Many states in the south are full of history and culture — and a high cost of living. Luckily, there are quite a few cities in the south that can claim they are both safe and affordable.
People often struggle to find cities that have a high quality of life and a low cost of living. Therefore, these 25 safe and affordable cities in the south really do rise above the rest.
Arkansas: Rogers and Bentonville
In Arkansas, Rogers and Bentonville are the two towns you’ll want to look at if you want both safety and affordability. Located in Benton County, Rogers is a growing city of about 71,000 with many parks and suburban areas. The average rent is $1,452. While some crime may occur in the city’s heart, the suburban areas are very safe.
Also located in Benton County, Bentonville is home to Walmart’s headquarters and is often considered one of the fastest-growing cities in Arkansas. Bentonville has both historic districts and new suburban areas to live in. The city has a low cost of living and not a lot of crime.
Plano, Texas and Kenner, Louisiana
If you want to move to a suburb of a big city, look no further than Plano, Texas. Located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Plano is considered to be one of the most affordable places for renters. While the cost to live in Plano may be slightly higher than, say, smaller towns, its location near Dallas makes it one of the cheapest places to live in the area. Plus, Plano also has low crime.
Kenner, Louisiana, is one of the 10 safest cities in the state and is also quite affordable. A suburb of New Orleans, Kenner has a rich history and is full of culture. With a population of about 65,000, this city has a suburban feel even though it’s close to a huge city.
Alabama: Auburn, Hoover, Huntsville
Auburn, Hoover, and Huntsville are the three best cities in Alabama to move to for those wanting a safe and affordable living. Home to Auburn University, Auburn is a college town growing fast. It has a ton of culture and history to its name.
Hoover and Huntsville, meanwhile, are both incredibly affordable. On average, their median rent is about $1,400. Hoover is a suburb located near the Appalachian Mountains, so it’s packed with parks and trails. With a population of about 215,000, Huntsville is a bigger city in northern Alabama filled with great job opportunities.
Virginia: Alexandria, Arlington
Love Virginia? Check out Alexandria and Arlington, two great cities that remain affordable. Alexandria lies only 10 miles away from Washington, D.C., so it’s in a great location. It’s full of history and has an amazing job market. Though it is slightly more expensive than other options on this list, it’s affordable for a city near the U.S. Capitol.
Arlington, meanwhile, has continued to grow in the past few years. Also a very historical city, Arlington has improved in cost of living, safety, and housing. Now, it’s a place many are moving to.
North Carolina: Cary, Concord, Raleigh
Cary in North Carolina has recently been the place to move to in the past few years, as it’s very safe and affordable. Though it has a population of around 176,900, many residents say it still has a small-town feel. Concord, North Carolina, has a range of great, affordable housing options.
With a population of about 469,000, Raleigh is one of the bigger cities on this list. However, this historical city remains incredibly affordable. It’s also often called the “Smithsonian of the South,” as it has a ton of free museums.
Kentucky: Covington, Georgetown
If you want a smaller city to live in, check out Covington, Kentucky. With only a population of about 40,000, Covington is one of the smallest cities on this list. It’s not just a city full of safety and low cost of living — it’s also full of history and scenic overlooks.
Georgetown, Kentucky, is also a city to look at. Georgetown is quite scenic. It’s a town full of land and horses, as well as a historic downtown area. This city is also a smaller town, as it has a population of only about 37,000. So, you get that small-town feel alongside safety and affordability here.
Florida: Hialeah, Tampa
A lot of people have been moving to Florida over the past few years. However, much of Florida has a high cost of living. Luckily, Hialeah is one of the safest places in the South and is also one of the best cities for renters.
With a population of about 380,000, Tampa is the third-largest city in Florida. Luckily, it’s also a great place to raise a family, as it has a lower cost of living, affordable housing, and lots of different job options.
Oklahoma: Edmond, Stillwater
Located only 13 miles north of Oklahoma City, Edmond has become one of the best places to live in Oklahoma. This city has low crime and residents feel very safe there. It also has a great downtown area and an amazing community.
If you want a slightly smaller city in Oklahoma, Stillwater is your best option. Home to Oklahoma State University, Stillwater is considered a college town. However, it’s also said to be one of the best places for retirees, thanks to its low cost of living and safety.
Tennessee: Franklin, Murfreesboro
Franklin, Tennessee, is an impressive historical city, as it is home to a key battle during the Civil War. As a result, the historic downtown is vibrant and full of history. The entire town itself is considered to be one of the safest suburbs in the entire United States.
Murfreesboro is also a historical city, as it has a lot of Civil War moments attached to it. This city is said to be one of the safest. It also has one of the best hospitals in the entire state. Thanks to these facts, Murfreesboro is often said to be a great place for families.
Georgia: Savannah, Roswell
For those who want a coastal city, Savannah, Georgia, may be right up your alley. A mid-sized city, Savannah has a beautiful historic district alongside stunning waterfronts. Thankfully, it’s also safe and affordable.
Close to Atlanta, the suburb of Roswell is also a great option for those who value safety and a low cost of living. Roswell promotes a ton of history and old architecture — and natural scenery, such as the beauty of the Chattahoochee River.
Maryland: Columbia, Frederick
While most people may consider Maryland a northern state, the U.S. Census Bureau considers it part of the south. Therefore, Columbia can say it’s one of the cheapest and safest places in the entire South! In fact, it’s considered to be the #1 place for home and community safety.
Frederick is full of affordable housing, making it a prime spot to move to. It’s also a town full of community events, which makes it a great place to live for those who want a small-town feel.
