This Scenic City On The Eastern Seaboard Has A Below-Average Cost Of Living

Over the past several years, it may feel like the cost of everything in our lives has been increasing. From rent to groceries, the amount of money we need to put aside to live each month is going up. It is gradually becoming harder to stick to consistent saving methods such as the 50/30/20 budget, as our needs begin to outpace our wants. Though there are still some places in the United States where the cost of living has stayed relatively manageable. As the Consumer Price Index nationally has skyrocketed, showing that life is in fact getting more expensive, a small city in the Southeastern United States is staying well below average.

Henderson, North Carolina, has emerged as one of the most affordable places to live in the state, following recent data. According to MERC, North Carolina has a relatively average cost of living, as opposed to states like Massachusetts and Hawaii, which have seen a rapid rise in cost, making them increasingly unaffordable. Given this context, towns like Henderson, North Carolina, situated around an hour drive from larger cities like Raleigh and Durham, may be good options for both prospective home buyers and those looking to save on living expenses.

As a town, Henderson has a lot to offer for those looking to move there to save. While most people in Henderson rent their homes, the cost of rent is affordable compared to other parts of the state, with the average monthly rent coming in at under $1,000 a month.  Additionally, the median cost to buy a home in Henderson is just $190,000, according to Redfin. This price is well under the national average of $439,278, as well as the average housing cost in North Carolina.

While a majority of employment in the town comes from the hospitality sector as well as industrial production, the town has comprehensive 4G cell coverage, making it a reliable location for remote work. Though corporate burnout is a major factor in our work life, you will not need to take a mini retirement to stay sane while living in Henderson. With this in mind, the town offers ample recreation and community engagement opportunities. With a yearly fall festival and several volunteer opportunities like events focused on helping the homeless, residents have plenty of opportunities to grow their connection to the town. Henderson is also close to the water with The John. H. Kerr Reservoir nearby, along with canoe and kayak rentals, to fully take in the scope of the surrounding waterways.