with white sand and stunning gulf views. When you’re not relaxing on the beach, take a visit to the nearby National Naval Aviation Museum, all while enjoying a below-average cost of living — Pensacola is one of the least expensive cities in the state. In addition to relatively affordable rent and home prices, there are also first-time homebuyer programs in Florida consumers can take advantage of.

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If you’re looking for a Florida place to live that’s not on the gulf or ocean, you might consider Ocala. Ocala is located in Central Florida, about 80 miles northwest of Orlando. While Ocala is within driving distance of Orlando or the Gulf of Mexico, you can also check out the local Silver Springs State Park, site of one of Florida’s early tourist attractions. If you’re considering buying a home in Ocala, you’ll likely want to start the mortgage preapproval process sooner rather than later.

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As the capital of Florida, Tallahassee offers natural beauty, rich culture, and a vibrant food scene. Located on the Florida Panhandle, Tallahassee is a short drive from the Gulf of Mexico and is also the home of Florida State University.

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Melbourne is a city in Florida located on the Atlantic coast, southeast of Orlando. It’s known not only for its beaches, but for the Gallie Arts District, located on Indian River Lagoon. Its relative affordability makes it a solid choice, and families will appreciate its abundance of schools, including 62 private schools. While the overall cost of living in Melbourne is slightly below the national average, your best bet to find an affordable house is to look inland, away from the ocean.

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As the most populous city in Florida (roughly twice as populous as Miami), Jacksonville has something to offer almost everyone. From beaches and other outdoor leisure activities to the NFL’s Jaguars, you’re sure to find an activity for your family. Do your homework when house-shopping for a family, as in any town some local public schools are better rated than others. You may also have to explore several different types of mortgage loans to purchase the home that you’re looking for.

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The Tampa/St. Petersburg area is one of the largest in Florida, and offers some amenities that can’t be found in some of Florida’s smaller cities. This includes professional sports and a vibrant arts and culture scene. With Busch Gardens, the Tampa Zoo, as well as miles of Gulf Coast beaches, it’s no surprise this is one of the best places to live in Florida for families.

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Located in Central Florida, Orlando is well known as the gateway to some of America’s most famous theme parks, including Disney World and Universal Orlando. In addition to theme parks, Orlando is home to the NBA’s Magic and Lake Apopka. Buyers may need to find a jumbo mortgage loan in order to get financing on some of Orlando’s more expensive homes.

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Miramar is located in southern Broward County, in between Miami and Fort Lauderdale. As such, residents are spoiled for activities, including big-city life, nature and wildlife, or soaking in the sun at the beach. Truly, you can find something for everyone.

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Tallahassee is not only the state’s capital but the home of the state’s flagship university, Florida State. Located on the Florida Panhandle, Tallahassee is a short drive from the Gulf of Mexico and offers natural beauty, rich culture and a vibrant food and arts scene.

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Pensacola is the largest city on Florida’s panhandle, with crystal clear water and plenty of white sand beaches. It’s also home to the National Naval Aviation Museum, which can give you something to do when you’re not in a beach mood. You’ll also be able to take advantage of a cost of living that is below the national average. It can still be affordable to buy a house in Pensacola, even if you are a first-time homebuyer.

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Brooksville is a small city in rural Florida — north of Tampa and west of Orlando. While it’s not directly on the beach, the Gulf of Mexico is just a short drive away. If you’re looking to retire to a small town, Brooksville could be the sweet spot. One of our best tips to qualify for a mortgage is to stay within your budget, and buying a home in Brooksville may make that easier.

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The Villages is a census-designated place (CDP) located about 30 miles northwest of Orlando. The Villages is a master-planned and age-restricted community, specifically intended for retirees. Although the name suggests a quaint and small area, The Villages is actually quite large, stretching over parts of three counties (Sumter, Marion and Lake). Housing affordability is better than the national average. That might allow you to do a mortgage refinance on your first home and use your home’s equity to buy a second home in this retirement community.

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Nestled on the east coast of Florida between Daytona Beach and Miami, Vero Beach offers many of the benefits of beach living without the cost of some of the more expensive parts of Florida. At 85.9%, the cost of living in the Sebastian-Vero Beach metro area is significantly below the national average.

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Located in Brevard County, just east of Orlando, Cocoa Beach sits on a barrier island in the Atlantic Ocean. Known as the gateway to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, it’s a must for those interested in space travel and NASA.

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Destin is located in Florida’s Panhandle, just a bit east of Pensacola, on a barrier island outside Choctawhatchee Bay. Enjoy the Gulf Coast beaches and boardwalk, or visit the dunes at nearby Henderson Beach State Park.