11 Suburbs That Offer City Access Without the Price Tag

Looking for a place to live that combines the convenience of city access with affordable housing? Many suburbs offer the perfect balance, providing spacious homes, lower living costs, and easy access to major city amenities like parks, shopping, and dining. These areas allow you to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank, making them ideal for families, young professionals, and anyone seeking a more budget-friendly way of living.

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Arlington, Texas

Arlington, nestled between Dallas and Fort Worth, offers an ideal location for those seeking city access without the hefty price tag of living directly in either major city. The cost of housing here is considerably lower than in Dallas, with various affordable housing options ranging from townhouses to single-family homes. Arlington offers a mix of suburban tranquility and urban convenience, with entertainment options like Six Flags Over Texas, AT&T Stadium, and Globe Life Park just a short distance away.

Commuting to both Dallas and Fort Worth is quick, thanks to the area’s central location and well-connected highway system. The city also offers an abundance of parks, shopping centers, and dining options, allowing residents to enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle. Arlington’s blend of affordability and access to major city amenities makes it a desirable choice for both families and professionals.

Evanston, Illinois

Located just north of Chicago, Evanston is a charming suburb that combines city access with a quieter, more affordable living environment. Known for its tree-lined streets and proximity to Lake Michigan, Evanston offers a variety of housing options at a fraction of the price of downtown Chicago. The suburb is home to Northwestern University, bringing an academic and cultural vibrancy to the area, along with an array of local shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

The CTA Purple Line connects Evanston to downtown Chicago, allowing for a quick and easy commute to the city’s central business districts. With its excellent schools, parks, and lakeside attractions, Evanston provides a balanced lifestyle for families, young professionals, and students alike. It offers the best of both worlds, peaceful suburban living with proximity to the hustle and bustle of Chicago.

Tucson, Arizona

Tucson is a growing city that offers affordable housing and a laid-back lifestyle, all while being just a short drive from the larger metropolitan area of Phoenix. The cost of living in Tucson is significantly lower than in Phoenix, with housing costs being one of the most attractive features for potential residents. Tucson is known for its stunning desert landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, biking, and access to nearby national parks.

While Tucson offers a quieter lifestyle, it still provides plenty of amenities like shopping centers, restaurants, and cultural institutions such as the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Public transit and highways make it easy to access Phoenix for work or leisure, while Tucson’s affordable real estate market allows residents to enjoy larger living spaces compared to Phoenix. This makes it a perfect option for families, retirees, and remote workers who want the benefits of proximity to a major city without the high living costs.

Brooklyn Park, Minnesota

Brooklyn Park, just north of Minneapolis, offers a suburban feel with convenient access to the city’s amenities and job opportunities. The cost of housing in Brooklyn Park is much lower than in Minneapolis, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordable living without sacrificing convenience. The suburb features a range of housing options, from apartments to single-family homes, catering to a variety of budgets.

Residents enjoy easy access to downtown Minneapolis via I-94 or public transportation, making it an ideal location for commuters. Brooklyn Park also boasts several parks and recreational facilities, including River Park and the Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, which offer plenty of outdoor activities. With its combination of affordability, accessibility, and green spaces, Brooklyn Park is a great choice for families and young professionals.

Woodbridge, Virginia

Located just 20 miles south of Washington, D.C., Woodbridge offers the best of suburban living with easy access to the nation’s capital. Housing in Woodbridge is much more affordable than in D.C., and the area has seen steady growth in recent years due to its proximity to the city. Residents benefit from larger homes, more green spaces, and lower costs for utilities and daily expenses compared to those living in the city.

The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) provides direct commuter rail service to Washington, D.C., making it a convenient choice for those who work in the capital. Woodbridge is also home to a variety of parks, shopping centers, and dining options, including the Potomac Mills Mall, one of the largest outlet malls in the region. With its affordable housing and easy access to Washington, D.C., Woodbridge is a popular choice for professionals and families who want to enjoy a suburban lifestyle with the convenience of the city nearby.

Plano, Texas

Plano is another suburb of Dallas that offers an exceptional balance of city access and affordable living. While Plano is home to a number of corporate headquarters, it still offers significantly lower housing prices compared to Dallas itself. The city boasts a range of housing options, from spacious homes to modern apartments, making it accessible to various income levels.

Plano is known for its excellent schools, well-maintained parks, and family-friendly atmosphere. Residents enjoy easy access to Dallas via major highways, and the city is well-connected by public transit, including the DART rail system. With numerous retail centers, restaurants, and outdoor spaces like Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, Plano provides a high quality of life without the steep cost of living typically associated with major cities.

Boulder, Colorado

Boulder, located just 30 minutes from Denver, is a great example of a suburb that offers the perks of city living without the high cost of residing in the city itself. Known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, such as hiking, biking, and skiing, Boulder attracts those who want a healthy lifestyle while being close to Denver’s job market. Housing costs in Boulder are lower than those in Denver, particularly in the suburban areas surrounding the city.

The city offers excellent public schools, numerous parks, and vibrant local businesses. Boulder’s affordable housing market, combined with its proximity to Denver, makes it an appealing choice for professionals, families, and nature enthusiasts. Whether it’s the charm of downtown or the outdoor lifestyle, Boulder offers residents a balanced life without breaking the bank.

Denton, Texas

Denton, located just north of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, is an up-and-coming suburb that offers an affordable lifestyle with easy access to two major cities. Housing in Denton is much more affordable than in Dallas, with a variety of options, from historic homes to modern townhouses. The city’s economy is supported by its universities and the surrounding business hubs, making it an attractive location for young professionals and students.

Denton is known for its thriving music scene, vibrant arts community, and a wealth of parks and outdoor activities. The city has a small-town feel, yet residents can easily commute to Dallas or Fort Worth for work or leisure. Denton’s combination of affordable living, cultural attractions, and city access makes it a desirable location for those seeking the best of both worlds.

Kirkland, Washington

Kirkland, a suburb located just northeast of Seattle, is a highly desirable place to live for those seeking city access without the high cost of living in the city itself. Known for its waterfront parks, upscale shopping, and vibrant dining scene, Kirkland provides a small-town atmosphere with the convenience of being just a short drive from downtown Seattle. The housing market here is more affordable than in Seattle, with more spacious homes available for families.

The city’s public transportation options make commuting to Seattle easy, while its local amenities, including beautiful parks like Marina Park and the nearby Juanita Bay Park, provide plenty of recreational opportunities. Kirkland also boasts excellent schools and a community-oriented environment, making it a popular choice for families and professionals seeking a more laid-back lifestyle with access to a major urban center.

Naperville, Illinois

Naperville, located just 28 miles west of Chicago, is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. With affordable housing options compared to Chicago, Naperville offers spacious homes and larger properties, perfect for families. The suburb boasts a beautiful downtown area with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, including the Naperville Riverwalk, which adds charm to the area.

Naperville also offers excellent schools and abundant parks, making it an attractive location for families. The Metra commuter rail connects Naperville to downtown Chicago in about 40 minutes, providing easy access to the city for work or leisure. The combination of affordability, excellent amenities, and proximity to Chicago makes Naperville a highly desirable suburb.

Frisco, Texas

Frisco, located just north of Dallas, is one of the fastest-growing suburbs in the U.S., known for its modern amenities and affordable housing. The suburb offers a wide range of housing options, from single-family homes to new apartment complexes, often at a fraction of the cost of living in Dallas. Frisco is also home to several professional sports teams, including the Dallas Cowboys’ training facility, as well as numerous parks and recreational centers.

Frisco residents enjoy access to quality schools, a thriving retail scene, and plenty of dining options. The city’s location just off the Dallas North Tollway makes it easy to commute into Dallas for work, making it an ideal location for professionals and families. With its affordable housing, family-friendly atmosphere, and proximity to Dallas, Frisco offers a great suburban lifestyle with all the amenities you need.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.