15 Stunning Mountain Towns That Are as Affordable as They Are Beautiful
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As more and more people want to get out of their busy city lives, mountain towns are gaining popularity. A 2023 report from the Outdoor Industry Association shows that at least 141 million Americans are involved in outdoor activities, with mountain towns projected to be high on their list of preferred destinations. Living in mountain towns usually means you have grown accustomed to the best outdoor activities like hiking, biking, camping, fishing, and skiing.
Some may believe these mountain towns are only for the rich or those living a life of luxury, but there are budget hikes for every traveler who wants to experience the mountain beauty without spending a fortune. Here are 15 beautiful mountain towns from all around the globe where you can find great views on a budget.
Asheville, North Carolina
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville boasts a unique charm, thanks to its vibrant arts scene, stunning architecture, and breathtaking natural beauty. Visitors can embark on hikes through the rugged wilderness of Pisgah National Forest or discover eclectic galleries and artisan breweries throughout the day, ensuring a diverse and enriching experience.
Asheville offers affordable urban and outdoor living. Food often costs around $15-$25 per meal at mid-range restaurants. Asheville also offers discounts and free days to such attractions as the Biltmore Estate.
Bend, Oregon
Known for its high desert climate, free flowing rivers, and expansive mountain ranges, Bend is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. It is the location of the final Blockbuster video rental store on Earth. Bend is perfect for camping, hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, kayaking and mountain biking among many other activities that visitors can enjoy.
Unbelievably with all it offers, Bend is quite affordable. For example, you can even find an Airbnb in Bend for $60 a night, which is a perfect base for travelers on a tight budget.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg is the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The average cost of living is 3.4% lower than the national average, and transportation costs are around 22.6% below the national average.
Gatlinburg also offers many outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing and wildlife sightings. It has an affordable family accommodation and various attractions. Vacationing in the off season and taking a driving or walking tour along one of the free trails and drives within the national park saves much.
Taos, New Mexico
Taos is known for its history, cultural diversity, proliferation of art galleries, and famous summer festivals. The cost of living in Taos tends to be more affordable than in many parts of the U.S., which is good news for travelers, both domestic and international, as hospitality goes a long way. The cost of living in Taos is 4% lower than the national average.
It is difficult to miss the Sangre de Cristo Mountains which rise dramatically right behind the town and hold plenty of skiing, hiking and rafting for spring and summer visitors. Most museums and historical sites charge very reasonable entrance fees, while the town’s art galleries often don’t have an admission fee.
Durango, Colorado
Sitting at 6,512 feet in elevation along the Animas River between the San Juan Mountains and desert bluffs, Durango is an Old West town with a host of modern features. This means there are plenty of things to do for nature-seekers, including rock climbing, hiking and skiing in winter. There is also a selection of cultural places to visit in the town with historic sites and galleries.
Traveling around Durango is also inexpensive with a day pass on the city’s transit system costing only $3. Riding a single ride is usually $1, and you can get a monthly pass for $30. This makes it a practical and cost-friendly choice for visitors and city residents.
Ogden, Utah
Ogden is art-centered and rich in history, perfect for travelers on a budget seeking to experience authentic mountain life. Ogden provides an affordable lifestyle as well as easy access to the outdoors.
Ogden also has a number of almost free or very low entry fee attractions. Some of the highlights are Hill Aerospace Museum and Ogden’s Kayak Park (both free). Living, transportation, as well as healthcare in Ogden rank beneath the national average fees.
Boone, North Carolina
Although small, Boone is a quintessential mountain town near Blue Ridge Parkway offering incredible views and great hiking opportunities. Boone is a great pick for affordable accommodations, with lovely and simple hotels and campgrounds.
Boone is the place to go if you are in need of reasonably priced housing. It is less expensive to rent, with two-bedroom apartments available for around $810 a month — compared to the national average of $1,430. Transport and utility expenses are significantly lower than the national average index.
Park City, Utah
Home to the famous ski resorts, Park City is also a location for mountain biking and hiking year-round and well-known festivals. The town is a great destination for culture vultures, with galleries and museums.
Park City offers reduced accommodation, activity discounts, and there are less people during the shoulder season (spring and fall).
Leadville, Colorado
This mix of affordability and beauty makes Leadville an interesting choice for folks wanting to taste mountain living without spending a fortune. Compared to areas like Vail or Aspen, Leadville is very affordable.
The cost of living is 94.7, which is 5.3% lower than the U.S. normal and 21.4% lower than the Colorado average. Housing costs are also well below the national average, making this an affordable choice for longer-term stays or even retirement.
Flagstaff, Arizona
Flagstaff, a gateway to the Grand Canyon. The city is a haven for outdoor lovers, offering everything from hiking and skiing to mountain biking. The town’s relaxed attitude and affordable prices make it a hit with tourists.
Lowell Observatory is one of the most famous things to do in Flagstaff and they have discount prices for various groups; kids under 5 – free, children (5-17 years) – $19, seniors- $26.
Blue Ridge Mountain, North Carolina
Blue Ridge Mountains has various activities and views throughout the mountain range. The cost of living in the small towns in these mountains varies is relatively lower than a lot of other mountain destinations.
Visitors don’t have to spend a pretty penny in order to get the true beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains as there are free activities like hiking and scenic drives on the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are also affordable accommodations, including camping sites and cheap motels.
Stowe, Vermont
Situated in a little valley town of Vermont is Stowe, the heart of all things charming and classic New England, with incredible landscapes for outdoor activities and cultural attractions to match. Due to its low cost of living, the city is also a haven for backpackers.
A lot of what Stowe has to offer, like hiking and town-specific historic sites, doesn’t cost anything, or costs very little. Local guide costs on average $20. Stowe is highly walkable, so transportation expenses around town are low.
Missoula, Montana
The vibrant arts community, outdoor culture and an inclusive atmosphere of Missoula draws many culture and adventure seeking travelers. The town is also known for its affordability.
The Missoula Art Museum is free, and visitors enjoy the many parks and trails in town for little to no cost.
Sandpoint, Idaho
Sandpoint is a jewel in the crown of the Selkirk Mountains and Lake Pend Oreille. It has been referred to as one of the top small towns to live in America by USA Today. Sandpoint has 125 sunny days on average per year, making it an all-season outdoors paradise.
Providing activities like boating and skiing, the area is noted for its community spirit and low cost of living. A cheap and cheerful getaway for twenty-somethings, families, and solo travelers alike, with accommodation starting at just $70 per night. During the summer, there are even free outdoor concerts and events, meaning you can have an amazing time without blowing your budget.
Roanoke, Virginia
Roanoke is an affordable mountain town with access to trails, rivers, and prime fly fishing. The cost of living index in Roanoke is 80.9, making it 19.1% lower than the U.S. average and 22.4 % lower than the Virginia average This is one of the reasons it appeals to less affluent travelers.
The city also has galleries, museums and some live music events to go along the year. Visitors can also enjoy free attractions like visiting the downtown farmers market or taking a self-guided walking tour of the historic neighborhoods.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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