• READ MORE: The top 50 charming small towns for raising a family unveiled

The charm of small-town living has surged in popularity, and with Americans seeking relief from high costs, these ten budget-friendly communities have successfully lowered their prices. cost of living .

'Some of these towns are not too tiny to be boring, with plenty of activities available,' explained Seamus Nally, who serves as the CEO at TurboTenant, a provider of property management software. Colorado mentioned regarding the compilation of budget-friendly towns created by Realtor.com .

The area maintains a significant populace with numerous chances for communal and recreational activities, yet living expenses remain reasonably affordable.

People in America are noticing their funds go farther in lesser-known urban areas, allowing them to secure larger living spaces at more affordable rates.

Data obtained from Realtor.com shows the most appealing "micropolitan areas" in the U.S., where people can live comfortably without dedicating their entire income to expenses and still have fun with leisure pursuits.

The publication examined so-called 'micropolitan areas'—counties home to between 10,000 and 50,000 inhabitants—and assessed expenditures per 100,000 residents to identify the top ten budget-friendly small towns.

Branson, Missouri

The city of Branson, nestled in the heart of the Ozark Mountains in Missouri, offers numerous activities throughout the year thanks to over 50 theatres and performance spaces that keep visitors entertained constantly.

The town is nicknamed 'the entertainment capital of the Ozarks' and offers live music, drama, magic or comedy and has 'a show every night of the week'.

The town boasts a median listing price of $274,950 and its cost of living stands at 15 percent below the national average, which means Branson provides the excitement of a large metropolis without the high expenses.

The community of 57,490 people benefits from low unemployment and crime rates, along with a steady flow of visitors.

The College of the Ozarks provides numerous opportunities through over 30 academic programs offered at both the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science levels. Additionally, they offer tuition-free education for students who commit to working while studying.

Should the arts not amuse you, then the numerous lakes provide ample opportunity for various outdoor pursuits such as fishing, boating, and swimming. Additionally, you might enjoy exploring caves or going hiking at Table Rock State Park.

This family-oriented community offers various entertainments for kids including theme and water parks, golf courses, along with popular attractions like the Hollywood Wax Museum and Titanic Museum.

Springfield, Illinois

As the capital of Illinois and the former residence of Abraham Lincoln, Springfield boasts affordable housing options along with a close-knit community atmosphere enriched by its cultural and historical diversity.

The city, with a population of 206,063, has a median home value of $209,900 and boasts a cost of living that is 10 percent lower than the national average.

The townspeople appreciate the affordable lifestyle and strong sense of community here, along with the abundance of cultural events, local sports activities, and over twenty public parks available.

Chicago is just a four-hour train ride away from here, offering inhabitants the chance to enjoy all that a major city has to offer without entirely sacrificing lower living expenses.

The town’s heritage offers abundant cultural richness and aesthetic appeal, featuring structures like the Old State Capitol constructed in 1839, along with numerous museums and war monuments, including Abraham Lincoln’s residence.

Sandusky, Ohio

Known as a 'seaside retreat,' the quaint town of Sandusky, Ohio, hugs the shores of Lake Erie, providing convenient passage to neighboring islands. It boasts an array of activities throughout different seasons along with a bustling night scene.

The town is located one hour west of Cleveland, with a cost of living that is 23 percent lower than the national average.

Sandusky is just a short drive away from Cedar Point, one of the Midwest's premier amusement parks, often referred to as the 'Roller Coaster Capital of the World'.

The median listing price is $337,950, and the town’s population stands at 74,145.

Glen Falls, New York

Referred to as 'Hometown USA', Glen Falls, New York, stands out as one of the earliest inhabited regions in the nation, boasting numerous historic structures and architectural gems.

The town is encircled by natural splendor like Glen Falls and sits close to the Adirondack Mountains.

The town offers a variety of events and fun experiences including dancing, theater performances, outdoor escapades, museum visits, and wine tasting at local wineries. It frequently hosts outdoor film screenings, farmer’s markets, and the Adirondack Theatre Festival.

The median price on their list is $352,450, with the cost of living being 1.5 percent lower than the national average, and a total population of 126,131.

This town houses the Hyde Museum, which stands out among the Northeast’s smaller art museums due to its impressive collection of both European and American artworks. Among their main exhibits are works from famous artists including Botticelli, Picasso, and Homer.

Atlantic City, New Jersey

Even though it's famous for them, Atlantic City offers far more attractions beyond just its casinos.

This New Jersey municipality offers attractions like the Atlantic City Boardwalk—a four-mile expanse featuring eateries, pubs, stores, and amusement games—as well as the historical Absecon Lighthouse constructed in 1857 and towering at 171 feet.

Referred to as the center for betting and vibrant night life, Atlantic City was originally established in the 19th century as a wellness retreat where visitors could enjoy the soothing waves of the Atlantic Ocean.

The median price on their list is $389,999, and they have a cost of living that is 6.1 percent lower than the national average.

Each year, Atlantic City attracts over 27 million tourists; meanwhile, it is gradually shifting towards being more family-oriented as its population reaches 276,008.

Baraboo, Wisconsin

Encircled by stunning state parks and steeped in history, Baraboonestles alongside the Baraboo River. It is conveniently located within a two-hour drive from Milwaukee and under an hour’s journey from Madison.

The town houses the International Crane Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on crane conservation. Additionally, within Baraboo lies Devil's Lake State Park, which spans across 9,200 acres and stands as the largest state park in Wisconsin.

Baraboo has earned the nickname 'Circus City,' primarily because of its significant connection to the circus industry, which began with the founding of the Ringling Brothers Circus. Today, visitors can explore attractions like the Circus World Museum and the Clown Hall of Fame.

The midpoint pricing stands at $369,900, with the cost of living being 14.7 percent lower than the national average and a populace of 66,174 residents.

Baraboo provides numerous attractions including zoos, water parks, wineries, and distilleries, along with an annual celebration of Oktoberfest.

Altoona, Pennsylvania

The town of Altoona was mainly founded in the 1800s as a key railway center and is known for the Horseshoe Curve, where train tracks loop around the side of a mountain.

Nestled at the foot of Brush Mountain in Blair County, Pennsylvania, Altoona boasts a rich tapestry of history and abundant natural charm.

Boasting the Canoe Creek State Park, spanning over 961 acres with a prominent feature being a 155-acre lake alongside extensive wetlands and woodlands. This picturesque lake serves as an ideal location for both fishing and swimming enthusiasts. Additionally, visitors can explore various trails, relax at a sandy beach area, and observe numerous species of wildlife within this expansive recreational space.

The midpoint in the pricing list stands at $149,000, with the cost of living being 22 percent lower than the national average.

Approximately 120,089 residents take pleasure in visiting amusement parks, museums, historical locations, and hiking paths.

Fairbanks, Alaska

Founded in 1901, the community of Fairbanks, Alaska experienced a surge in population during the Fairbanks Gold Rush era.

Despite having a population of 95,739, this place ranks as the second most populous town in the state. Situated somewhat remotely amidst vast wilderness areas, the town is home to the University of Alaska.

This region hosts the Angel Rocks Trail along with the Fairbanks Ice Museum, and the consistently frigid temperatures that often fall beneath freezing point serve ideally for the yearly World Ice Art competition.

The midpoint pricing on the list stands at $315,000, and surprisingly, the town’s cost of living is significantly 24 percent lower than the national average.

Fairbanks is an excellent location for viewing the Aurora Borealis, with numerous lodges and tour operators specialized in helping visitors experience this spectacular phenomenon.

Kearney, Nebraska

This welcoming town has earned the title of the cultural hub of Nebraska. Situated 2.5 hours west of Omaha, Kearney boasts an impressive arts scene featuring institutions such as the Merryman Performing Arts Center and the World Theatre, both offering continuous performances throughout the year.

The typical listing price in this area stands at $319,900, with living costs being 11.9 percent lower than the U.S. average. This allows inhabitants to fully take advantage of what the community provides without straining their finances.

This community provides numerous leisure pursuits to its populace of 57,843 residents including horseback riding, tennis, golf, tours at Fort Kearney, and various parks designed for those who appreciate nature.

Great Falls, Montana

Nestled among four mountain ranges, three rivers, two wilderness areas, and a wildlife refuge, Great Falls, Montana, boasts a vibrant culture and extensive history.

Residents of this town with a population of 85,333 can delight in visiting its ten museums, going buffalo hunting, or relaxing along the River's Edge Trail or at Montana's State Fair.

The median listing price for properties in this area stands at $424,500, with the cost of living being 12.1 percent lower than the national average. Additionally, the town features various attractions such as art museums, historical museums, and a dedicated center focused on Lewis and Clark.

This town offers an ideal setting for nature enthusiasts, featuring continuous recreational opportunities including hiking paths throughout the year. During winters, visitors can enjoy skiing at Showdown Mountain. In summertime, one can explore and engage alongside the Missouri River.

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