7 Underrated Cities to Live in Winter if You Hate Winter

 

7 Underrated Cities To Live In Winter If You Hate Winter

When you think of great warm-weather cities to live in, your mind likely goes to places like Miami or Los Angeles. While it's true that you can count on great weather in those cities, they certainly aren't the most affordable places for warm-weather enthusiasts to go.

If winter isn't your jam, and you're living on a budget, you'll want to look for places less traveled, many of which are in the South. Using data from Sperling's Best Places, Zumper, and more, we've identified the least underrated (and affordable) cities to live in this winter if you're not a fan of traditional winters.

Gulf Shores, Alabama

Gulf Shores may be one of the warmest cities on this list in the winter, according to MoneyInc. They report that the average temperature in January is 57 degrees Fahrenheit, and daily highs are usually in the low 60s. Located on Alabama's Gulf Coast, Gulf Shores brings all the beautiful beaches, seafood, dining, and walks you can imagine.

Here, the median home price is the highest of any on this list, but it's still about $60,000 lower than the national average of $339,100. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,622, which is a bit more expensive than other locations on this list, but still well below the big-name beach towns.

Clemson, South Carolina

Not only is Clemson a place to get away from the frigid winter weather, it's a thriving college town about two hours from Atlanta. This allows for a small town feel with access to everything you could hope for in a larger metropolitan area.

In addition to being a great place for young people to live with its mild climate, it remains affordable compared to other, warmer cities. The median home price is $270,600, which is low compared to the national average of $398,500. The cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment is only $800, and the general cost of living is 6.1% lower than the rest of the United States.

Bella Vista, Arkansas

With just under 30,000 residents, Bella Vista caters to warm-weather lovers and those who like a small-town feel. The city is a temperate, woodland beauty with seven lakes and great walking trails, according to MoneyInc.

It's affordable too. The median home price is $242,300, and a one-bedroom apartment rents for $1,100. The general cost of living is also 7.1% lower than the rest of the United States.

Port Charlotte, Florida

Warm-weather lovers always flock to Florida, but most people go to the big, popular cities like Orlando, Miami, or Tampa, which certainly aren't the most affordable. Instead, consider Port Charlotte.

This Gulf Coast city has many beautiful beaches and fun things to do, but it's more affordable than those cities. The median home price in Port Charlotte is $235,600 and the cost of living is 11.1% lower than the rest of the United States. One-bedroom apartment rents for $1,119. If you like a warm, humid climate and a waterfront location at a lower price point than the rest of America, this is your place to go.

Yuma, Arizona

For people who don't like winter weather, you really can't go wrong with Arizona. Yuma is a city with a warm summer climate and mild winters. It's also one of the sunniest places in the entire United States, according to MoneyInc. It is sunny 90% of the year.

It is also affordable. The median home price is $219,500, and the general cost of living is 8.5% lower than the rest of the United States according to Best Places in Sperling. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,000, according to Zamper.

Las Cruces, New Mexico

The Southwest attracts many visitors with its rich natural beauty and richer cultural heritage. Las Cruces is no exception.

This southwestern city has mild winters, though summers can be very hot. Also enjoy a lower cost of living, with a median home price of $209,600, and a one-bedroom apartment for $1,045. The cost of living here is also 16.5% lower than the rest of the United States.

Lake Charles, Louisiana

The southern town of Lake Charles, which sits on a freshwater lake with an inland beach of white sand, is a great town to call home if you hate wintry weather. This Gulf Coast town, said to have been founded by pirate Jean Lafitte, offers a mild climate with more sunny days, according to MoneyInc, and is brimming with Cajun culture.

In terms of affordability, the median home price is still $181,800, and a one-bedroom apartment rents for just $795. The cost of living is also 16.9% lower than the rest of the country.