10 Best Small Towns to Live in America in 2027

1. Bozeman, Montana

Bozeman ranks first because it offers the strongest combination of a real economy, a commercial airport, and unmatched outdoor access, despite its high cost. The median home price is roughly $650,000, with two-bedroom rents around $1,900 monthly, and Montana has no state sales tax to offset some expenses. Montana State University anchors employment alongside a growing tech and photonics cluster, while Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport provides direct flights to major hubs.

This town is for higher-income remote workers and outdoor enthusiasts who can absorb the premium price and rising traffic. It trades away affordability and mild winters for direct airport access and year-round recreation. Compared to Bend, Oregon, Bozeman offers a slightly lower median price but colder winters and faster growth pressures. Buyers should expect bidding wars, escalation clauses, and high winter heating bills, making it a poor fit for budget-conscious families.

2. Fayetteville, Arkansas

Fayetteville ranks second for delivering the best value, pairing a median home price near $330,000 with a diversified, recession-resistant job market. The University of Arkansas anchors employment, while the broader metro hosts Walmart's headquarters, Tyson Foods, and J.B. Hunt offices. A greenway network of over 40 paved miles connects the town, and the free Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art sits nearby in Bentonville.

This town is ideal for families, academics, and professionals seeking job security without a mountain-town price tag. It trades away dramatic alpine scenery and ski access for rolling Ozark hills and a milder climate. Compared to Bozeman, Fayetteville offers nearly half the median home price but less direct wilderness access. The trade-off is a more suburban feel, though the greenway system and cultural amenities compensate for the lack of ski resorts.

3. Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville ranks third for its vibrant arts scene, craft breweries, and Blue Ridge Mountain setting, despite a high median home price near $450,000 for the Southeast. The economy leans on tourism, Mission Hospital healthcare, and small businesses, providing a stable but seasonal job base. The Biltmore Estate anchors cultural tourism, and the surrounding mountains offer world-class hiking and river recreation. However, buyers must budget for added flood insurance after Hurricane Helene flooding along the French Broad River.

This town is for creative professionals, healthcare workers, and retirees who prioritize culture and mountain views over affordability. It trades away low housing costs and disaster safety for a walkable downtown and dense amenities. Compared to Fayetteville, Asheville costs about $120,000 more on median homes but offers a more distinctive mountain character. Flood-prone parcels require careful checking of parcel-level history, making it a riskier pick for budget-conscious relocators.

4. Bend, Oregon

Bend ranks fourth for its 300-plus days of annual sunshine, skiing at Mt. Bachelor, and the Deschutes River running through town, despite a median home price near $640,000. Oregon has no sales tax, which helps offset some spending costs, and the economy blends outdoor-recreation brands, breweries, and a large remote-work population. The dry east-side Cascade climate offers mild summers and snowy winters, ideal for year-round outdoor activity.

This town is for higher-income remote professionals and serious outdoor lovers who can absorb the premium price and limited local job diversity. It trades away affordability and a broad employer base for sunnier weather and direct ski access. Compared to Bozeman, Bend offers a slightly lower median price but a drier climate and less direct airport connectivity. Remote workers will find reliable internet, but those needing local corporate jobs may struggle outside the recreation and healthcare sectors.

5. Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Sioux Falls ranks fifth for its low crime, fast growth, and no state income tax, with a median home price near $330,000. Sanford Health and Avera Health anchor employment, while lender-friendly banking laws keep large Citibank and Wells Fargo operations in the metro, giving it one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation. Falls Park anchors a revitalized downtown, and the city's compact layout makes it walkable and human-scaled.

This town is for families, retirees, and W-2 earners seeking tax minimization and stable healthcare jobs. It trades away mountain scenery and mild winters for flat prairies and harsh cold. Compared to Fayetteville, Sioux Falls offers a similar median price but a stronger no-income-tax advantage and a more centralized healthcare sector. The trade-off is a less vibrant cultural scene and fewer outdoor recreation options, though the downtown revitalization compensates for some of that.

6. Traverse City, Michigan

Traverse City ranks sixth for its waterfront setting on Grand Traverse Bay, cherry-and-wine country charm, and a median home price near $400,000. Summer tourism drives the seasonal economy, while year-round jobs come from Munson Healthcare and a growing tech presence. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is 30 minutes away, offering world-class beaches and hiking. The city core holds roughly 15,000 people, giving it a true small-town feel with a walkable downtown.

This town is for boaters, food-and-wine enthusiasts, and seasonal-business owners comfortable with a quiet winter. It trades away year-round job diversity and mild winters for a vibrant summer season and waterfront access. Compared to Asheville, Traverse City offers a lower median price but a more seasonal economy and colder winters. The tech presence is growing but still limited, making it a better fit for remote workers or those in healthcare than for manufacturing professionals.

7. Eagle and Meridian, Idaho

The Boise metro's smaller communities rank seventh for offering big-city access with a quieter feel, though Eagle's median home price exceeds $700,000 and Meridian's sits near $500,000. Micron Technology and HP anchor tech jobs, providing a strong employer base for the region. The Boise River greenbelt links the communities, and Idaho levies a flat 5.695% income tax, which is moderate compared to no-income-tax states.

This town is for tech workers and families who want newer housing and proximity to Boise's amenities without the downtown density. It trades away lower taxes and walkability for more space and newer construction. Compared to Bozeman, the Eagle/Meridian fringe offers a higher median price in Eagle but a more diversified tech economy and flatter terrain. The flat income tax is a drawback for high earners, and traffic into Boise can be congested during peak hours.

8. Chattanooga, Tennessee

Chattanooga ranks eighth for its no state income tax, Volkswagen's only U.S. assembly plant, and EPB's municipal gigabit fiber network, with a median home price near $340,000. The Riverwalk runs 16 miles along the Tennessee River, and world-class climbing at Sunset Park and the Obed, plus Ocoee River whitewater, are close. The city's downtown is compact and walkable, with a growing food and arts scene. The municipal fiber network draws remote workers seeking reliable high-speed internet.

This town is for remote workers, manufacturing professionals, and retirees who want tax savings and outdoor adventure. It trades away mountain-town charm and cooler summers for a more industrial economy and humid climate. Compared to Sioux Falls, Chattanooga offers a similar median price and no income tax but a more scenic river setting and better climbing access. The trade-off is a less centralized healthcare sector and more humidity, though the fiber network is a standout for connectivity.

9. Burlington, Vermont

Burlington ranks ninth for its Lake Champlain setting, pedestrian Church Street Marketplace, and University of Vermont-anchored economy, despite a high median home price near $500,000. The University of Vermont and its medical center provide stable academic and healthcare jobs, while the Adirondacks and Green Mountains offer four-season recreation. The cost of living is high for the region, but the compact walkable core and dense public amenities justify some of the premium.

This town is for academics, healthcare workers, and four-season outdoor people who value a walkable downtown and lake access. It trades away affordability and mild winters for dense public services and a strong sense of community. Compared to Traverse City, Burlington offers a higher median price but a more diversified year-round economy and a pedestrian mall. The higher taxes fund amenities, but the cold winters and limited airport options may deter some relocators.

10. Greenville, South Carolina

Greenville ranks tenth for its model of small-city revitalization, built around the Reedy River and Falls Park, with a median home price near $340,000. BMW's largest global plant sits nearby in Spartanburg, and Michelin's North American headquarters is in town, providing a strong manufacturing base. The Swamp Rabbit Trail runs 22 miles, connecting the city to surrounding communities, and the downtown is walkable with a vibrant restaurant scene.

This town is for families and auto-industry professionals seeking an affordable, revitalized downtown with strong job security. It trades away mountain scenery and ski access for rolling hills and a milder climate. Compared to Chattanooga, Greenville offers a similar median price and no income tax but a more compact downtown and better trail connectivity. The trade-off is less whitewater and climbing access, though Falls Park and the Swamp Rabbit Trail provide ample outdoor recreation.

How we ranked these

This ranking measures five weighted factors: cost of living, primarily median home price and two-bedroom rent; job growth and employer diversity; safety; healthcare access; and quality-of-life amenities like walkable downtowns and outdoor recreation. Each location is a currently incorporated town or small city, not a speculative development. The common thread is a compact, human-scaled place with genuine access to nature, without moving into a major metro.

Deliberately ignored were subjective lifestyle preferences that cannot be quantified, such as personal taste in climate, culture, or social scene. Also excluded were speculative future developments and unincorporated subdivisions. The ranking focuses on current, verifiable data and established communities, avoiding hype or projections that could mislead potential movers. This ensures the list reflects tangible, present-day conditions rather than promises or trends that may not materialize.

What to look for

When choosing between these towns, the real differentiators are the tax structure, employer concentration, and disaster risk—not just the median home price. For example, a no-income-tax state like Tennessee or South Dakota benefits high earners, while a no-sales-tax state like Montana or Oregon helps heavy spenders. Also, verify the local job market's diversity: a town reliant on tourism (like Traverse City) is riskier than one with multiple anchors (like Sioux Falls).

The mistake most buyers make is buying the postcard, not the town. A beautiful weekend visit tells you nothing about February commutes, specialist doctors, or employer concentration. Ignoring taxes, disaster risk, and healthcare access are common traps. Always verify the unglamorous details first—run an annualized cost comparison including utilities, property taxes, and insurance. Only after the money holds up should you make the emotional decision.

Related questions

Which small town on this list is cheapest to buy a home?

Among the ranked towns, Fayetteville, Arkansas, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Greenville, South Carolina all sit near $330,000–$340,000 median—the most affordable tier. The broader list's cheapest markets can dip toward $250,000, while mountain towns exceed $700,000.

Are small towns actually good for remote workers?

Yes, when internet and airport access exist. Chattanooga's EPB gigabit fiber and Bozeman's direct-flight airport are standout examples. Verify broadband speeds and the nearest airport before committing—remote work depends on both, and not every charming small town has them.

Which state taxes are most retiree-friendly here?

South Dakota (Sioux Falls) and Tennessee (Chattanooga) levy no state income tax, which is strongest for retirees drawing down accounts. Montana and Oregon have no sales tax instead. Model your specific income sources—the best structure depends on how you earn and spend.

Do these towns have real job markets or just tourism?

Most have diversified economies: universities (Fayetteville, Burlington), hospital systems (Sioux Falls, Asheville, Traverse City), and manufacturing or tech (Chattanooga's VW plant, the Boise metro's Micron and HP, Greenville's BMW-and-Michelin base). Tourism supplements rather than defines the strongest picks.

What is the best small town for outdoor recreation?

Bozeman and Bend lead for outdoor access, with skiing, hiking, and fishing minutes away. Bozeman offers Yellowstone proximity and a real airport; Bend boasts 300-plus days of sun and Mt. Bachelor. Both carry high median prices, so they suit remote workers or those with flexible budgets.

How does the tax structure affect affordability in these towns?

No-income-tax states like South Dakota and Tennessee benefit high earners and retirees. No-sales-tax states like Montana and Oregon help those who spend heavily. A flat income tax in Idaho and higher-service states like Vermont change the math. Always model your income and spending to compare.

Which town is best for a family with young children?

Greenville, South Carolina, and Fayetteville, Arkansas, offer sub-$350,000 medians, strong schools, and family-friendly amenities like the Swamp Rabbit Trail and greenway networks. Both have diversified job markets, reducing economic risk. Sioux Falls also ranks well with low crime and healthcare anchors.

What should I check before moving to a small town?

Verify employer concentration, tax structure, disaster risk, healthcare proximity, and broadband speeds. Visit in an off-season to see the real character. Run an annualized cost comparison including utilities, property taxes, and insurance. Only after the money holds up should you make the emotional decision.

FAQ

Are these towns actually affordable for the average person?

Ranges vary widely. The cheapest markets sit near $250,000 on median homes, while the priciest mountain towns exceed $700,000. Most fall in the $300,000–$500,000 band, so affordability depends heavily on your income and which town you choose.

How were these towns selected for 2027?

Each was evaluated on cost of living, job growth, safety, healthcare access, and quality-of-life amenities. All are currently incorporated places with walkable downtowns, lower crime, and proximity to nature—not speculative or future developments.

Is Bozeman really the best overall despite high prices?

Bozeman offers a strong job market, a real airport, and unmatched outdoor access, but its ~$650,000 median is among the highest here. It is best for buyers who can absorb the premium for those amenities, not for those chasing maximum value.

What makes Fayetteville the best value pick?

A ~$330,000 median home price combined with University of Arkansas stability and a Walmart-anchored regional economy gives Fayetteville a strong cost-to-quality ratio. Its 40-plus miles of greenway and the free Crystal Bridges Museum add lifestyle value rare at that price.

Do these towns have good healthcare and schools?

Both were part of the ranking criteria, but specifics vary by town. Most have regional hospitals within about 30 minutes and above-average public schools, though you should verify the exact options and specialist access for your household before moving.

Will these towns still be good places to live in 2027?

The list projects current trends forward, but no one can guarantee future conditions. Climate impacts, local economic shifts, or housing-market swings could change affordability and livability. Always visit and check current data before you commit.

How do I compare tax burdens between two towns?

Run an annualized comparison of income, sales, and property taxes on your specific income and spending. For example, Chattanooga's no income tax vs. Bend's no sales tax—the mortgage difference often outweighs tax savings. Use tools like the Tax Foundation's data.

What is the biggest mistake relocation buyers make?

Buying the postcard, not the town. A beautiful weekend visit tells you nothing about February commutes, specialist doctors, or employer concentration. Ignoring taxes, disaster risk, and healthcare access are common traps. Always verify the unglamorous details first.

Which town has the best job security?

Sioux Falls and Fayetteville offer the most diversified economies, with multiple anchor sectors like healthcare, education, and corporate headquarters. This protects against downturns better than towns reliant on tourism or a single industry.

Are there hidden costs in mountain towns?

Yes. Heating bills in Bozeman or Burlington run high, and flood insurance may be needed in Asheville. Property taxes in growing towns fund amenities but rise over time. Always budget beyond the purchase price for utilities, insurance, and taxes.

Sources

• https://www.census.gov/quickfacts
• https://www.zillow.com/research/data/
• https://realestate.usnews.com/places/rankings/best-places-to-live
• https://www.bls.gov/regions/
• https://taxfoundation.org/data/
• https://www.realtor.com/research/
• https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/

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