It is sometimes said that you should go where your dreams take you. That means moving to the big city with plenty of opportunities. Once you do settle into that New York loft, those big dreams come with big price tags. Suddenly, you have to start dreaming small just to keep up the lifestyle. Smaller cities, however, allow you a comfortable, affordable lifestyle to pursue your dreams. All across the country there are cities that offer the same level of opportunity that one could find in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, or Los Angeles. It’s not just the growth opportunites that are plentiful. You’ll be surprised at the recreational activities these smaller places offer. Whether it’s tennis, swimming or an opportunity to use ice skates, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Here is a list of five lesser-known cities to consider relocating to.
1
Providence, Rhode Island – Coming in as the third most populous city in New England is Providence, the capital city of Rhode Island. With its classic architecture, Providence can feel like the world’s biggest college town. Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design are two of the biggest cultural and economic institutions in the city. New real estate developments across the city could also even out the current rental rate of $1,585/monthly to an improved figure.
2
St. Louis, Missouri – Marked by the famous Gateway Arch, St. Louis is a city of endless possibilities. St. Louis is home to the Anheurser-Busch’s oldest brewery which hosts regular beer tastings at their nearby Biergarten. Musicians and performers will appreciate live music venues such as the Fox Theater and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Unemployment rates are at a low 2.9%, and costs of living are already 6% below the national average.
3
South Bend, Indiana – Mayor Pete Buttigieg’s presidential run is just part of the reason South Bend is gaining attention. South Bend has been known for decades as a manufacturing hub and that reputation continues today. The recent Ignition Park development is one of two state-certified technology research centers in the city. The other is Innovation Park, located on the University of Notre Dame campus. People are already moving to South Bend now to take advantage of their $75,000 real estate prices.
4
Madison, Wisconsin – Young homebuyers are buying up Madison real estate left and right. Millennials constitute 26.8% of Madison’s current residents, many of whom are former University of Wisconsin students. UW alumni can look forward to the abundant jobs available in the tech and healthcare industries. Couple this with low living costs, endless outdoor recreation possibilities, and Madison is a perfect place to raise a family.
5
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – “The City of Brotherly Love” may be overshadowed by New York, but there’s more to Philadelphia besides Phillies baseball and cheesesteaks. West Philly is home to three major colleges, while various festivals at Point Breeze celebrates the city’s multiculturalism. There’s plenty of action in Downtown Philly with the astounding Franklin Institute and legions of tourists visiting the Liberty Bell and the Betsy Ross House. The costs of living are so reasonable that you could spend a monthly $1,450 on a one-bed apartment, that you’ll have plenty for utilities and commute fees.
If instead you feel like taking a big leap and move to the other side of the Atlantic, your best option would then be Florence, Italy. You’d then be surrounded by beauty, fabulous food and wine and impressive cultural heritage everywhere you go. Florence is also the perfect base to explore the rest of Europe, since it is served by two airports nearby, and while being a relatively small and authentic Italian city, you’ll be surprised by the size of the expat community living there. If you decide to move to Florence for a while, you can book your accommodation online through safe websites like HousingAnywhere!
