A place where the dollar will stretch a little further and last a little longer

With gas prices skyrocketing and real estate prices going through the roof, it is no wonder that many people are looking for affordable places to live. If you are looking to relocate to a more affordable city, it’s comforting to know that there are still a few hidden places in the United States that offer an affordable cost of living.

1. Indianapolis, IN: The Midwest has a reputation for being less than exciting for some people, but after the economic crisis of the past few years, we can all agree—boring is really not that bad. For a major metro area, Indianapolis has one of the lowest costs of living at nearly 17% less than the national average. The median home price here is $130,000. The region offers jobs in corporate headquarters as well as in technology and science.

2. Omaha, NE:  Warren Buffett, the king of finance resides in Omaha, a city which attracts big business.  Omaha offers attractive neighborhoods in different price ranges, good employment opportunities at dozens of Fortune 500 companies, as well as a low cost of living.  Omaha is a great example of a city that has avoided the booms and bursts. The city ranks high on stability and affordability. The cost of living is 12.4 percent below the national average.

3. Austin, TX: The city of Austin consistently lands on the “Best Places” list. The region’s population and business are experiencing a growth spurt. With a solid economy, the city’s income levels are projected to rise over the next years. Austin is an extremely diverse college town, consisting of a large mix of educators, artists, and high tech workers. Austin offers affordable housing and a low cost of living.

4. Pittsburgh, PA: This city is known for its steel mills, but over the years nearly 2,000 tech companies have located here, including a Google campus. An efficient local government, as well as thriving businesses and a great community have kept this city alive and vibrant. Small businesses fill the old industrial areas, and old neighborhoods undergo a series of revitalization projects. Pittsburgh is also the headquarters to several financial companies.

5. Columbus, OH: Columbus is the largest city in Ohio and boasts an enviable arts and theater community. The region also has the largest state university in the nation. Columbus attracts people with affordable housing, great job opportunities in high-tech, agriculture, and chemical industries, as well as a low cost of living.