Five Safe, Reasonably Priced Towns

Finding a livable town with crime rates below the national averages and reasonable housing costs is not always easy. Most expensive towns are safe, but many lower-priced towns are not. Here, though, are five towns with crime rates below the national averages and with a median home price below the national median, which at this writing is hovering around $400,000.

Laramie, Wyoming

Sitting in southeastern Wyoming and home to the University of Wyoming, Larmie’s location gives its residents quick access to the Medicine Bow National Forest, the Snowy Mountain Range, and wide stretches of public land. The town has a compact downtown with restaurants, coffee shops, bookstores, and local businesses that stay active thanks to the university community. Laramie’s vibe is a mix of Western practicality and college‑town energy. The median home price is $365,000.

Bella Vista, Arkansas

Tucked into the northwest corner of the state, Bella Vista is known for its lakes, wooded neighborhoods, and extensive trail system. It started as a planned resort and retirement community in the 1960s but today is home to all ages. Amenities include golf courses, recreation centers, and easy access to shopping and healthcare in nearby Bentonville and Rogers. Bella Vista’s vibe is quiet and residential, with a strong emphasis on outdoor recreation and a slower pace of life. It feels peaceful but not isolated. The median home price is $325,000.

Pella, Iowa

About an hour from Des Moines in south central Iowa, Pella is tidy and organized with a well‑kept downtown that includes shops, bakeries, and cafés. Locals also enjoy numerous parks, bike paths, and a large lake just outside town. The vibe is calm and community‑focused, with a touch of charming Dutch heritage — enough to give the town personality without feeling like a tourist attraction. The median home price is $350,000.

Daphne, Alabama

Daphne sits on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay, giving it a coastal feel without being directly on the Gulf. Residents enjoy parks, walking trails, a large retail corridor and plenty of restaurants. The bayfront areas provide scenic spots for fishing, walking, and watching sunsets, while the neighborhoods range from older, established areas to newer developments. The towns is close enough to the beach for weekend trips but far enough inland to avoid the busier tourist zones, giving residents a comfortable balance of convenience and calm. The median home price is $395,000.

St. Marys, Georgia

Near the Florida border, St. Marys is a sleepy coastal town with a historic waterfront district, a marina, and easy access to Cumberland Island National Seashore. It is also next door to a large naval base, making it popular with military families. Spanish moss hangs from tall oak trees, while white picket fences adorn many a yard. The town’s relaxed rhythm appeals to people who want to be near the water without the noise or crowds of a large beach town. The median home price is $375,000.

While each of these towns has its own landscape and personality, they all offer a comfortable way of life with solid amenities and safe neighborhoods. They’re good examples of places where living well doesn’t come with a huge price tag.