Arkadelphia, Arkansas

Amiable Arkadelphia (population 10,300), situated along the Ouachita River about 30 miles from the Ouachita Mountains in southwestern Arkansas, is a peaceful, rural spot with a friendly, Southern country ambiance that feels a thousand miles away from modern city life. It is one of the oldest hamlets in Arkansas, and the name comes from the first part of the state name, Ark, and from the Greek name for "place." And a nice place it seems to be. Unassuming and affordable, Arkadelphia is the kind of town where "good deed doers" are sought out and publicly recognized on the city's website. The cost of living is nearly 20% below the national average, and the median home price is just $110,000 (and many homes date from the 19th century).