Are you tired of living in the same old city or town? Do you crave a change of scenery and a fresh start? Look no further than these top underrated places to live in America. From charming small towns to bustling cities, these hidden gems offer all the amenities you need without the high cost of living or overcrowding of popular destinations. With breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and friendly communities, these cities and towns offer a high quality of life that is hard to come by elsewhere. So? why settle for mediocrity when you can discover the hidden gems and make a new home in one of these top underrated places to live in America? Keep reading to learn more about the best hidden gems that America has to offer.
Criteria for selecting underrated places to live
When we talk about underrated places to live, we are referring to those cities or towns that are overlooked by the majority of people despite offering a high quality of life. These places may not be as popular or well-known as some of the big cities or tourist destinations, but they have a lot to offer in terms of amenities, job opportunities, and quality of life.
To select the top underrated places to live in America, we considered several factors such as cost of living, job market, real estate trends, healthcare, education, and cultural amenities. We also looked at the natural beauty of the area, the climate, and the overall vibe of the community. Our goal was to find places that provide a good balance of all these factors and offer a high quality of life at an affordable cost.
The top underrated places to live in America
** Asheville, NC
Asheville is a charming town nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. It has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with many galleries, museums, and theaters. The town is also known for its craft breweries, farm-to-table restaurants, and live music venues. Asheville has a mild climate, with four distinct seasons, and is surrounded by some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the country. The town is also home to several universities and colleges, making it a hub for education and research.
Despite all these benefits, Asheville remains one of the most underrated places to live in America. The cost of living is relatively low, and there are plenty of job opportunities in fields such as healthcare, education, and tourism. The real estate market is also favorable, with many affordable housing options available.
** Boise, ID
Boise is the capital city of Idaho and offers a unique blend of urban amenities and outdoor recreation. The city is situated on the banks of the Boise River and surrounded by mountains, making it an ideal destination for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities. Boise is also known for its vibrant downtown, with many trendy restaurants, coffee shops, and boutique stores. The city has a strong economy, with job opportunities in fields such as technology, healthcare, and finance.
Despite its many benefits, Boise is often overlooked by people looking to move to the West Coast. However, the cost of living in Boise is much lower than that of cities like Seattle or San Francisco, making it an affordable option for those looking for a high quality of life. The real estate market is also favorable, with many housing options available at reasonable prices.
** Burlington, VT
Burlington is a small city on the shores of Lake Champlain in Vermont. It is known for its picturesque downtown, with many historic buildings, art galleries, and local shops. The city has a strong sense of community, with many festivals and events throughout the year. Burlington is also home to several colleges and universities, making it a hub for education and research.
Despite its many advantages, Burlington is often overlooked by people looking for a new place to live. However, the cost of living in Burlington is relatively low, and there are many job opportunities in fields such as healthcare, education, and tourism. The real estate market is also favorable, with many affordable housing options available.
** Other underrated places to live in America
Other underrated places to live in America include (NY), Fayetteville (AR), and Greenville (SC). Ithaca is a college town in upstate New York known for its natural beauty and cultural amenities. Fayetteville is a small city in northwest Arkansas with a strong economy and a vibrant arts scene. Greenville is a growing city in South Carolina with a thriving downtown and many job opportunities in healthcare, education, and manufacturing.
Reasons why these places are underrated
So why are these places underrated? There are several reasons why people overlook these cities and towns when searching for a new place to live. One of the main reasons is the lack of information and awareness about these places. Many people are not familiar with the amenities, job opportunities, and quality of life that these places offer.
Another reason is the perception that big cities or popular tourist destinations are the only places worth living. Many people assume that small towns or lesser-known cities lack the cultural amenities, job opportunities, and diversity of larger cities. However, this is often not the case, as many of these underrated places offer a high quality of life at a lower cost.
Cost of living comparison
One of the main advantages of living in an underrated place is the lower cost of living. Compared to big cities or popular tourist destinations, the cost of living in these places is often much lower, making it easier to afford a high quality of life. For example, the cost of living in Asheville, NC is 8% lower than the national average, while the cost of living in Boise, ID is 2% lower than the national average. In contrast, the cost of living in San Francisco, CA is 62% higher than the national average, while the cost of living in New York, NY is 49% higher than the national average.
Job market and employment opportunities
Despite being underrated, many of these places offer a strong job market and plenty of employment opportunities. Asheville, for example, has a growing healthcare industry, as well as a thriving tourism sector. Boise, on the other hand, has a strong technology industry, with many companies such as Micron Technology and Hewlett Packard located in the city. Burlington has a diverse economy, with job opportunities in fields such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing.
Quality of life factors – healthcare, education, culture, etc.
Another advantage of living in an underrated place is the high quality of life that these places offer. Many of these cities and towns have top-rated healthcare facilities, excellent schools and universities, and a vibrant arts and culture scene. For example, Asheville is home to several top-rated hospitals, including Mission Hospital and Asheville VA Medical Center. Boise has a strong education system, with several top-rated schools and universities, including Boise State University and Northwest Nazarene University. Burlington has a rich cultural heritage, with many museums, galleries, and theaters located in the city.
Real estate market trends
The real estate market in these underrated places is also favorable, with many affordable housing options available. In Asheville, for example, the median home price is $336,000, while in Boise, the median home price is $349,000. In contrast, the median home price in San Francisco is $1.4 million, while the median home price in New York is $680,000. This makes it much easier to afford a home in these underrated places, without sacrificing the amenities and quality of life that you desire.
How to decide if an underrated place is right for you?
If you are considering moving to an underrated place, there are several factors to consider. First, think about your lifestyle and what amenities are important to you. Do you prefer a small town or a big city? Do you enjoy outdoor activities or cultural events? Consider the climate, the natural beauty of the area, and the overall vibe of the community.
Second, research the job market and employment opportunities in the area. Are there job opportunities in your field? Is the industry growing or declining? Consider the salary, benefits, and career growth opportunities.
Third, consider the cost of living and the real estate market in the area. Can you afford to live comfortably in the area? Are there affordable housing options available? Consider the commute time and the overall cost of living, including taxes, utilities, and other expenses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are tired of living in the same old city or town, consider one of these top underrated places to live in America. From Asheville, NC to Boise, ID to Burlington, VT, these places offer a high quality of life at an affordable cost. With a strong job market, top-rated healthcare and education facilities, and a vibrant arts and culture scene, these hidden gems of America are waiting to be discovered.
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