While some people never leave their hometowns, many families are open to moving to someplace they perceive to be better. They consider such factors as employment, crime, and population among the criteria they have for choosing a new city. One other important factor to consider is the affordability of housing.

Fort Wayne, Indiana

If you’re looking for a family-friendly city, look no further than Fort Wayne. For proof, consider the fact that 98.7% of homes in the city have two or more bedrooms. Those homes are more affordable than comparable homes in surrounding areas, requiring lower down payments when based on income. In Fort Wayne, the average resident pays just 19.47% of their income toward housing.

Corpus Christi, Texas

When you want to move to the coast, don’t get discouraged by high housing costs in the east and west. Instead, look south to Corpus Christi. The excellent affordability of housing in this city made it possible for homeownership to increase by 4% from 2015 to 2019. This is another city with a very high percentage of homes with two or more bedrooms. There’s a great down payment to income ratio here, making it easier for first-time home buyers to get into a new home.

Gilbert, Arizona

Even though the summers get hot in Gilbert, the housing prices stay cool in this city. There are plenty of multi-bedroom homes in the area, and low down payments make homeownership more desirable. The city also boasts a lower crime rate, making it one of the safer cities for families. There were about 1,200 property crimes and 100 violent crimes per 100,000 people in Gilbert as of 2019.

Lexington, Kentucky

In Lexington, you can find low-down payments on family homes, with 99.4% of homes offering two or more bedrooms. Residents in this city put 22.35% of their income toward their housing costs. The city has a high rate of high school graduates, and crime rates are low. Lexington reported fewer than 300 violent crimes per 100,000 residents in 2019.

If you are considering a long-distance move, be sure to do your research. You should have a thorough knowledge of the city’s communities and economic health. You should also research housing in the area. Working with a realtor can help you find a temporary rental or a new home to buy. Making these plans in advance can save you from making devastating relocation mistakes.