Best affordable cities for an artist / software designer?

[ckhthankgod]

I would say to look in the major Upstate NY areas, which have an overall COL around the national average, give or take. In fact, some may be seeking artists, as certain neighborhoods are or are trying to revitalize themselves. This came to mind, but you may like other neighborhoods in those cities as well: SALT District of the Near Westside » Archive » SALTQuarters looking for Regional Artist

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Personally, I would say to look into neighborhoods near universities, as that is where many of the popular neighborhoods tend to be located(i.e.-Elmwood Village in Buffalo, Westcott in Syracuse, Center Square in Albany, SouthWedge in Rochester, etc.). If you want something outside of those cities, places like Kenmore, East Aurora, Lewiston, Brockport, Fairport, Spencerport, Liverpool, Manlius, Fayetteville, Delmar, Cohoes and Ballston Spa may work in terms of smaller communities. Clinton outside of Utica and Owego in the Binghamton area would be nice too.

Ithaca also comes to mind and you may like communities like Trumansburg, Groton and Newfield outside of the city.

As for other areas, maybe something like East Lansing MI, Chelsea and Dexter outside of Ann Arbor MI, Oberlin outside of Cleveland and Yellow Springs in the Dayton OH area may also fit what you are looking for. Pittsburgh is probably another area to look into as well.

[amaiunmei]

St Louis and Kansas City have lower COL but a pretty decent QOL.

[steel03]

Definitely check out Kansas City. It's one of the most affordable major cities in the country and one off the most criminally underrated. The arts scene there is absolutely outstanding.

[creeksitter]

Chattanooga TN has wired a good part of the city for lightning fast internet so that may be helpful work wise. Plus i think they have subsidies for techies living in the downtown area.

Not the cheapest of the cheap but still pretty affordable and you have great nature opportunities nearby. You'll have to ask about the arts scene - are you looking for museums or galleries, festivals to sell your wares, ??? I think it's good for its size but don't know details.