8 Affordable Cities That Still Feel Like Small Towns

Big city living often gets a reputation for being cold or soulless. And small-town charm may be nice, but it isn't always known for its accessibility or access to the amenities and resources you'll find in a larger metropolitan area. But there's a secret that can get you the best of both worlds — and it's one of the best money moves for homeowners.

Moving to an affordable city that has walkability, vibrant restaurants and shops, and a small-town feel can make you feel like you've hit the jackpot on quality of life. Ready to make the move? Here are eight affordable cities that still feel like small towns, and are priced like them, too.

All data about cost of living is provided by PayScale unless otherwise noted.

Pittsburgh was an early industrial boomtown and, while its panache wore off in the mid-twentieth century, its history remains. The Steel City offers affordable urban neighborhoods that come along with walkability, like Squirrel Hill and Bloomfield. You'll also find big city amenities, like incredible museums, including the Carnegie Museums and the Andy Warhol Museum.

And, the best part is that even though Pittsburg is a major metropolitan area, the cost of living is 2% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Baltimore is basically right on par with national averages, and is just 1% above what most people in the U.S. see. But, what the city lacks in general affordability, it makes up for in housing, which is 10% lower than the national average.

Pair that with proximity to major cities like Washington, DC, New York, and Philadelphia, and you're right in the center of it all, without paying a premium. Not only that, but Baltimore is known for friendly, walkable neighborhoods — including Fells Point, Canton, and charming Hampden — where you'll find art, restaurants, and wild holiday light displays, all in the neighborhood that inspired Hairspray.

If you want the enthusiasm of a college town, the amenities of a big city, and the vibes that come along with small town living, you'll want to make your way to this city in the Buckeye State.

Columbus is home to Ohio State University, the Columbus Museum of Art, and charming neighborhoods like German Village and Short North Arts District. You'll also find a cost of living that's relatively low, according to U.S. News & World Report, including a median home price of $226,207.

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Want access to the sparkle of Dallas, but with a lower cost of living? Head to Fort Worth, where the cost of living is 4% lower than the national average. Housing is also a whopping 16% lower than the national average, which feels like an anomaly among the boom towns in Texas.

Fort Worth is a place where you'll find a more rugged, cowboy vibe, but you'll also have your pick of bustling neighborhoods where you'll find rich culture, community, and Southern hospitality.

For a Midwestern locale with small town friendliness and big city amenities, check out Wichita. This city on the Arkansas River is known for its proximity to farmland, but it also has a bustling downtown, a strong sense of pride for its industry, and access to culture including the Ulrich Museum of Art.

The cost of living is the major draw, with a general cost of living that's 11% below the national average, and housing costs that are a shocking 32% below the national average.

Philadelphia is a beloved city for its history, walkable neighborhoods like Fishtown and Northern Liberties, and fervor for its sports teams, including the Philadelphia Eagles and the Phillies. But it's also relatively affordable compared to other major metropolitan East Coast cities.

The cost of living is slightly above the national average at just 3%, but that's a steal compared to the nearby New York City, which comes in at 130% higher. Add in housing costs that are actually 1% below the national average, and there's a good reason to call the City of Brotherly Love home.

The cost of living in Sheboygan is 10% below the national average, according to Area Vibes, which also says the housing cost is 32% below the average. Hopeful homeowners will find the warmth of Midwest communities in this urban area that somehow still maintains its small town appeal.

There are good schools, summer access to Lake Michigan, and amenities that include an arts center and theater.

The cost of living in Chattanooga is 10% lower than the national average, and housing is 14% lower, with a median home price of $429,304.

This vibrant city is located in one of the most beautiful regions in Tennessee, and it has seen a major renaissance in recent years, which adds to its charm. It has a diverse and bustling Main Street, close knit business and entrepreneurial scene, and an expansive Riverwalk. Not only that, but if you prefer to get out of town, you're just minutes from Lookout Mountain.

Moving to a lower-cost-of-living city can be one of the most foolproof ways to boost your bank account, where you'll be able to spend less on everything from housing to groceries.

Fortunately, you won't have to sacrifice the perks of small-town living when you embrace the cities on this list, since each of them offers a good mix of benefits that will allow you to experience the best of both worlds.