Whether you want a low cost of living, more land, or lots of charm, those thinking about relocating shouldn't overlook small towns.
Families, people who work from home, and retirees all find these places attractive. An added bonus? The lower cost of living also might help boost your bank account.
If you're thinking about moving to a small town, here are a few options to check out. See if one of these places could be the right home for you.
If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive travel discounts and trip-planning resources
Over 50 and love traveling? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member, you could be missing out on huge travel perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on hotels and resorts, airfare, cruises, car rentals, and more.
How to become a member today:
- Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
- Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
- Start enjoying your discounts and perks!
An AARP membership not only unlocks discounts that could save you hundreds on your next trip, but you’ll also have access to deals on vacation packages, guided tours, and exclusive content to help plan your next getaway.
Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (do not skip this step!). Doing so will allow you to take up to 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $15 the first year with auto-renewal.
Midway, Utah
/images/2023/08/02/midway_green_plains.jpg)
Midway is located about an hour outside of Salt Lake City. It offers the perfect charm of a mountain town along with some modern amenities.
Check out Homestead Resort for water activities and golfing. You can retire early and spend recreational time in the mountains while saving money.
Want to learn how to build wealth like the 1%? Sign up for Worthy to get ideas and advice delivered to your inbox.
Beacon, New York
/images/2023/08/02/view_from_beacon_mountain.jpg)
Along the Hudson River is Beacon, which may be a good option for New York City residents trying to get away from the hectic nature of the city.
The town is on the Metro-North Railroad line into the city, giving residents a convenient way to get into Manhattan.
Or, you can explore the sights of Beacon itself, including quaint shops and a "Doctor Who"-themed restaurant for fans of the show.
Florence, Alabama
/images/2023/08/02/florence_bridge_long_exposure.jpg)
Florence is located in The Shoals area of northern Alabama. It's a great place to enjoy the natural beauty surrounding a small town.
The area is home to hiking and outdoor adventures. Or, enjoy some of the town's rich music roots with concerts and other events.
Earn a $250 travel bonus with this incredible card
There's a credit card that's making waves with its amazing bonus and benefits. The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card has no annual fee and you can earn 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
You can earn additional points just by using this card for your everyday purchases — unlimited 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center and 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases. The 25,000 bonus points can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel or dining purchases.
If you want to travel and dine out more, the Travel Rewards card can help you get where you want to go.
The best part? There's no annual fee.
Los Alamos, New Mexico
/images/2023/08/02/new_mexico.jpg)
You may have heard of Los Alamos after seeing the blockbuster movie "Oppenheimer" about the Manhattan Project.
Los Alamos can be a great small-town alternative to bigger and better-known cities in New Mexico. Check out Manhattan Project National Historical Park and the Bradbury Science Museum.
Sitka, Alaska
/images/2023/08/02/sitka_alaska.jpg)
Sitka is a great small town if you don't mind a little cold to go along with beautiful views of the water.
The island town has plenty of nature to enjoy. You can hike or watch whales. Or if you prefer, explore the town's historical Russian heritage at landmarks such as the Russian Bishop's House.
Pro tip: There are a lot of opportunities in a small town to earn extra money and give you the spending cash you need to travel.
Trending Stories
Brooklyn, Michigan
/images/2023/08/02/small_town_in_michigan.jpg)
Like other towns in Michigan, Brooklyn is known for its location near lakes, giving residents plenty of opportunities for activities on the water.
The town is also home to the Michigan International Speedway, which hosts major racing events.
Thermopolis, Wyoming
/images/2023/08/02/thermopolis_hot_springs.jpg)
Thermopolis is home to numerous hot springs. Enjoy the warm water before heading to the Wyoming Dinosaur Center.
The town is also relatively close to Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park, giving residents the perfect opportunity to venture out to beautiful national parks.
Marfa, Texas
/images/2023/08/02/welcome_to_marfa_sign.jpg)
Marfa might be a great option If you're looking for a small-town feel in Texas with a beautiful desert landscape.
The town is located in the Big Bend region of western Texas. And check out Prada Marfa, a fake luxury store in the middle of the desert that's perfect for photos.
Durango, Colorado
/images/2023/08/02/the_town_of_durango.jpg)
Colorado is known for mountain activities such as hiking and skiing. Durango can give you those things with a small-town feel.
The town also has plenty of lakes and reservoirs if you enjoy water activities.
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.
Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
Lambertville, New Jersey
/images/2023/08/02/delaware_river_at_summer.jpg)
Lambertville was founded in 1705, and the town's charm includes preserved federal townhouses and Victorian homes.
The town is also close enough to big cities such as Trenton and Philadelphia that you won't be far from big-city life when you want to enjoy it.
Guthrie, Oklahoma
/images/2023/08/02/logan_county.jpg)
North of Oklahoma City is the town of Guthrie, which served as the state's first capital.
Now, the town is home to antique shops and other stores in its quaint downtown, as well as plenty of old homes that have been preserved.
Holbrook, Arizona
/images/2023/08/02/desert_landscape_on_blue_sky.jpg)
Holbrook was once a fabled stop on Route 66, and it still has some of the old-fashioned charm that made it the perfect place for visitors and residents.
It's also close to the Petrified Forest National Park and the Painted Desert if you want to venture out and save money on travel, enjoying the beauty of the Arizona desert.
Billings, Montana
/images/2023/08/02/montana_cityscape_streaming_lights.jpg)
Big Sky Country could be a great place to live if you love nature and open spaces — as long as you don't mind plenty of snow in the winter.
Check out the Rimrocks, which are beautiful sandstone cliffs surrounding the town. Or, try out the city's food scene, including a walking tour of six breweries.
Kennebunkport, Maine
/images/2023/08/02/kennebunkport_village_harbor.jpg)
Kennebunkport is a great spot if you want to live on the Atlantic Ocean and enjoy all that a harbor town has to offer.
The town has plenty of whale-watching opportunities and beaches to visit in the summer. Or, check out the shops in town and get fresh lobster from some of the local restaurants.
Onalaska, Wisconsin
/images/2023/08/02/small_town_of_ashland.jpg)
Onalaska is located near La Crosse on the Wisconsin/Minnesota border. It is perfect for people who want to get outdoors and fish close to home.
The town is known for its fishing opportunities on Lake Onalaska. Swing by the Sunny the Sunfish statue near the lake to celebrate local fishing before heading into town to enjoy the sunset at one of the local restaurants.
Pro tip: Using a credit card for your retirement purchases that offers rewards like cash back can stretch your money as long as you don't carry a balance.
Bottom line
/images/2023/08/02/relaxing_in_back_yard.jpg)
One of the great things about living in a small town is the lower cost of living, which can help you build more wealth.
It's also a good opportunity to help you save money while also being able to take life a little slower. A small town still has plenty to offer and can provide a terrific place to retire.
Easy-to-Earn Unlimited Rewards
Benefits
Card Details
- $0 annual fee
- Simple, flat-rate rewards
- Flexible redemption options
- Up to 75% Bank of America Preferred Rewards® bonus potential
- Apply Now
- 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
- Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center.
- Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
- Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
- If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases. You could earn 3.75-5.25 points for every $1 you spend on travel purchases made through the Bank of America Travel Center.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
/images/2024/12/16/bofa-travel.png)
on Bank of America’s secure website
Read Card ReviewIntro Offer
Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases
Annual Fee
$0
Why we like it
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is great for individuals who enjoy earning rewards and traveling.
Cardholders will enjoy the flexibility to redeem points with no blackout dates and receive a statement credit to pay for travel and dining purchases.
Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center and 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases.
- Apply Now
Subscribe Today
Learn how to make an extra $200
Get vetted side hustles and proven ways to earn extra cash sent to your inbox.