10 Small Towns With Big-City Amenities (for Less)

Living in a small town used to mean giving up some conveniences. But that’s starting to change. More towns now offer things like great restaurants, quality healthcare, and other big-city perks—without the high price tag. You don’t need a metro zip code to enjoy a better lifestyle on a smaller budget. Here are ten small towns that still have some of the same amenities as big cities.

Greenville, South Carolina

Greenville’s thriving downtown has the kind of walkable shops, restaurants, and entertainment you’d expect in a larger city. With lower housing costs and an active arts scene, it’s become a magnet for people who want urban perks without urban prices.

Boise, Idaho

Boise offers a growing tech industry, diverse dining, and a vibrant outdoor lifestyle. The city has expanded its public amenities while keeping a small-town feel. You get city-level opportunities with housing and cost of living still reasonable compared to West Coast hubs.

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville combines a laid-back vibe with big-city culture. Craft breweries, farm-to-table restaurants, and a respected arts community thrive here. Plus, access to top-rated hospitals and outdoor recreation adds to the appeal—without big-city housing costs.

Bentonville, Arkansas

Home to Walmart’s headquarters, Bentonville has quietly transformed into a cultural hotspot. World-class museums, modern coworking spaces, and upscale dining make it feel more like a hidden urban gem, all while keeping a modest price tag on living expenses.

Traverse City, Michigan

Known for its wineries and lakefront views, Traverse City blends small-town charm with big-city culinary experiences. From top-rated restaurants to boutique shopping, locals enjoy a high-quality lifestyle without the sticker shock of larger metro areas.

Fayetteville, Arkansas

Fayetteville’s expanding downtown offers music venues, art galleries, and trendy cafes. The city supports a strong local business community and has upgraded its public transportation and healthcare access, making it a small-town with surprising urban amenities.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe punches above its weight with world-class galleries, unique cuisine, and a vibrant cultural calendar. The cost of living is lower than major cultural hubs, but you still get the art, history, and lifestyle perks that attract city dwellers.

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Cedar Rapids has developed a solid network of breweries, restaurants, and arts venues. Its revitalized downtown offers city-level conveniences like coworking spaces and modern apartments, but with the affordability of small-town Iowa.

Bozeman, Montana

Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Bozeman for its proximity to Yellowstone and unbeatable mountain views. But beyond nature, the town offers high-quality restaurants, a growing tech scene, and a vibrant local economy—all at a fraction of city prices.

Athens, Georgia

Athens is more than a college town. It’s home to a legendary music scene, eclectic restaurants, and a robust arts community. With lower housing costs and a friendly vibe, it offers many big-city experiences without the heavy price tag.

Small-Town Living Doesn’t Mean Giving Up Big Perks

You don’t have to sacrifice convenience or culture to enjoy an affordable lifestyle. These small towns offer the best of both worlds—city-level amenities with a lower cost of living. If you’re looking for a place where your money stretches further without missing out, these hidden gems are worth a closer look.

This article first appeared on Cents + Purpose.