Some city-dwellers consider outdoor activities things like running to catch the bus, eating lunch in the park, and visiting a farmers’ market. But for others, that won’t cut it. They prefer their air fresh, their walkways unpaved, and their trees in forests. But they also want the benefits of living in an urban area.
As it turns out, a lot of people feel this way, which has made housing in cities in proximity to nature and outdoor activities quite pricey. There are, however, a few exceptions to this. Here are 10 U.S. cities where nature lovers can actually afford to buy a home, courtesy of a report from Realtor.com.
1. Urbana, Illinois
Median home list price: $165,000
Highlights include:
- City began protecting green spaces in 1880s
- 26 miles of hiking/biking trails
- 1,077 acres of city parks
- The state’s only “dark sky” campground
2. Madison, Wisconsin
Median home list price: $410,000
Highlights include:
- More bikes than cars
- More than 200 miles of biking and hiking trails
- Opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and other water sports, as well as snowshoeing, skiing, and skating
3. Iowa City, Iowa
Median home list price: $320,000
Highlights include:
- 1,800 acres of parks and natural areas
- Dubbed a “Bicycle Friendly Community” by the League of American Bicyclists
4. Bloomington, Indiana
Median home list price: $375,000
Highlights include:
- 10 city parks
- A short drive to nearby Lake Monroe and Hoosier National Forest
5. El Paso, Texas
Median home list price: $280,000
Highlights include:
- Opportunities for mountain biking, rock climbing, off-roading, and caving
- Almost 300 days of sunshine every year
6. Columbia, Missouri
Median home list price: $349,000
Highlights include:
- A huge trail network that extends throughout the city
- Within driving distance of five state parks
7. State College, Pennsylvania
Median home list price: $340,000
Highlights include:
- More than 100 miles of forested trails in nearby Rothrock State Forest
- 19 trout streams for fly-fishing
8. Morgantown, West Virginia
Median home list price: $300,000
Highlights include:
- Located along the Monongahela River near the Appalachian foothills, surrounded by valleys and lakes
- Old railways have been turned into more than 50 miles of trails for hiking and biking
9. Rochester, New York
Median home list price: $200,000
Highlights include:
- Located on Lake Ontario
- Sailing and fishing in the summer; skiing and sledding in the winter
10. Duluth, Minnesota
Median home list price: $265,000
Highlights include:
- Nearly 7,000 acres of city-owned parklands, 178 miles of wooded trails, and 16 trout streams
- Located on Lake Superior
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