5. Reading
- Median home price: $189,950
- Average rent (1-bedroom): $1,482
- Median household income: $42,852
Reading is a great affordable city, especially if you love arts and culture. It’s home to nearly 95,000 people and offers lots to explore—like the Reading Pagoda, GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, and the Santander Arena. While slightly more expensive than others on this list, it still offers great value for families and working professionals.

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