Milwaukee, Wisconsin

While Wisconsin is best known for its beer and cheese, Milwaukee is also making a name for itself as a low-cost housing market. It is one of the best places to live in the United States, with a low cost of living, great employment possibilities, family-friendly activities, and a dining scene based on cheese and craft beer. Milwaukee, which is located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, has a typical home price of $167,000.

Aurora Healthcare, Ascension Wisconsin, and Froedtert Health are the city's top three employers, showing that healthcare is the city's foundation. Milwaukee is an appealing location for those wishing to flee more costly metro regions such as Chicago, as it is only 90 miles away. Milwaukee's typical house listing costs are about half those of Chicago's, making it a great alternative for people who want to live in the large metropolis without breaking the bank.