If you’re determined to move to one of the most affordable mountain towns to live in, the median cost of living is the first thing you should take into account. It is defined by the amount of money you have to pay if you are buying or renting a house or apartment and the cost of utilities and groceries. And the price for each of these can vary a lot. But even in expensive areas, you can find towns with an affordable price range for your new home, usually away from urban cities where life has become hectic. Here are some examples of the best affordable cities you can consider moving to.
The Natural Splendor of Idaho Falls
This metropolitan city in Eastern Idaho owes its popularity to the Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Parks and other natural beauties in the vicinity. It is situated along the Snake River at the western edge of the Rocky Mountains. Idaho Falls is considered to be a family town with lots of outdoor activities, museums, and sports opportunities, such as a baseball team and the College of Eastern Idaho.
Besides agriculture, it is known for its nuclear energy center, the National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory. The median cost of buying or renting apartments is way below the national level, which makes it a popular place to live in. As one of the best cities for education, it has a lot of learning opportunities, as well as career ones. The job market has increased in the last couple of years, and so has income: the current median household income in Idaho Falls is around $52,225. And it has many rental opportunities for newcomers and houses for sale.
You’ll Fall in Love with Idaho’s Attractions
There are many reasons to live in Idaho, from the glacial lakes to the lunar landscapes. The most popular locations are Sun Valley with its skiing potentials of Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain, especially Heli-Skiing. Lake Coeur d’Alene dates back to the Ice Age when it was formed by glacial deposits, and is known for its beauty. Other natural wonders include:
- Craters of the Moon, a landscape created by the lava flows from volcanic eruptions a couple of millennia ago, with five caves to explore.
- Shoshone Falls, also called the “Niagara of the West,” created by the Snake River, has excellent picnic spots for families to enjoy.
- Hell’s Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America, created by the Snake River, is now a popular recreational area.
- City of Rocks National Reserve with its granite rocks.
Colorado’s Leadville
Situated close to Denver, Leadville is becoming more and more popular as a ski resort, competing with some of the more expensive and more famous resorts with its affordability and great outdoor potential. But it is also one of the best places to call home. With a number of winter activities such as snowmobiling and cross-country skiing and summer activities like biking, hiking and water sports, but also snowboarding down the Great Sand Dunes, it attracts tourists eager to have fun at a reasonable price. With eight museums, historic lodging, and many possibilities for scenic trips, it is a place worth visiting or living in. Cultural events are also available in the famous Tabor Opera House and various art galleries.
High Altitude and History in Colorado
Let’s start from the “Buckhorn Exchange,” the oldest restaurant in Denver, which “Shorty Scout” Henry H. Zietz opened in 1893 as a saloon called “The Rio Grande Exchange.” Henry H. Zietz rode alongside Buffalo Bill Cody and became friends with the Indian chief Sitting Bull who gave him the nickname “Shorty Scout” because of his physical appearance. Zietz also went hunting with Theodore Roosevelt, who dined at the restaurant in 1905. One of the displayed 500 taxidermy trophies belonged to Roosevelt.
Colorado is also known for its high altitudes. The Manitou Incline is quite a challenge for hikers who are rewarded by a magnificent view of Colorado Springs when they reach the top. Having mountains close to your home is great if you are a fan of hiking.
The nearer history will lead us to the Red Rocks natural amphitheater, where most prominent rock performers played, such as Jimi Hendrix.
Crestline, California
This small town in the Valley of the Moon in San Bernardino County, surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest, offers a suburban feel. The median cost of living is a bit higher than the average, but it is worth it. Crestline has lower temperatures than the other towns in the vicinity. People come here to enjoy hiking, biking, birdwatching, paragliding or merely the lakeside. It is also known for a heart-shaped pool in the cliff called Heart Rock. The town has a population of more than ten thousand citizens.
California’s Vacation Spot
Crestline is considered as one of the best cities in California. Crestline’s Lake Gregory, located in the “Swiss Alps of the West,” is one of the most beautiful mountains of California, with a lake at high altitude that offers a variety of water activities, such as fishing, paddle boarding, and swimming. It is surrounded by pine forests and offers a lot of trails for hiking and biking. Its sandy beaches and picnic areas make it a great place for relocating with your children. And it is also a great beachfront place to move to.
Butte – One of the Most Affordable Mountain Towns in Montana
This beautiful historic mining town in the Rocky Mountains and the seat of Silver Bow County is much more affordable than the neighboring towns with similar features. Aside from a low price of living, it offers single track close to the city and back country trails all over the surrounding mountains. It is also known for its skating rink where World Cup skaters come to train. Owing its wealth to copper mines, Butte is displaying its architectural beauty in colorful Victorian homes and Queen Anne style cottages, especially in the Uptown area. Activities that are available include hiking, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, visiting natural hot springs, golf, cross-country, and downhill skiing. With all of these things, Butte is a perfect place to raise a family.
Mountains Surrounding Montana’s Cities
It is not without reason that Montana, one of the best states to live out in the west, is known as the Land of Shining Mountains. From hills and river valleys to the high mountain peaks, Montana has it all. One of the most popular attractions is the Rocky Mountains. Montana Mountains offer not only scenic drives and urban back country trails but also unexplored areas with fast-moving streams and beautiful lakes and stunning scenery to be enjoyed in solitude. You can take a trip to a lake and enjoy the beautiful nature.
Midway, Utah
Midway in Utah offers a unique opportunity to ski and scuba dive, all in one day. It is situated in the Heber Valley by the Wasatch Mountains and is often called the “Utah’s Swiss Alps” by its settlers originating from Switzerland, who cherish original crafts, polka music, and lederhosen. Although a quiet little town, Midway is well known for training world-class athletes of Nordic skiing and can compete with other more famous destinations. All winter activities are available, such as snowshoeing, taking sleigh rides, snowmobiling, and tubing. Summer activities include golfing, water sports, scuba diving and fly fishing. Just make sure you don’t relocate during winter if you want to avoid storms and high traffic.
Scuba Diving and Winter Adventures in Utah
Midway is known for the Homestead Crater featuring warm scuba diving and snorkeling. The limestone crater is filled with mineral water heated naturally for a unique experience. If you turn around, you will see many truly magical peaks covered in snow. Furthermore, you can enjoy some cool mountain air in the golf courses of Utah.
