Kiplinger Ranks Temple Among Most Affordable U.S. Cities

For the second year in a row, Temple has been ranked among the most affordable cities in America.

Kiplinger Financial compiled a list of cities that offered low living costs as well as quality of life. Temple was one of four Texas cities to top a list of 100 based on below-average living costs, high household incomes relative to cost of living, an unemployment rate below the national average and fun, low-cost leisure options.

According to the Kiplinger article, Temple has the second-lowest overall cost of living and the second-lowest median home value, at $113,200. The cost of living is 12.9% below the U.S. average, with a median household income of $51,192 and a 4.5% unemployment rate. The list cites Scott & White Hospital, Fikes Wholesale and Wilsonart as major employers that contribute greatly to the prosperity of the city.

Temple is also praised as a cultural and retail oasis between Dallas and Austin. Kiplinger points out that Temple is home to the only Macy's department store between the two major cities, and that Temple Mall boasts an impressive IMAX theater despite having the smallest population among the 10 cities topping the list. Belton Lake and the Cultural Activities Center are also credited with making Temple a great place to live.

Of course, those of us who live here know there are many more wonderful things about living in Temple. We have an excellent public library, great shops and restaurants and a gorgeous downtown, not to mention the Railroad & Heritage Museum and beautiful parks.

Other Texas cities to make the list were Round Rock, Denton, and Corpus Christi. Click here if you want to check out the full list.