Top Ten Affordable Metropolitan Areas

Little Rock, Arkansas

With an average home price of under $200,000 and a population of nearly 600,000, you get a lot for your money in this metropolitan area. The combination of skyscrapers, the river and its picturesque charm, Little Rock is an ideal place to get a slice of big city and small town atmospheres. Five major interstates pass through the Little Rock area, making many southern areas accessible from the city. Money Magazine recently rated the city as one of the best places to live in America. The River Market District and the tradition southern hospitality make this a great place for people of all ages. Riverfest and Summerfest grace the area during the summers, which are typically in the low 90s. Most of the city's rainfall, 48", fall in the winter, where the temperatures don't drop below freezing for long. The city has its own opera, zoo and a unique "New Orleans in the Heights" festival in May featuring Dixieland Jazz music in the streets and food from jambalaya to crawfish.

Nashville, Tennessee

"Music City" also has a population over 500,000, but the median home price is $169,000. Although thought of as a country music town, the area has far more to offer its residents. Nashville boasts chic restaurants, comedy clubs and, of course, a rich historical area featuring landmarks and museums from the American Civil War. It is the largest center for performing arts in Tennessee, featuring gospel, folk, classical and rock in addition to country music. Half the city is on lake shores, which helps during the summers where it can get up to the low 90s. Winters are rather mild, with daily highs around 50 degrees.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma