We all have our preferences for where we would ideally live. Some people worship beach towns. Others live for the big city. And then there are those of us who dream of a place with easy access to the outdoors. We're not talking about a city park; we mean the mountainous regions of our country. And while the ski town of Aspen, Colorado is beautiful, the price tags on the houses there might not fit your budget. There's a way to get the best of both worlds, though. You can find an affordable house with a scenic view by zeroing in on the most affordable mountain towns in the United States—they do exist, we promise. With help from our friends at Zillow, we've found the top 10 affordable towns with direct access to mountains.
Because the country is so vast, there are lots of mountainous regions that are also extremely beautiful—and they're not all in pricey, tourist-centric spots. These mountain towns have plenty to offer, whether you're looking for a new primary residence or a vacation home. To prove it, we've summed up the attractions you'll find on offer, from adventurous skiing to chill hiking. Aspen may not be on the list, but Colorado Springs is, and you can do pretty much the same stuff there for a lower entry price.
If a mountain home is where you long to live, read on to see if any of these (relatively) cheap locations sound right for you.
10
Big Bear, California
Typical Home Value: $597,092
Located in the heart of Southern California, Big Bear offers some of the best outdoor activities in the region—from fishing and hiking to snowboarding and mountain biking, depending on the time of year. You’ll also fall in love with the dining scene, with several restaurants offering panoramic views at 70,000 feet above sea level.
9
Red Lodge, Montana
Typical Home Value: $490,114
Set against the Beartooth Mountains, Red Lodge is a small town that offers winter sports and activities to its visitors and residents on Red Lodge Mountain. It's also a scenic, two-hour drive away from Yellowstone Park along the Beartooth Highway. Though the town is mainly centered around mountain activities, there are gems, like cafés and bars, that anyone would find charming.
8
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Typical Home Value: $449,123
Skiing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, rafting—the Pikes Peak region of Colorado has everything an outdoor thrill seeker could want. However, it also has some more chill attractions, like the beautiful Garden of the Gods park that both experienced hikers and beginners can enjoy, not to mention a myriad of museums.
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7
Taos, New Mexico
Typical Home Value: $430,618
You wouldn't know it, but Taos is home to several really incredible attractions: ski resort Taos Ski Valley, Unesco World Heritage Site Taos Pueblo, the stunning St. Francisco de Asis church, and the staggeringly beautiful landscape between the Rocky Mountains and the Rio Grande Gorge. It's a thriving music scene, spiritual center, arts community, and natural wonder, all in one.
6
Maggie Valley, North Carolina
Typical Home Value: $378,934
There's lots to do near Maggie Valley: Great Smoky Mountains National Park has black bears and stunning waterfalls, while the Cataloochee Ski Area has slopes and trails for more outdoor fun. It's also located just 35 miles away from Asheville, so you can easily get some city time whenever you want.
5
Ogden, Utah
Typical Home Value: $378,678
Ogden has plenty to offer when it comes to outdoor fun, especially in the wintertime. The town has three world-class ski resorts you can visit, and when you're not shredding down the mountain or hanging out at the resort, you can warm up in a brewery or a cozy restaurant in town.
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4
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Typical Home Value: $286,036
Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, Eureka Springs may be small in population, but it's rich in adventure. The historic downtown is decorated with public art and has a range of pubs and nightlife. If you love a small-town vibe with easy access to water sports, caves, and trails, you should consider this little mountain town.
3
Roanoke, Virginia
Typical Home Value: $251,026
You may know the word Roanoke from stories about the Lost Colony that you heard in history class—but it was actually in North Carolina, not Virginia. So you don't have to worry about any bad vibes in this affordable mountain town. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains not far from the Appalachian Trail, it has numerous hiking and outdoor opportunities for you. If that's not your vibe and you'd rather take in the scenery from afar, Roanoke is pretty cosmopolitan, with an array of great restaurants, local vineyards, and a symphony.
2
Robbinsville, North Carolina
Typical Home Value: $142,666
About a two-hour drive from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, or Asheville, North Carolina, this quaint little Smoky Mountain town offers as much beautiful scenery as it does outdoor adventure and activities. Nearby Lake Santeetlah has a lovely waterfront. Between that and the mountain views, it's a low-key place for a nature-centric home.
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1
Presidio, Texas
Typical Home Value: $110,828
Presidio is a small town a bit outside the Chinati Mountains, with the artsy destination of Marfa about 60 miles to the north and Mexico directly to the south. It's an ideal desert escape if you love that landscape. The mountain range has a few notable peaks and is in a far corner of Big Bend Country—although a 1.5-hour drive will get you to the heart of it when you're in the mood to visit.
