Importance of Choosing the Right City
Are you a remote student desiring a great city to study in? Looking for affordable housing and a lower cost of living? You’ve come to the right place.
The housing market in the United States has risen sharply. In August 2024, U.S. home prices rose 3.0%, while home sales dropped 3.9% to 467,348, down from 486,522 last year. If you’re thinking about renting, well, it’s also expensive! However, many expenses, especially housing, can differ significantly from one city to another.
The cities we choose to live in significantly influence our goals and future. Different environments can either inspire or limit our ambitions.
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For instance, cities like San Francisco attract tech entrepreneurs, while New York caters to corporate climbers. However, if you live in these areas, you can expect a higher cost of living and intense competition. This can be both a motivating factor and a source of stress.
Smaller cities, in contrast, can offer a relaxed lifestyle and a strong sense of community. While job options may be limited, the lower cost of living can provide a balance between cost and quality of life, allowing for savings and the pursuit of personal passions or side projects.
While remote learning can be cheaper than traditional education, it still comes with expenses. There’s no point in living in busy cities if you’re struggling to pay for rent, food, and college tuition! Not having enough money can lead to two outcomes: either you might drop out or end up buried in student loans, which can reduce the financial benefits of your degree.
A few of the best cities for remote students in the United States offer affordable student housing options and a low cost of living while providing a comfortable lifestyle. As an online student, you must have a suitable space, reliable internet access, and the right technology. These necessities can add up, so choosing a city with a lower cost of living can help you manage these expenses effectively.
Related Articles:
- Best Accredited Online Colleges with Low-Cost On-Campus Housing
- Budget-Friendly Shared Housing Solutions for Online Learners
- Guide to Finding Affordable Housing Near Your Online College
- Low-Cost Housing for Online College Students: Solutions for a Comfortable Education
- Top Online Colleges with the Best Student Housing Amenities
- Top Platforms Connecting Online Students to Shared Housing Opportunities
What Makes a City Ideal for Remote Students?
Affordable Housing
Affordable housing is crucial for remote students. It’s not just about having a roof over your head—it can really boost your well-being and academic performance. Many studies have shown that students with stable housing tend to do better in school and face fewer disruptions from moving around.
When rent is manageable, you can focus on essentials like food and healthcare instead of stressing about bills. A secure living situation means less anxiety, allowing you to stay focused on your studies and enjoy college life.
Reliable Internet
As a remote student, 90-100% of your coursework will happen online. Without it, even the simplest tasks can turn into major headaches.
Cities with strong internet infrastructure for students bring several benefits to your remote learning experience:
- Efficient Communication
Having dependable internet makes staying connected with teachers and classmates super easy. Instant messaging and discussion forums let you get quick feedback on assignments and ask questions whenever you need to.
- Access to Educational Resources
A solid internet connection opens up a whole world of educational resources you won’t find in a regular classroom. You can explore online libraries full of e-books, journals, and expert video lectures from all over the globe.
- Research Capabilities
With high-speed internet, downloading large files is a breeze, plus you can use tools that simplify the research process to help you write awesome papers.
Cost of Living
The cost of living is just as important as affordable housing. This encompasses various expenses, such as groceries, transportation, healthcare, and other daily necessities. Cities with low-cost living for college students will help you stretch your budgets further, making it easier to focus on studies rather than finances.
Safety
Thinking of safety first might seem like a no-brainer, but safety is a big concern. You want to enjoy your new city and dive into all its opportunities without worrying about your safety. Plus, your parents will feel better about letting you go if they know you’re moving to a place with low crime rates, a friendly student vibe, and a solid reputation.
Community Amenities
College is not all about studying. You should also go out, have fun, meet new people, and build connections. Several cities offer great community amenities to enhance your college experience. See if the community has everything you want for leisure, whether gyms, sports facilities, parks, or cultural venues.
Top Cities for Affordable Housing and Cost of Living
Springfield, MI
- Average Rent Prices: $900 for a 1-bedroom apartment
- Average Living Costs: Approximately 15% below the national average
- Top Affordable On-Campus Housing:
- Drury University: $5,993
- Baptist Bible College: $4,100
- Evangel University: $9,176
- Missouri State University: $11,006
Mobile, AL
- Average Rent Prices: $1,000 for a 1-bedroom apartment
- Average Living Costs: About 10% below the national average
- Top Affordable On-Campus Housing:
- University of South Alabama: $4,830
- University of Mobile: $5,686
- Spring Hill College: $5,768
Toledo, OH
- Average Rent Prices: $850 for a 1-bedroom apartment
- Average Living Costs: Approximately 15% below the national average
- Top Affordable On-Campus Housing:
- University of Toledo: $14,830
Tucson, AZ
- Average Rent Prices: $1,200 for a 1-bedroom apartment
- Average Living Costs: Around 5% below the national average
- Top Affordable On-Campus Housing:
- University of Arizona: $13,050
Oklahoma City, OK
- Average Rent Prices: $1,100 for a 1-bedroom apartment
- Average Living Costs: Roughly 11% below the national average
- Top Affordable On-Campus Housing:
- Mid-America Christian University: $8,632
- Oklahoma Christian University: $4,600
- Oklahoma City University: $4,950
Lubbock, TX
- Average Rent Prices: $950 for a 1-bedroom apartment
- Average Living Costs: About 8% below the national average
- Top Affordable On-Campus Housing:
- Lubbock Christian University: $10,100
- Texas Tech University: $6,694
Huntsville, AL
- Average Rent Prices: $1,200 for a 1-bedroom apartment
- Average Living Costs: Around 5% below the national average
- Top Affordable On-Campus Housing:
- Alabama A&M University: $12,526
- Oakwood University: $10,050
- University of Alabama in Huntsville: $12,428
Little Rock, AK
- Average Rent Prices: $950 for a 1-bedroom apartment
- Average Living Costs: Approximately 10% below the national average
- Top Affordable On-Campus Housing:
- Arkansas Baptist College: $8,303
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock: $7,606
Fort Wayne, IN
- Average Rent Prices: $850 for a 1-bedroom apartment
- Average Living Costs: About 10% below the national average
- Top Affordable On-Campus Housing:
- Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne: $11,669
- Indiana Tech: $9,275
Davenport, IO
- Average Rent Prices: $800 for a 1-bedroom apartment
- Average Living Costs: Approximately 12% below the national average
- Top Affordable On-Campus Housing:
- St. Ambrose University: $11,250
- Palmer College of Chiropractic: $9,500
- Scott Community College: $8,500
Cities with the Best Internet Infrastructure for Online Learning
Distance learning is challenging and often impossible without a computer that has high-speed internet access. Here’s a quick overview of the best student-friendly cities for online learning as per Forbes:
- Best Overall: Salt Lake City, UT, is the top city for internet access in 2024, offering low costs, high speeds, and plenty of hotspots.
- Lowest Costs: Fort Worth, TX, has the cheapest average internet connection at $58 per month, while Minneapolis, MN, has the highest at $99.
- Best Hotspot Access: Miami, FL, leads the country in internet hotspots, with 866 hotspots for every 100,000 residents.
- Fastest Speeds: Raleigh, NC, offers the fastest minimum download speeds at 347 Mbps, and Seattle, WA, boasts the fastest maximum speeds at 1616 Mbps.
- Gigabit Internet Coverage: Salt Lake City also has the most gigabit internet coverage, with 72% availability.
With their strong Internet connections, they have become the ideal cities for remote learners. Having reliable internet means you’re always in the loop with the latest educational tech and tools. New software and apps are constantly popping up to make learning easier and more efficient. Keeping up with VR and AR can level up your study experience and prepare you for tech-heavy careers.
Student-Friendly Amenities and Quality of Life
Along with a strong internet connection, it’s important to consider the city’s amenities and overall quality of life. Cities with the best amenities for remote students are known to produce happier, more successful graduates.
First, they provide access to essential services like libraries, study spaces, and cafes with reliable Wi-Fi that allow students to engage in focused study and collaborative work. Additionally, recreational options such as parks, gyms, and cultural events contribute to a well-rounded lifestyle, helping students unwind and connect with their peers.
The top cities known for their recreational activities and support services for remote learners include
- Springfield, Missouri
- Toledo, Ohio
- Tucson, Arizona
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Lubbock, Texas
- Fort Wayne, Indiana
Comparing Cost of Living and Amenities
Choosing the best and most cost-effective places for students to live and study is challenging. Every student has unique needs, preferences, and financial situations. Here’s a table comparing the top cities for affordable housing and living costs.
| City | Average Rent (1 Bedroom) | Living Costs Compared to National Average | Average Internet Speed | Popular Amenities | Overall Quality of Life |
| Springfield, MO | $900 | 15% below | 50 Mbps | Parks, local dining, community events | Good |
| Mobile, AL | $1,000 | 10% below | 40 Mbps | Beaches, museums, historic sites | Fair |
| Toledo, OH | $850 | 15% below | 60 Mbps | Art galleries, outdoor activities | Good |
| Tucson, AZ | $1,200 | 5% below | 70 Mbps | Hiking, cultural festivals, cafes | Good |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $1,100 | 11% below | 50 Mbps | Zoos, parks, vibrant nightlife | Good |
| Lubbock, TX | $950 | 8% below | 55 Mbps | Music scene, local shops, parks | Good |
| Huntsville, AL | $1,200 | 5% below | 60 Mbps | Space and rocket center, parks | Good |
| Little Rock, AR | $950 | 10% below | 50 Mbps | Riverfront, museums, parks | Good |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $850 | 10% below | 55 Mbps | Trails, botanical gardens, festivals | Fair |
| Davenport, IA | $800 | 12% below | 50 Mbps | Riverfront parks, local eateries | Good |
Here are a few questions you should ask yourself before deciding which of the top cities for remote learning students is best for you.
- Rent Costs: Is rent less than 30% of your income?
- Internet Access: Is reliable internet available?
- Local Culture: Does the city align with your interests?
- Climate Preferences: Do you like the local weather?
- Safety and Quality of Life: What are the crime rates and healthcare options?
Tips for Choosing the Best City for Remote Learning
Beyond affordability, you should also consider the following factors:
- Job Opportunities: Make cities with strong job markets in your field a priority. You should also see if the city offers various internship options. Places with tech hubs or creative scenes often have great chances to gain experience.
- Networking Possibilities: This is very important. Find cities that have events and meetups related to your major. Connecting with other students and industry pros can lead to valuable contacts and job leads.
- Overall Student Lifestyle: Consider the vibe of the student community. Look for places with cool hangouts, libraries, and activities that match your interests. Good public transport and a safe environment can make your study life way easier and more fun!
Conclusion
The top cities that are capable of offering good lifestyle and affordable living costs for online students are:
- Springfield, Missouri
- Mobile, Alabama
- Toledo, Ohio
- Tucson, Arizona
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Lubbock, Texas
- Huntsville, Alabama
- Little Rock, Arkansas
- Fort Wayne, Indiana
- Davenport, Iowa
While these cities provide a blend of affordability, amenities, and quality of life, there’s no perfect city for everyone. The best place for you will depend on your personal needs. Assess your priorities and preferences as you explore your options.