According to a report from CNN Money, which compiled the latest data from the Housing Opportunity Index from the National Association of Home Builders and Wells Fargo to determine the percentage of homes sold that are considered affordable at median sales price for median income families in each respective city (see below for more details), these places stand as an argument for living small. Or at least leaving small with an urban edge.
So if you're not ready to completely ditch the hustle and bustle of a major metro for the small town suburban experience, it might be time to check out a compromise -- maybe even one where you can actually afford your mortgage.