Finding Your Next Home: 15 Affordable and Secure US Communities Worth Considering

Seeking a place where you don’t have to choose between keeping costs manageable and enjoying peace of mind? A comprehensive study examining crime statistics and living expenses across the nation has identified 15 communities that excel at offering both. These locations stand out as the most affordable state options and regional alternatives, combining reasonable property costs with low violent crime activity.

The Ohio Advantage: Seven Cities Lead the Way

Ohio dominates this list with seven communities making the cut—more than any other state. This Midwest state offers particularly compelling opportunities for budget-conscious homebuyers. The region’s housing market remains accessible while maintaining respectable safety records.

New Philadelphia ranks at the top of the overall list with an annual cost of living of just $35,549. A typical single-family home averages $186,258, translating to approximately $1,101 in monthly mortgage payments. The livability score stands at 76, supported by low violent crime (0.69 per 1,000) and manageable property crime rates (1.50 per 1,000).

Parma Heights offers similar benefits with a $196,742 median home value and $36,575 annual expenses. Berea rounds out another competitive option at $220,573 for homes, maintaining a strong 77 livability score despite slightly higher costs.

Mount Vernon continues Ohio’s strong showing with $225,575 median homes and $37,928 annual living expenses. Hamilton, the state’s most populous entry at 63,124 residents, provides urban amenities while keeping annual costs at $42,726. Brunswick and North Ridgeville complete Ohio’s representation, demonstrating that finding an affordable and economically feasible community in the most affordable state choices remains achievable across the Midwest region.

Beyond Ohio: Strong Contenders Across America

New Ulm, Minnesota presents the lowest violent crime rate on the entire list at just 0.29 per 1,000 residents, though annual living costs reach $36,361. San Elizario, Texas boasts the cheapest home values at $167,333 and remarkable violent crime prevention (0.10 per 1,000), with total annual expenses of $36,738.

Yorktown, Indiana and Columbus, Indiana represent the Hoosier State’s affordable housing market. Columbus, with 51,104 residents, offers more urban infrastructure while maintaining $40,402 in annual costs—a sweet spot for those seeking community amenities without premium pricing.

Butler, Pennsylvania and Trenton, Michigan appeal to those seeking Northeast and Great Lakes alternatives. Trenton particularly stands out with a 86 livability score, one of the highest on the list, despite $41,641 annual expenses.

Orono, Maine attracts those valuing Northeast stability, while Edwardsville, Illinois closes the list with the highest livability score at 90—suggesting that community satisfaction correlates with overall quality of life even when costs rise slightly to $45,323 annually.

Data Foundation: What Makes These Communities Stand Out

The analysis examined the safest 150 cities nationwide, filtering for populations exceeding 10,000 residents. Crime figures came from FBI quarterly statistics, while housing data sourced from Zillow’s January 2025 index. Cost-of-living calculations incorporated Census American Community Survey data, Bureau of Labor Statistics reports, and regional economic indicators through February 24, 2025.

Violent crime rates ranged from 0.10 per 1,000 (San Elizario) to 0.69 per 1,000 (New Philadelphia), while property crime showed greater variation. Annual expenses clustered between $35,549 and $45,323, demonstrating that true affordability—not just lower home prices—matters most.

Planning Your Move: What to Consider

These 15 communities prove that affordable living and safety needn’t be mutually exclusive. Whether prioritizing the most affordable state options like Ohio, seeking lower property crime, or valuing strong livability scores above all, families and individuals have genuine alternatives beyond high-cost metropolitan areas. The key lies in matching your priorities—whether raw affordability, crime prevention, or community satisfaction—with the right location.