Want Mountain Living on a Budget? These 10 Towns Deliver
Some people dream of Mountain living but fear the cost may be too great. You’ll be happy to know that there are towns that offer unique and exciting mountain living experiences on a budget. These towns are charming and welcoming, and they offer something for every kind of prospective settler.
Tour these 10 towns as we highlight some unique features they offer to anyone looking for the best mountain living experiences.
Crestline, California
Crestline is a small, quiet town in the San Bernardino Mountains with affordable homes. It’s a great escape from the hustle and bustle of nearby cities like Los Angeles. Residents can fish, kayak, and hike around Lake Gregory without breaking the bank.
Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona
Pinetop Lakeside is known for its cool summers and snowy winters, providing a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The area is surrounded by the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest, with endless trails and things to do. Housing prices are surprisingly reasonable. This town has something for everyone, whether you like to hike or ski.
Estes Park, Colorado
Famous for its views and friendly community vibe, Estes Park is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. Some parts of Colorado can be pricey, but Estes Park is an option for those wanting mountain life without breaking the bank. It’s also a wildlife-watching hot spot, with elk and deer frequently passing through town.
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Although not as famous as some other mountain towns, Hot Springs manages to combine outdoor recreation with small-town charm. The Ouachita Mountains are nearby, offering lots of hiking and biking trails, and the town is famous for its historic bathhouses. It’s a great option for budget-conscious nature lovers who want a mild climate and affordable housing.
Boone, North Carolina
This lively mountain town is home to the Appalachian State University. The Blue Ridge Mountains surround it with stunning scenery and many outdoor activities. The town offers affordable housing and a lively arts scene, making it ideal for those who want a bit of both adventure and culture.
Leadville, Colorado
Leadville is known as the city with the highest incorporation, at over 10,000 feet. The cost of living is low for the altitude. This former mining town has a storied history, a laid-back lifestyle, and lots of hiking, biking, and skiing nearby. It’s the cherry on top of stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
Franklin, West Virginia
Franklin is a small town with easy access to outdoor adventures if you want a small-town life. The Allegheny Mountains surround this town and offer affordable living and a variety of recreational activities. This picturesque setting has something to do with rock climbing and trout fishing.
Sandpoint, Idaho
Located on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, Sandpoint offers a combination of mountain and lakeside living. In the winter, the nearby Schweitzer Mountain Resort offers skiing, and in the summer, mountain biking. While it is stunningly located, housing is still affordable, and it is great for anyone who loves the outdoors.
Taos, New Mexico
Once called the cultural hub of the Southwest, Taos is known for being the place where artists and beautiful desert mountain landscapes collide. Living here is also inexpensive, and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains offer great hiking, skiing, and bathing in nature. The town also has a lively arts scene to boot.
Baker City, Oregon
This eastern Oregon town, steeped in cultural heritage from the 1800s, offers affordable mountain living. A hiding place of sorts, the Blue Mountains surround Baker City and are preferably a refuge for both outdoorsy types and history buffs. The downtown area is full of local shops and restaurants, but it has a warm, inviting feel that is tough to turn down.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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