Gorgeous Southern state with white sand beaches, stunning nature reserves and historic cities ranks as America's most affordable

A gorgeous Southern state with white sand beaches and nature reserves has been named as the nation's most affordable.

WalletHub determined Alabama is the most affordable state to live in, based on a number of factors including housing prices, median annual property taxes, the cost of living, the median annual household income and the homeownership rate.

It also found that the second most affordable was West Virginia and the third most affordable was Utah

So given those stats, here's the reason why people are moving to the most affordable states.

Alabama, with its white-sand beaches, has been ranked as the most affordable state in the US

Alabama, with its white-sand beaches, has been ranked as the most affordable state in the US

1. Alabama

Alabama boasts white sand beaches all down the coast, and has beauteous nature reserves with rivers and streams, marshes, forests, coasts and mountains. 

Hundreds of species in Alabama are found nowhere else on Earth, according to The Nature Conservancy. 

And the southern cities of Montgomery and Birmingham have many historic landmarks, dating back to the days of the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement.

2. West Virginia 

West Virginia offers a blend of natural beauty, rich history and an Appalachian culture.

The smaller cities and rural regions offers residents easy commutes and is renowned for its close-knit communities, according to Redfin.

It is also known as a cradle of American folk music, known for contributing to bluegrass, country, and gospel genres.

Cities such as Birmingham, Alabama (pictured) offer historic sites

Cities such as Birmingham, Alabama (pictured) offer historic sites

It has monuments dating back to the days of the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement

It has monuments dating back to the days of the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement

3. Utah

Utah is known for its skiing and its abundance of outdoor recreational activities, and boasts a strong and diverse economy driven by industries like technology and tourism, according to Apartment Guide.

It also hosts a variety of cultural events and festivals throughout the year, including the renowned Sundance Film Festival in Park City.

4. Indiana 

The Hoosier State boasts a robust higher education landscape, with universities like Indiana University, and Ball State University is known for its strong programs in education and telecommunications and the University of Notre Dame is a prestigious Catholic university.

It also offers a close proximity to a number of cities, and has four distinct seasons. 

Alabama was rated the most affordable based on a number of factors including housing affordability, median annual property taxes, the cost of living , the median annual household income and the homeownership rate

Alabama was rated the most affordable based on a number of factors including housing affordability, median annual property taxes, the cost of living , the median annual household income and the homeownership rate

5. Tennessee 

Tennessee offers no state income tax and low property taxes, with a number of high-quality schools for families to choose from, according to Rocket Homes.

It is also known for its views of the Mississippi River and Lookout Mountain, as well as the popular Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Tennessee also offers a vibrant culture, with different music and cuisines in its three different regions, and is known for its role in the development of popular music genres including blues, rock and roll, soul, and gospel.

Most affordable states in 2024 

  1. Alabama
  2. West Virginia 
  3. Utah
  4. Indiana
  5. Tennessee
  6. Idaho
  7. Missouri
  8. Arkansas
  9. Mississippi
  10. South Carolina
  11. Kentucky
  12. Wyoming
  13. Minnesota
  14. Georgia
  15. Michigan
  16. Delaware
  17. North Carolina
  18. Virginia
  19. Oklahoma
  20. South Dakota
  21. Iowa
  22. Arizona
  23. Louisiana
  24. Ohio
  25. New Mexico
  26. Montana
  27. Kansas
  28. Colorado
  29. Pennsylvania
  30. Florida
  31. North Dakota
  32. Wisconsin
  33. Nebraska
  34. Texas
  35. Maine
  36. Washington
  37. Illinois
  38. Maryland
  39. Nevada
  40. New Hampshire
  41. Oregon
  42. Alaska
  43. Vermont
  44. Massachusetts
  45. Rhode Island
  46. Connecticut
  47. New York
  48. New Jersey
  49. California
  50. Hawaii