Buzz
Some urban residents see outdoor activities as simple tasks like sprinting for the bus, enjoying lunch at the park, or strolling through a farmer's market. For others, that's just not enough. They crave clean air, unpaved paths, and lush forests. Yet, they still desire the perks of city living.
Many share this desire, which has driven up housing prices in cities near nature and outdoor activities. However, there are still some places where this isn't the case. Here are 10 U.S. cities where nature lovers can still afford a home, according to a report from Realtor.com.
1. Urbana, Illinois
Median listing price for homes: $165,000
Key highlights include:
City has been preserving green spaces since the 1880s
26 miles of hiking and biking trails
1,077 acres of parks within the city
The state's only 'dark sky' campground
2. Madison, Wisconsin
Median listing price for homes: $410,000
Key features include:
Bikes outnumber cars
Over 200 miles of biking and hiking trails
Plenty of opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and water sports, along with snowshoeing, skiing, and ice skating
3. Iowa City, Iowa
Median listing price for homes: $320,000
Key features include:
1,800 acres of parks and natural spaces
Recognized as a 'Bicycle Friendly Community' by the League of American Bicyclists
4. Bloomington, Indiana
Median home listing price: $375,000
Key features include:
10 city parks
Just a short drive from Lake Monroe and Hoosier National Forest
5. El Paso, Texas
Median home listing price: $280,000
Notable features include:
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy mountain biking, rock climbing, off-roading, and caving
Enjoy nearly 300 days of sunshine throughout the year
6. Columbia, Missouri
Median home asking price: $349,000
Key features include:
A vast network of trails weaving through the city
Just a short drive away from five state parks
7. State College, Pennsylvania
Median home asking price: $340,000
Key features include:
Over 100 miles of scenic trails in the nearby Rothrock State Forest
19 trout streams perfect for fly-fishing
8. Morgantown, West Virginia
Median home asking price: $300,000
Key features include:
Situated along the Monongahela River at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains, encircled by scenic valleys and tranquil lakes
Former railway lines have been transformed into over 50 miles of trails ideal for hiking and biking
9. Rochester, New York
Average home listing price: $200,000
Notable features include:
Located by the shores of Lake Ontario
Enjoy sailing and fishing in the summer, with skiing and sledding in the winter
10. Duluth, Minnesota
Average home listing price: $265,000
Key highlights include:
Almost 7,000 acres of parkland owned by the city, with 178 miles of forested trails and 16 streams teeming with trout
Located along the shores of Lake Superior
