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Spartanburg offers a wealth of arts and cultural amenities, as well as proximity to the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. Several colleges and universities are located in the area, and the city is known for its family-friendly vibe.

A former stagecoach stop, the Fountain Inn area is best known for historical buildings and a meandering waterfall in Cedar Falls Park. The town’s proximity to Greenville and Columbia makes it a good option for those looking to commute to these urban areas for work. Recent renovations to its downtown promise a good balance of preservation and growth.

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This town is less than an hour from Columbia, the state capital, making it a great commuter area for those who prefer to reside outside a city. Camping and golfing are just two of the area’s outdoor activities. Families are drawn to Batesburg-Leesville’s strong options for public and private schools.

Close to Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Fort Mill offers a good balance of city conveniences and suburban hush. Parents will appreciate the area’s many top-rated schools, while kids will be delighted by the expansive nature preserves, minor league basketball team, and Carowinds amusement park.

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In the 1800s, Summerville’s mild, dry climate attracted visitors looking to improve their health. Today, the town offers families — who make up just over half of all residents — walkable communities and pine-scented parks near the water. Those who intend to commute to Charleston for work can do so easily; Summerville is close to Interstate 95 and other major roadways.

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Located “upstate” near the North Carolina border, Greenville has a bustling downtown area with many family-friendly restaurants, breweries, and shops. Outdoor activities include hiking, biking, and walking on the 20-mile Swamp Rabbit Trail, which hosts an annual half marathon.

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The capital city has much to draw young professionals, from job opportunities to post-work entertainment. You’ll find music venues, an opera house, a philharmonic orchestra, and a number of museums. The Congaree Vista, formerly a warehouse district, has been revitalized with art galleries, shops, and restaurants.

Considered a suburb of Myrtle Beach, Socastee offers affordable housing and wild outdoor settings. The Intracoastal Waterway runs through the city, making the area a destination for water sports enthusiasts, and the Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge draws hunters, fishers, and photographers to its wetlands. Downtown, you’ll find a wealth of casual restaurants and bars.

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Greenville has everything young adults could want, from jobs with high-profile companies to a great bar scene and outdoor activities galore. The median age in Greenville is currently 35. The city is around 60% white collar residents, with an average salary of approximately $85,000 for those who hold graduate degrees. Much of the action can be found on Main Street, but hotspots are popping up in less commercial areas all the time.

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Murrells Inlet is several miles from Myrtle Beach, so retirees can enjoy the Coastal Grandma lifestyle without the attendant tourists. This quiet community also has some of the best seafood in the state and several assisted living facilities.

Another suburb of Myrtle Beach, Little River is a quiet town that hosts many retirees. The picturesque fishing community is the oldest of the 14 villages along the Grand Strand. Thanks to a cluster of restaurants and shops on the riverfront — the Little River serves as a natural border between North and South Carolina — residents can stay local or drive over the bridge to Myrtle Beach for more action.

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One of the best known beach areas in the south, Myrtle Beach has a lot to offer. Its best-of-both-worlds location means you’re near amenities like dinner theater and museums but just a short drive from quieter neighborhoods and natural settings (and golf!). A popular resort area, the coast features classic attractions like a boardwalk, aquarium, arcades, an amusement park, and a famous Ferris wheel.

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Situated close to the Georgia border, Beaufort is a small town near the beach offering many restaurants and shopping options in the downtown area. You’ll find festivals and cultural events throughout the year, and families appreciate the highly rated public and private schools.

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Torn between the beach and the inland countryside? This small coastal town has a decidedly rural feel. Plus, Murrells Inlet sits between urban Myrtle Beach and Georgetown, providing stimulating day trips. If your interests lean toward sunset cruises and walking trails, however, you may never feel the need to leave this town.

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Once termed the “Richest Hill on Earth,” Butte was flooded with prospectors around the turn of the 20th century. They dug for copper, silver, and gold. These days the city offers a small-town feel with a charming western facade — and prices that will make you feel like you’ve found treasure. Newbie homebuyers may want to check out first-time homebuyer programs in Montana.

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Sharing a name with the gorgeous waterfall along the Missouri River — now towering 148 feet — Great Falls was an important stop along Lewis and Clark’s cross-country journey. Today, it’s home to a thriving cultural scene including the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, as well as many other museums and attractions. With a cost of living index that’s only 91% of the national average, this city is a great pick for those looking to find an affordable place to live. Ready to get serious about a home purchase in Great Falls? Going through the mortgage preapproval process could help you compete more effectively against other buyers.

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The only city in Montana with a population of over 100,000, Billings offers cosmopolitan living with a gorgeous countryside backdrop — at a fraction of the price you’d pay in other big cities. With attractions including multiple museums, a world-class zoo, and several nearby state parks, Billings is also just a day’s drive from Yellowstone Park and the Beartooth Mountains. The different types of mortgage loans available could help make a home purchase more accessible for buyers. Prefer to rent? Rentals in the city are relatively affordable.

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Situated within an easy drive of both Glacier National Park and the Flathead Valley, Kalispell offers city resources within proximity of some of the best outdoor playgrounds on earth. While housing prices are a little higher than in some other Montana cities, parents may be drawn to the area because the Kalispell public school system is well regarded. If you’re looking to buy, these tips to qualify for a mortgage could help set you up for success.

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Montana’s capital city is filled with natural and manmade attractions, and it’s well situated for an easy day trip to other Montana cities like Bozeman and Missoula. Plus Helena’s downtown is lined with well-preserved Victorian architecture. It’s an affordable and picturesque place for parents to raise their kids. And the small-town vibe means children can experience a world where they actually know their neighbors.

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In this city, your kids can take after Lewis and Clark and explore the world around them. As a bonus, the city is also home to the Children’s Museum of Montana. Parents will enjoy the lower-than-American-average cost of living. Thinking of purchasing in Great Falls? Make visiting a home loan help center one of your prep steps.

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Known as the setting of A River Runs Through It — though the film was actually shot in Livingston, several hours further east — Missoula’s status as the home of the University of Montana means it sees more than its fair share of cultural events for a mid-sized city tucked into the mountains. And yes, a river really does run through it — three rivers, in fact, and one of them, the Clark Fork, has a man-made wave that people surf on. Missoula is an option for young adults hoping to find themselves and meet others along the way. Although the city’s median age is higher than the others on this list, job prospects in the education and health care fields mean plenty of opportunities for younger folks to meet.

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For those who want to be where the action is, Billings is the place. The most populous city in Montana, it’s the perfect launching point for adventurous outings in nearby state forests, or refined evenings at the Alberta Bair Theater.

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Yet again, Montana’s capital makes the list! With stunning landscapes in every direction, and lots of social activities to choose from, adventurous young adults will find plenty to do. Helena also offers job opportunities for those looking to break into the political scene.

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Tucked along the shores of Polson Bay at the southernmost end of Flathead Lake, Polson is about as picturesque as it gets. The town’s population of just over 5,000 means a relaxed pace of life along with the chance to know all your neighbors. And with almost a quarter of the population age 65 or over, retirees can look forward to plenty of get-togethers with their peers. If you’re considering buying a home that’s on the pricier side, you may want to explore jumbo mortgage loans as you’re navigating the home-buying process.

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As hip as Missoula is, it’s also a great option for retirees. For one thing, the University of Montana provides plenty of cultural attractions. In addition, summer farmers markets, community game nights, and other organized opportunities for building connections abound. Costs in Missoula remain fairly reasonable considering this is one of the state’s largest and most vibrant communities.

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Thanks to its location in the Bitterroot Valley, Hamilton has the lucky distinction of getting far less snow than other Montana cities in the winter. The town is also well known for its relaxed pace of life and proximity to hiking trails and hot springs.

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Looking to balance proximity to Glacier National Park with reasonable prices? Chances are, you’ll find it here. Located in the midst of some of the very best parts of Montana, including Flathead Lake and the Kootenai National Forest, Kalispell offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to nearby cities like Whitefish.

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This city is home to the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area, the Pattee Canyon Recreation Area, and the famous Mount Sentinel M Trail. Plus, the Clark Fork River that runs through town is great for fly fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing, and more.

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Bozeman is the perfect solution for those who want it all: mountains, city life, community, and convenience. Here, you’re within easy proximity of the Bridger Range, Gallatin Range, Madison Range, Spanish Peaks, Beartooth Mountains, Crazy Mountains, and Tobacco Root Mountains — to name a few. And Yellowstone National Park is just an hour’s drive south.

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Coos Bay is one of the more affordable towns in Oregon. Food, utilities, and the cost of living overall won’t break the bank. House prices are also reasonable, and the median listing price for a home is still nicely below $400,000. This town is renowned for its numerous food festivals held annually, including celebrations of seafood, blackberries, cranberries, and other local foods. First-time homebuyer programs in Oregon are a good resource to explore if you’re interested in living here or anywhere in the state.

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Baker City is one of the cheapest places to live in the state; it stacks up favorably vs. the cost of living in Oregon as a whole. It is located in the northwestern corner of the state and is known for the Elkhorn Mountains, Anthony Lakes Ski Area, and the Eagle Cap Wilderness Area. Median home prices in this area average around $170,000. This town has a low price-to-income ratio compared to the rest of the state, which could be a good thing if you are a first-time homebuyer.

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Dallas is located in the Willamette Valley — a wine region known for its pinots. It’s located a little more than an hour by car from Portland. Locals enjoy visiting the Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge, dropping into a movie at the historic Fox Theatre, or hitting the Blackrock Mountain Bike Association’s trail system. The cost of living here is lower than the national average, and it’s an affordable city in comparison to other parts of Oregon.

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Beaverton is only seven miles from Portland. It has 90 parks, 30 miles of hiking trails, and 25 miles of bike paths for families that love the outdoors. Parents looking at Beaverton will appreciate that the area’s schools receive high ratings and Anthem College and Portland Community College offer local higher education opportunities. Are you about to start home shopping and hitting the open houses? Visit a home loan help center to be prepared.

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This town has rich culture and appeals to families that love the arts. Ashland is known for the annual Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Parents considering a move to Ashland will enjoy learning that the public school system is excellent, and there is a vibrant job market in tourism, health care, and higher education.

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Like most of Oregon, Bend has plenty of outdoor attractions. This town also has a solid job market in sectors such as retail and hospitality. Families are drawn here in part because the public schools are highly rated. Oregon State University-Cascades and Central Oregon Community College offer higher education options. The home price-to-income ratio is higher than in some other Oregon cities, something to keep in mind as you embark on the mortgage preapproval or prequalification process. Getting preapproved can help you move quickly when you find a desirable property that suits your budget.

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Downtown Portland is buzzing with a large student population. There are cultural events throughout the year and a wide range of great dining options. Young adults often rent in Portland, and modern studios and one-bedroom apartments are not difficult to find. Although the overall cost of living is higher than in many other Oregon cities, job opportunities, household income levels, and home values pull Portland into the top spot on our list.

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Salem is the state capital, a city that’s within reach of mountains but has plenty to keep you busy in town. Popular events occur throughout the year in Salem, such as the World Beat Festival and the Salem Saturday Market.

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Performing arts lovers can enjoy such cultural attractions as the Eugene Symphony, Eugene Opera, Eugene Ballet, Mozart Players, Eugene Concert Choir, Willamette Repertory Theatre, Oregon Bach Festival, and The Shedd Institute for the Arts. Eugene is also the home of the University of Oregon.

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Brookings is an old logging town in the Southwestern part of Oregon. It has beaches, forests, a temperate climate, and plenty of festivals and other events to attend. These features can make it a wonderful spot for retirees. The price of homes is around average for the state.

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Ontario is located in the far eastern side of the state in the Western Treasure Valley on the border of Oregon and Idaho. In addition to the natural splendor that Oregon is known for (mountains, craters, and more), this town has well-regarded health care facilities nearby (including in Boise, Idaho, which is less than an hour away). It also offers an array of restaurants to satisfy foodies.

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Hood River is a small town about an hour east of Portland, and it may be a terrific place to retire. It is close to Mount Hood and hiking trails and hosts the Blossom Festival and Harvest Fest. There is easy access to quality health care, which makes it appealing to retirees.

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Astoria is an old fishing town on the northern coast of Oregon. It has a rich history, a popular craft beer and food scene, and sea lions hang out at one end of the town.

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Lincoln City is a seven-mile stretch of beach on the central Oregon coast. The locale has lovely hikes with beach views. It is a wildlife sanctuary, however, and hunting, camping, bicycles, and dogs are not allowed. Consider different types of mortgages if you are thinking of buying here.

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Newport is also on the central Oregon coast. The Oregon Coast Aquarium is here, as are two of Oregon’s most prominent historical lighthouses, and the Rogue Brewery. All of this can make it one of the great places to live in Oregon by the beach.