10 Affordable Towns Known for Their Spectacular Fall Foliage

Crisp air, shorter days, and bright fall foliage provide the perfect backdrop for fans of autumn. If you're one of those people who can't wait until the first day of pumpkin spice and slipping into your favorite sweaters, choosing an affordable city to settle down in can be a smart homeowner decision. There are plenty of towns where you can enjoy the sights and still live on a budget.

The following is a list of 10 quaint, inexpensive towns that come alive with bright colors in the fall, making them picture-perfect places to retire — all with an average home price under $250,000.

Editor's note: Average rent prices are provided by Apartments.com, and home prices are by Zillow unless otherwise specified.

Average rent: $964
Average home value: $190,563

Fayetteville is situated along the banks of the New River Gorge in Central West Virginia. From the middle of October to the beginning of November, the area comes alive with color as the leaves change. Active retirees will have plenty to do. The Kaymoor Miners Trail gives you an up-close look at the fall foliage. There's also shopping in the historic downtown.

Aside from low rental prices, Fayetteville also has a cost of living that's 26% lower than the national average.

Average rent: $1,150(Zillow)
Average home value: $241,609

Cave Spring is nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Like many towns in the area, the best time to witness the leaves changing in Cave Spring is from early October to late November. The town hosts the annual pickle festival in early October, where you can enjoy live music and sample local pickles.

With average home values around $241,609 and a cost of living 18% lower than the national average, Cave Spring is a wonderful southern city for fall lovers.

Average rent: $1,288
Average home value: $239,538

Located in the Finger Lakes Region, Rochester is a small town in a region renowned for its fall events, like the Naples Grape Festival, which celebrates the local fall harvest. The cost of living in Rochester is 27% lower than the state average and 11% lower than the national average, making it a budget-friendly place to live.

The area gets around 77 inches of snow annually, but summer highs are only around 82 degrees.

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Average rent: $1,191
Average home value: $159,621

Located in the Willamette Valley, Salem is the capital city of Oregon. It's surrounded by farmland, vineyards, and beautiful forests. In the fall, locals flock to nearby Silver Falls State Park to see the bright colors.

The average home value in Salem is just under $160,000, which is significantly less than the national average of $368,581.

Average rent: $895 (Zillow)
Average home value: $231,239

Hermann, Missouri, is located along the Missouri River. The rolling hills and 19th-century buildings give the town a German countryside feel that comes alive with color in the fall. The town is well known for its Oktoberfest celebrations, which take place every weekend in October.

The cost of living in Hermann is 18% lower than the national average, so retirees pay less for housing, food, and medical expenses.

Average rent: $848
Average home value: $178,070

Located on Colorado's southeastern plains, Lamar provides plenty of autumn charm with cottonwood trees along the Arkansas River. In the fall, the river is bordered by bright leaves that create their own rivers of gold. The Wyatt Earp Fallfest is held every year at the beginning of October to celebrate the coming of the season.

Residents living on a budget appreciate an affordable cost of living that's 29% lower than the national average and 41% lower than the state average.

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Average rent: $772
Average home value: $64,552

While it's one of the larger cities on the list, Flint, Michigan, has a population of just under 78,700. The city offers an average rent of just $772, which is ideal for retirees on a budget.

The city is home to multiple parks, including the For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum and the Genesee Recreation Area, that come alive with fall colors.

Average rent: $576
Average home value: $148,895

Ashtabula is located on the shores of Lake Erie. In October, the leaves are in peak color as residents celebrate the Covered Bridge Festival, which features a 5K race, hayrides, carnival games, and a craft show.

The cost of living in Ashtabula is 27% lower than the national average. Seniors budgeting their retirement incomes will find the city very affordable.

Average rent: $544 for a 2 Bedroom
Average home value: $232,458

Jamestown is a small town in north-central Tennessee. It's known as the gateway to the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Residents can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, and birdwatching amidst the tall hardwoods.

In addition to affordable housing, the town has a cost of living that's 24% lower than the national average.

Average rent: $527
Average home value: $228,586

The high desert may be the last place you think of when you dream of fall colors. However, the aspens in the Gila National Forest turn a brilliant gold color when temperatures start to drop. Residents also celebrate the fall harvest with the annual Mimbres Harvest Festival near the first of October.

The average rent is around $527, and the cost of living is 25% lower than the national average.

Instead of chasing peak fall foliage in towns across the country, consider retiring in a city that offers beautiful views and plenty of things to do. These affordable towns allow you to do just that and even give you the chance to travel on a budget to surrounding areas while enjoying the season.

If you want to watch the leaves turn without experiencing the crowds, don't rule out state and local parks, which tend to be less crowded than national sites of interest.