Looking to move to a mountain town? Here are 6 cities from Alaska to Tennessee with scenic peaks and homes you just might be able to afford.
Kelsey Neubauer
- States known for their mountains had the biggest net inflows of residents in 2022, MoveBuddha says.
- Movers are looking for the peace, solace, and fresh air these areas often provide.
Movers are peak-happy.
A new study found more than half of the most popular states where people sought new digs in 2022 were known for their mountain towns and cities.
MoveBuddha, a company that helps people find movers and compare prices, found that Alaska, Maine, Vermont, North Carolina, Colorado, and Tennessee were among the top states where its customers were considering a new life. While the data doesn't tell us where people ended up, it does show where their dreams lie.
A takeaway is that people are angling to make permanent homes in outdoorsy places that had been known as seasonal spots — and it makes sense based on trends.
"It's no secret that mountain towns were sanctuaries during the pandemic," MoveBuddha researchers wrote in their report. "They promised clean air and greater safety than cities."
The rising popularity of those towns, though, has pushed up the cost of housing to levels unaffordable for the typical US family. The affordability crisis is so acute in Colorado that the government has started building homes for some workers to keep them closer to their jobs.
With that in mind, Insider compiled a list of mountain cities in these states where housing costs were mostly below the national median of $359,000. While they range in size and location, all these cities have a unique flair — and, of course, mountain views.
Check them out:
6. Chattanooga, Tennessee
Whether movers came to escape the influx of crowds pouring into Florida or the bitter cold of states like New York, they have fallen in love with Chattanooga. The Tennessee city is a two-hour drive from Nashville and a three-hour drive from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. On top of that, it has its own Southern-city-meets-mountain-town flair. Aside the Appalachian Mountains and the Tennessee River, it's a nature lover's dream.
Chattanooga population, per the US census: 182,113
Chattanooga median home price in January, per Redfin: $299,000
Cost of renting in Chattanooga, per Rent.com: Average rent for a studio apartment is $1,201 a month.
MoveBuddha ranked Tennessee No. 10 for net inflow per capita in 2022.
5. Greeley, Colorado
It's no secret — the cost of living has gone up in many mountain spots in the state as its popularity has soared and ultrawealthy people have made it their playground. But there are still some affordable options. About a 30-minute drive from the Rockies, Greeley has a skyline filled with peaks but doesn't have the premium housing prices of cities like Denver and Fort Collins, or ski towns like Aspen and Telluride.
Greeley population, per the US census: 109,323
Greeley median home price, per Redfin: $397,000
Cost of renting in Greeley, per Rent.com: Average rent for a studio apartment is $1,045 a month.
MoveBuddha ranked Colorado No. 9 for net inflow per capita in 2022.
4. Marion, North Carolina
The hip, craft-beer-loving mountain city of Asheville, North Carolina, is great. But it's gotten expensive over the past few years as movers have sought its vibe and fresh mountain air. Luckily, there is another option nearby, Marion, which is smaller and more affordable but nestled within the same mountains.
Marion population, per the US census: 7,652
Marion typical home price, per Redfin: $299,000
Cost of renting around Marion: Data on the city's rental rates is sparse, but nearby Asheville rentals average $1,433 for a studio apartment, according to Rent.com.
MoveBuddha ranked North Carolina No. 6 for net inflow per capita in 2022.
3. Burlington, Vermont
Home to the University of Vermont, Sen. Bernie Sanders, and Ben & Jerry's, the largest city in the Green Mountain State has a small-town, hippie feel. In the summertime, its beaches along Lake Champlain offer views of the Adirondacks in upstate New York, and it's enveloped in orange, red, and yellow foliage in the autumn months. The state's rural character echoes through Burlington's local art scene, farm-to-table eateries, craft breweries, and music.
Burlington population, per the US census: 44,781
Burlington median home price, per Redfin: $362,000
Cost of renting in Burlington, per Rent.com: Average rent for a studio apartment is $1,750 a month.
MoveBuddha ranked Vermont No. 3 for net inflow per capita in 2022.
2. Bangor, Maine
About an hour from the rocky peaks and shores of Acadia National Park, Bangor neighbors the Appalachian Mountains. Once the lumber capital of America, it's teeming with trees and fresh air. It's also home to a variety of cultural excursions like museums and art galleries.
Bangor population, according to the US census: $31,921
Bangor median home price, according to Redfin: $235,500
Cost of renting in Bangor, according to Rent.com: Fifty percent of rentals are between $750 and $1,000 a month.
MoveBuddha ranked Maine No. 2 for net inflow per capita in 2022.
1. Juneau, Alaska
The capital of the largest state by square mileage is known for its spectacular views of the Coast Mountains. Table Top Mountain, which is 3,182 feet high, is within the city's boundaries. From whale watching to camping and hiking, Juneau seems meant for those who love being outside. With mountain abodes so popular, it's no wonder Alaska secured MoveBuddha's top spot for net inflow of residents per capita.
Juneau population, per the US census: 31,973
Juneau median sale price, per Redfin: $205,000
Cost of renting in Juneau, per Rent.com: Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,050.
MoveBuddha ranked Alaska No. 1 for net inflow per capita in 2022.
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