5 Overlooked Suburbs With Easy Access to Great U.S. Cities
Written by
G. Brian Davis
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
Looking for the suburban dream, but don’t want to compete with every trend-hopping homebuyer?
Try these suburbs that often get overlooked, but which offer an outstanding quality of life.
Gig Harbor, Washington
By national standards, Gig Harbor isn’t cheap at $809,722, per Zillow. But it still costs less than Seattle ($840,957), while sitting just 45 minutes away and under 20 minutes from Tacoma.
“Gig Harbor has a beautiful waterfront, marinas, award-winning schools, quiet neighborhoods, and it’s wrapped up in a bow with great restaurants and shopping,” enthuses realtor Ledeana Strand. “It’s a true gem for people who want coastal living without the chaos.”
Long Branch, New Jersey
Likewise, Long Branch is only affordable in comparison to its counterpart of New York City.
This hidden gem offers far more than just an hour commute from “The City” however. Teresa Minnick of The Atlantic Club Residences touts Long Branch’s coastal charm.
“Long Branch has evolved into a vibrant, modern seaside community,” Minnick said. “It offers the rare combination of a diverse, welcoming culture, a walkable beachfront lifestyle, and entertainment including world-class dining and boutique shopping.”
Des Plaines, Illinois
With its mix of urban and suburban living, Des Plaines offers a convenient suburb of Chicago. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranked Des Plaines on its T”op 10 Best Places to Live in Illinois.”
“Des Plaines is a distinct community with an active downtown of its own,” explains professional investor Pavel Khaykin of Pavel Buys Houses. “That means residents can often find what they need locally without having to go into Chicago, providing a better work-life balance.”
At an average home price of $329,539, homeownership sits within reach for the middle class, too.
South Jordan, Utah
South Jordan combines its own “urban” downtown called Daybreak with more traditional suburban living. It sits just 20 minutes from the Salt Lake City airport and 20 minutes from Silicon Slopes.
“I’ve raised four children here over the past twenty years, and what’s interesting is how rarely Daybreak comes up in the broader Salt Lake City conversation,” notes Stacie Manning, a real estate professional with Summit Sotheby’s International Realty. “The TRAX light rail gives residents a rare car-optional lifestyle, letting residents walk everywhere including parks, schools, restaurants and daily conveniences.”
Roeland Park, Kansas
Like Kansas City but want a tighter-knit community? Roeland Park remains affordable, with an average home price of $316,715. It also features abundant green spaces despite a quick hop to downtown.
“Roeland Park features a strong community feel with local amenities like farmers’ markets and potlucks,” adds Khaykin. “It’s a great option for those who want a more intimate community while still being close to the city.”
More From GOBankingRates
