Lafayette, Louisiana

Located in southern Louisiana, Lafayette’s population has grown by nearly 10% over the past three years. It’s easy to see why, given its affordable cost of living—it has the lowest median housing price of any city on this list, at $210,217—and strong health care system. There are 10 hospitals within 10 miles, per Healthgrades, and 20-plus above-average nursing homes within the area.

But what really makes Lafayette sing is its unique French culture; it’s the heartbeat of the state’s Cajun and Creole heritage, infusing every inch of the city. 

Living in Lafayette is like going on a constant culinary tour. Restaurants in the area serve up some of the best Cajun-Creole cuisine, making the foodie scene noteworthy for everything from jambalaya to boudin. The food is best paired with local music at Cajun dance halls and zydeco jams. The city hosts the annual Festival International de Louisiane, in honor of its French heritage, and offers several French immersion schools and French Tables, meetups where language-learners can hone their conversational skills. You can get a further taste of the city’s history at the museums of Vermilionville and Acadian Village.

Lafayette also has a buzzing nightlife, which you can find on Jefferson Street. Every month, the city hosts an ArtWalk downtown, featuring local artists and live music. You can trade in the liveliness for some peacefulness, with a visit to nearby Cypress Lake or Lake Martin for some true Louisiana swampland, complete with alligators and cypress trees.