1. Danville, Illinois
Danville is one of those towns where time seems to have stood still, and not in a charming way. Once reliant on manufacturing, it’s now struggling with job shortages and aging infrastructure. The downtown area feels more like a memory than a destination, and the overall vibe is one of economic stagnation, according to Forbes. Affordable? Absolutely—but at a price.
Crime is a concern here, and many residents report a lack of entertainment or community activities. It’s not uncommon for locals to drive hours for basic shopping or medical care. Schools are underfunded, and public investment is minimal. That low rent doesn’t seem so appealing when there’s nothing to do and nowhere to grow.
2. Pine Bluff, Arkansas
Pine Bluff has some of the lowest housing prices in the country, but there’s a catch—rampant crime and a declining population. Once a bustling agricultural hub, the city has seen its economy shrink and job opportunities dry up. Unemployment is higher than the national average, and many buildings in the downtown area sit abandoned. The city’s school system has struggled with low performance ratings for years.
Despite its location on the Arkansas River and proximity to Little Rock, people just aren’t moving here. The population has dropped by nearly 20% over the last decade. For some, the affordability might be appealing, but many locals are just trying to get out. That says a lot more than any real estate listing ever could.
3. Gary, Indiana
Gary used to be a major steel town, but those days are long gone, according to Chris Arnade of The Guardian. Now, it’s better known for its sky-high vacancy rates and dilapidated buildings than anything else. Crime remains a serious issue, and public services are stretched thin due to years of population loss. The city has one of the highest poverty rates in Indiana.
You can buy a house in Gary for less than a used car, but you’ll be investing in a place with little economic momentum. The job market is sluggish, and most employers have long since moved out. While it’s located near Chicago, the benefits of proximity don’t seem to trickle in. That low cost of living comes with some heavy baggage.
4. McAllen, Texas
On paper, McAllen looks promising with low housing costs and warm weather. But it’s also one of the poorest metro areas in the U.S., with a median household income well below the national average. The job market is dominated by low-wage service roles, and upward mobility is limited, according to Steve Taylor of the Rio Grande Guardian. Healthcare access is also a concern despite being home to several clinics.
While the cost of living is low, so is the general quality of life for many residents. The town has a large number of people living below the poverty line. Summer temperatures can soar past 100 degrees, and air conditioning costs eat into those savings quickly. If you’re not from there, you probably won’t move there.
5. Youngstown, Ohio
Youngstown is another Rust Belt casualty, a town that hasn’t recovered from the collapse of American manufacturing, according to Alexia Fernández Campbell of The Atlantic. Unemployment remains stubbornly high, and many former factory buildings have become urban ruins. Crime rates are well above average, and locals often complain about a lack of opportunity. The downtown area has seen some revitalization efforts, but progress is slow.
Housing is very affordable, but few people are clamoring to buy. Schools struggle with low test scores and funding problems. Public services are under strain due to the shrinking tax base. It’s a city still searching for its second act.
6. Flint, Michigan
Flint has become a symbol of government failure and environmental disaster. The infamous water crisis dealt a blow to the city’s reputation that it’s still trying to recover from. Though housing is extremely cheap, many residents live with lingering distrust in local leadership. Healthcare costs and infrastructure problems continue to plague the city.
Job growth is weak, and many people commute long distances for work. Despite some signs of renewal, crime remains high, and schools face major challenges. For many, the damage done during the crisis is a deal-breaker. The low cost of living feels more like a trap than a benefit.
7. Camden, New Jersey
Camden sits just across the river from Philadelphia, but it might as well be a world away. It’s frequently ranked among the most dangerous cities in America, with violent crime far above national averages. Poverty is widespread, and public housing dominates many neighborhoods. Despite its proximity to a major metro area, it hasn’t shared in much of Philly’s prosperity.
Homes are cheap, but the quality of life is low. Job opportunities are limited, and the local school system has long struggled. Efforts to improve things have come and gone without lasting impact. Most people only end up in Camden because they have to, not because they want to.
8. Beckley, West Virginia
Beckley offers stunning views of the Appalachians and very affordable living, but isolation is a big issue. The local economy is heavily reliant on coal, and the decline of that industry has hit the area hard. Jobs are scarce, and many younger residents have left for better opportunities elsewhere. Internet access and healthcare services can also be spotty.
There’s a small-town charm, but it often feels like the town is stuck in the past. Entertainment and cultural activities are minimal. Public transit is nearly non-existent, so you’ll need a car for everything. Cheap living comes at the cost of convenience and connection.
9. Decatur, Illinois
Decatur has been shedding residents for years, largely due to a declining industrial base. The local economy depends heavily on agriculture and manufacturing, both of which have been hit by automation and globalization. The downtown area has some charm, but the rest of the city feels worn down. Schools are a mixed bag, and crime has crept up in recent years.
You can find a house for a fraction of the national average, but few are jumping at the chance. Air pollution from nearby plants is also a concern for families. Local healthcare is adequate but stretched thin. The low cost of living is real, but so is the sense of economic fatigue.
10. Farmington, New Mexico
Farmington has a cost of living well below the national average, but it’s also in the middle of nowhere. The city relies heavily on oil and gas, industries that have faced instability and layoffs. When oil prices dip, the local economy takes a major hit. Jobs come and go quickly, making it hard for families to plan a future there.
Healthcare and education are limited, especially for a city of its size. Isolation also means fewer amenities, entertainment options, or cultural events. Winters are cold, and summers are blisteringly dry. It’s affordable, but often feels like you’re paying to be forgotten.
11. Jackson, Mississippi
Jackson is the state capital, but you wouldn’t know it from its neglected infrastructure and underfunded public services. The water system has failed repeatedly, leading to boil advisories and national headlines. Crime is rampant, and poverty is a serious problem across the city. Even with a low cost of living, many residents say the quality of life is in steep decline.
Schools are under state oversight, and teacher turnover is high. Many neighborhoods are dotted with boarded-up homes and crumbling sidewalks. For a capital city, it’s surprisingly devoid of opportunity. The problems here are bigger than your rent bill.
12. Lake Charles, Louisiana
Lake Charles was battered by back-to-back hurricanes in 2020, and recovery has been slow. Insurance payouts and rebuilding efforts haven’t kept pace with needs, leaving many homes and businesses in disrepair. The cost of living is low partly because so much was damaged or abandoned. It’s also a petrochemical hub, which raises health concerns.
Jobs are available in certain industries, but diversification is limited. Schools are still rebuilding, and housing is a gamble. One storm can change everything overnight here. It’s not hard to see why some people don’t come back.
13. Del Rio, Texas
Del Rio sits on the U.S.-Mexico border and offers very affordable living, but opportunity is scarce. The job market is thin, especially outside of government or border patrol work. Many young people leave as soon as they graduate, searching for better-paying jobs in San Antonio or Austin. Cultural events are minimal, and nightlife is nearly non-existent.
It’s hot, dusty, and very isolated. Healthcare options are limited and can be hours away for serious issues. The low cost of living can’t offset the lack of advancement potential. If you’re not already tied to the area, there’s little incentive to move in.
14. Huntington, West Virginia
Huntington has been at the center of the opioid crisis, which has devastated the community. Unemployment is high, and many businesses have closed their doors for good. While the town has some beautiful historic architecture, much of it is in disrepair. Downtown revitalization projects have been slow and inconsistent.
Housing is cheap, but many properties need significant work. Schools are underfunded and test scores are low. Public health resources are strained to the breaking point. The affordability here often comes at a heartbreaking cost.
15. Rockford, Illinois
Rockford has struggled with high crime rates and a stagnant economy for decades. Manufacturing jobs have left, and the retail sector isn’t strong enough to pick up the slack. It has one of the highest unemployment rates in the state. Despite these issues, housing remains surprisingly affordable.
Schools have improved slightly, but they still lag behind state averages. There are some revitalization efforts downtown, but many neighborhoods remain rough around the edges. Winters are brutal, and there’s little to keep young families from leaving. For many, Rockford feels like a last resort, not a fresh start.
16. Dothan, Alabama
Dothan is cheap, warm, and relatively peaceful—but also extremely quiet and lacking in economic diversity. The job market is small and mostly focused on healthcare and agriculture. Entertainment options are limited to chain restaurants and big box stores. Cultural institutions are sparse, and public transportation is virtually nonexistent.
Young professionals often move out for better opportunities in bigger cities. Schools vary greatly in quality, and the pace of life is very slow. There’s nothing wrong with Dothan—but not much that’s exciting either. It’s affordable because, frankly, most people aren’t fighting to live there.
