Nestled in the westernmost branch of the Appalachian Mountains is a town that has long gone under the radar as an affordable place to start a family. Cities along the mountain range have recently seen rapid growth, with places like Asheville, North Carolina, steadily growing over the past five years. The same is seen in cities at the base of the chain, as they too are growing in part due to their proximity to nature and low cost of living compared to coastal establishments. With that being said, the steady growth of the cost of living has priced some Americans out of these towns, particularly those looking to retire early by hanging on to their earnings. For these people, Rome, Georgia, is the ideal blend of affordability and outdoor opportunity.
With a relatively small population of 38,675, Rome is located just about halfway between Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Atlanta, Georgia. The city is surrounded by hills that, while not as stark as the Smoky Mountains, fall in tune with the Appalachian ambiance. To add to the charm, the average home price in the city is sitting at $197,589, considerably lower than the national average.
Read more: The 10 Most Affordable Places To Live In California
Rome offers both natural beauty and job opportunities
Coosa river passing through trees and other wildlife – BJ Ray/Shutterstock
Rome has a low unemployment rate under the national average by almost one percent. This is in part due to the fact that the city has multiple sources of revenue with a moderately even distribution between sales, management, and hospitality. While Georgia was not one of the states that saw massive revenue growth from tourism, the hospitality business in Rome is still flourishing. Additionally, rent is low on average, with it sitting around $750, allowing for lower incomes to still hold a high quality of life.
Rome is also home to Marshall Forest Preserve, one of the largest old-growth forests in the state, offering a nearly metro oasis of plant species. Here you can find perennial herbs and large trees. Nestled up on the hills north of town lies the Labyrinth of Rome, an amphitheater that has been home to folk artists for nearly 50 years. The city is also built around the convergence of three rivers, the Coosa, Etowah, and Oostanaula Rivers. Here locals can walk, relax, and take in the slow speed of the mid-sized city.
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