Rock Hill, South Carolina
Combining decorous Southern charm with a vibrant arts scene, Rock Hill is one of South Carolina's largest cities, as well as a thriving suburb of Charlotte, which lies 25 miles away across the state border.
The Gettys Art Center, a longtime downtown jewel, houses a pottery center and a community art studio as well as the offices of the Hill City Church. A former courtroom on the second floor alternately hosts musical performances and church services.
Residents look forward to the Come-See-Me Festival, a 10-day community celebration held every spring, featuring such diverse events like “Everything Trucks!” and “Moonlight Jazz & Blues.”
Among the places on Money’s list, Rock Hill counts a relatively modest median family income of under $57,000 and a typical home price of $175,000 — suggesting that it's a place where residents can live well on less. — Max Zahn