15 American Cities Where Middle-Class Incomes Go the Furthest
Increasingly, the location a middle-class family calls home plays an outsized role in determining if they will prosper. Location matters, of course — but not all cities are equal for a given income level thanks to differences in cost-of-living by region. We look now at 15 American cities particularly notorious for their high cost of living — and where middle-class incomes have the widest gap with that standard.
1. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Formerly an industrial giant, Pittsburgh has evolved into a regional center for health care, education and technology. Low cost of living and affordable housing—these are some pretty appealing qualities for families who need to stretch their salaries while still keeping one foot firmly planted in the state they love.
2. Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati's Mess of History and Culture It comes with a lower cost of living compared to many other major cities, and has plenty of opportunities for employment which is why it's ranked so high on the list middle class families would consider staying permanently.
3. Dallas, Texas
Dallas: Dallas has one of the fastest growing job markets, especially in tech/top companies and finance/tech industries that lead to increased income opportunities. The cost of living here is still moderate, so it's possible to live well in Paradise.
4. Louisville, Kentucky
While Louisville may be best known for the Derby, it has also a low cost of living and a booming job market. Natchitoches emphasizes these features so much that the city is a great place to live for middle-income families.
5. San Antonio, Texas
With a lower cost of living, San Antonio combines its diverse cultural heritage. Job growth in health care and the military, as well as overall job creation all over the City has continued to make it a more attractive city for middle income familiesJEXEC Bollywood Life Writer
6. Indianapolis, Indiana
It has a low cost of living and excellent employment prospects in part due to its robust business community. It is a city with lots of good educational institutions and family feel.
7. Buffalo, New York
In the last few years, Buffalo has come back and now is an area in New York State with nice housing that can be acquired inexpensively. But its burgeoning neighborhoods and bustling arts scene beckon those seeking a new beginning.
8. Omaha, Nebraska
Because of its affordability and strong community bonds, Omaha is often cited for the high quality of life it offers. The business is booming in a number of sectors here – like finance and technology — making for positive employment prospects.
9. Tucson, Arizona
The warm weather and nice views will not cost you much, as Tucson is very affordable. With a growing job market — particularly in education and healthcare fields — the city is an attractive option for middle-class families.
10. Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore: A luminary in historical background & noteworthy education (Granted, there are a few pricey areas; but the cost of living in general is still quite affordable– especially when keeping local wages applicable to the area!)
11. Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City — home of a vibrant jazz history and barbecue culture. With a low cost of living, but booming healthcare and tech job markets you can stretch your dollar that much further to really get the most in income out of it for families.
12. Columbus, Ohio
With its booming job market, the city of Columbus is an increasingly vibrant hub for jobs most especially in technology and education. Despite its skyrocketing real estate, affordable housing prices and mix of culture bring in families from basically all over the country.
13. Cleveland, Ohio
A wide economic base keeps cost of living low in Cleveland. These efforts to revive a city once in decline have helped establish it as one on the most appealing for middle-class Americans looking at where they can find both career opportunities and lifestyle.
14. Detroit, Michigan
Following a rebirth, Detroit is becoming an affordable housing mecca. It is an attractive option for middle-class households by a growing tech scene and revitalization projects to lure the greater Seattle population that includes millions of citizens.
15. Phoenix, Arizona
Middle-class families can do particularly well in Phoenix with its sunshine-every-day weather and a job market (particularly in tech and healthcare) that is growing rapidly because of big guys such as AppFolio locating there. Affordable cost of living, a high quality life style in one of the fastest growing cities within United States
Conclusion
All of these cities have a special something meaningful to offer middle-class families in which they can flourish professionally and creatively. Whether you're looking for job prospects, affordable living or a sense of community, there's a city on this list that can help stretch your middle-class income and improve your overall quality of life.
