13 Stunning Mountain Towns You Can Actually Afford to Call Home
Want fresh mountain air, breathtaking views of landscapes, and respite from the fast-paced life? Living in a mountain town doesn’t have to be a pipe dream or a reserve only for the ultra-wealthy.
Breathtaking but affordable options abound to live your adventure with your money intact. There are so many beautiful, affordable mountain towns out there. Here are 13 where you can take a hike — literally.
Boone, North Carolina
Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone boasts beautiful natural scenery and much history. It’s also affordable: the median home price is only $345,000 (as of 2023) and pet-friendly.
Boone is an area that effortlessly intertwines thrilling outdoor thrills with the charm of a small town. The local access to the Appalachian Trail and many cozy cafes buzzing downtown say a lot about this town, which is just the right size.
Salida, Colorado
Known as the “Heart of the Rockies,” Salida offers year-round adventure for outdoor enthusiasts. It is one of Colorado’s more affordable mountain towns, and the median home price hovers around $485,000.
Salida has you covered whether you’re a biking buff, want to whitewater raft the Arkansas River, or are partial to the local art galleries.
Bryson City, North Carolina
Bryson City is a hidden gem in the Smoky Mountains. Its median home price is very affordable, at $367,500. The Great Smokey Mountain Railroad and Tuckasegee River offer outdoor fun and spectacular scenery. This is the town if you want peace and a reasonable community.
Taos, New Mexico
Combining Southwestern culture and mountain charm, Taos offers everything from great art to adventure. While home prices average around $650,000, it’s a place that aspiring homeowners can also access.
Not only does Taos have world-class winter skiing, but it also has fantastic summer trails, so you can keep your outdoor calendar full.
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Coeur d’Alene is the perfect match if you love lakeside living with mountain beauty. Affordable compared to other waterfront mountain towns, the median home price tops out at $475,000. This Idaho gem has many things to do, including paddle boarding on the lake or exploring the nearby trails.
Ely, Minnesota
Ely is tucked beside the Boundary Waters. This town is perfect for those seeking a secluded, nature-centric, remote lifestyle. With a median home price of $250,000, you can enjoy the Northern lights from your backyard or paddle the pristine lakes.
Helen, Georgia
Get into a Bavarian-inspired mountain town with great pricing. With a median home price of $450,000, Helen is famed for its well-known architecture and scenic surroundings. Helen is just as lovely as it is fun, from Oktoberfest celebrations to tubing in the Chattahoochee River.
Crested Butte, Colorado
While Crested Butte is a skier’s paradise, the town hasn’t lost its small-town vibe. Another great thing about being a Pacific Northwest ski bum instead of a Colorado resort town ski bum is that it’s easier to satisfy my itch for outdoor recreation.
There are wildflowers and biking trails in the summer and fluffy powder and cozy après ski in the winter.
McCall, Idaho Payette
Lake is nearby in the village of McCall, where all four seasons are dazzling. It has beautiful, affordable homes and honest mountain living.
Enjoy skiing at Brundage Mountain in winter, or take in summer hiking and fishing opportunities. McCall offers untold recreational opportunities.
Maggie Valley, North Carolina
The median home price is around $325,000, and Maggie Valley has spectacular views and a pleasant atmosphere. In the Smoky Mountains, Maggie Valley offers a budget-friendly way to see scenic drives, hiking trails, and calm mountain cabins.
Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Pagosa Springs is known for its rejuvenating hot springs and stress-free retreat from city life. It’s also an affordable entry point to Colorado’s gorgeous landscapes, where home prices average $400,000. Pagosa Springs has the whole package, whether you want to ski, soak, or sink into the views.
Big Bear Lake, California
At a median home price of $450,000, Big Bear Lake is a rare, affordable option in California and probably the place you’ve got to visit before it gets out of reach.
Activities include snowboarding in the winter and kayaking and hiking in the summer. It isn’t too far from LA, making for an excellent escape.
Ruidoso, New Mexico
Ruidoso, tucked in the Sierra Blanca Mountains on the Alamogordo plateau, is another lesser-known gem with a median home price of just $275,000. With its mild climate and outdoorsy escapes like Ski Apache and Main Street, it’s a dream place for adventurers who need to watch their budget.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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