A gorgeous Southern state with white sand beaches and nature reserves has been named as the nation’s most affordable.
WalletHub determined Alabama is the most affordable state to live in, based on a number of factors including housing prices, median annual property taxes, the cost of living, the median annual household income and the homeownership rate.
It also found that the second most affordable was West Virginia and the third most affordable was Utah.
So given those stats, here’s the reason why people are moving to the most affordable states.
1. Alabama
Alabama boasts white sand beaches all down the coast, and has beauteous nature reserves with rivers and streams, marshes, forests, coasts and mountains.
Hundreds of species in Alabama are found nowhere else on Earth, according to The Nature Conservancy.
And the southern cities of Montgomery and Birmingham have many historic landmarks, dating back to the days of the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement.
2. West Virginia
West Virginia offers a blend of natural beauty, rich history and an Appalachian culture.
The smaller cities and rural regions offers residents easy commutes and is renowned for its close-knit communities, according to Redfin.
It is also known as a cradle of American folk music, known for contributing to bluegrass, country, and gospel genres.
3. Utah
Utah is known for its skiing and its abundance of outdoor recreational activities, and boasts a strong and diverse economy driven by industries like technology and tourism, according to Apartment Guide.
It also hosts a variety of cultural events and festivals throughout the year, including the renowned Sundance Film Festival in Park City.
4. Indiana
The Hoosier State boasts a robust higher education landscape, with universities like Indiana University, and Ball State University is known for its strong programs in education and telecommunications and the University of Notre Dame is a prestigious Catholic university.
It also offers a close proximity to a number of cities, and has four distinct seasons.
5. Tennessee
Tennessee offers no state income tax and low property taxes, with a number of high-quality schools for families to choose from, according to Rocket Homes.
It is also known for its views of the Mississippi River and Lookout Mountain, as well as the popular Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Tennessee also offers a vibrant culture, with different music and cuisines in its three different regions, and is known for its role in the development of popular music genres including blues, rock and roll, soul, and gospel.