While real estate can pave the way for financial freedom, buying houses can be expensive. The cost of living in any city is a significant factor in deciding where to live.

Situated halfway between Pittsburgh and Cleveland is Youngstown, Ohio. This city, located close to the Ohio-Pennsylvanian border, has access to beautiful nature trails and bicycle paths, science, and art museums. It also hosts famous concerts and festivals.

Syracuse, a city in the middle of New York state, is located south of Lake Ontario and adjacent to the Finger Lakes region. The city is home to popular athletics, galleries, and museums and has a university with over 20,000 students.

The boyhood home of the 46th US president, Joe Biden, is located in the northeastern part of Pennsylvania. This city used to produce coal back in the early 20th century. Its historic buildings are being redeveloped, and the city is being restored. Scranton has a popular ski resort used in winter, and hosts big-name concerts, festivals, and other entertainment.

Located at the southern tip of Texas, McAllen has a population of 142,210. Initially, this city was an agricultural center, a hotspot for tourists in the ’70s. After a few decades, the area has grown into a thriving economy and is well known as one of the safest cities in Texas.

Brimming with headquarters of big banks like Bank of the Ozarks, Simmons Bank, and the financial brokerage Stephens Inc., is Little Rock. It is the most populous city in the Arkansas River area and home to the University of Arkansas, various libraries, museums, and an arts park.

The state capital of Mississippi, Jackson, is situated along the Pearl River that runs into the Gulf of Mexico. It is an economic center, and home to Jackson State University, the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, the Mississippi Freedom Trail, and many more attractions.

With a population of almost a million, Indianapolis is the third most populous city in the Midwest. Located in central Indiana, this state capital boasts big companies, museums, universities, the famous Indy 500 race, and two major league sports teams—the Pacers and the Colts. With the locale’s affordability and all it has to offer, it’s no wonder it has steady population growth.

Wichita, Kansas’s largest city, possesses a 44-foot statue crafted by American sculptor Blackbear Bonsin. The Little Arkansas River and the Arkansas River merge at the city’s center. Wichita hosts several events in the summer, with spots for live music and shows.

Columbia, the capital of South Carolina, is the second most populated city in the state. It is between Charleston and Charlotte and has at least eleven colleges and universities. One eminent attraction to this city is the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which welcomes many visitors annually.

Augusta is situated on the banks of the Savannah River in eastern Georgia, along the borders of South Carolina. The city is well known for hosting one of the biggest professional golf championships, played yearly at the Augusta National Golf Club. Non-golfers can enjoy the scenery provided by the Augusta Riverwalk.