Not only does Michigan’s second-largest city have 1,200 acres of public parks, over 100 colorful murals, and public sculptures like La Grande Vitesse, it also has housing costs that fall below the national median. And furnishing that affordable house could be a design lover’s dream, considering one of the local furniture companies is Herman Miller. In fact, Grand Rapids has a long history of fostering furniture innovation and even earned the nickname Furniture City. Today, Grand Rapids Public Museum is home to a collection of over 2,000 historically significant pieces of furniture.

Asheville, North Carolina

U.S. News & World Report ranking: #29

Hundreds of artists create and showcase their work in the studios and galleries of Asheville’s River Arts District, an area that has the nickname Paris of the South. As for where all these painters, potters, jewelers, and woodworkers might live, Asheville has an abundance of Arts and Crafts-style homes. But its most famous residence is the French Renaissance Biltmore Estate, which was George Vanderbilt’s 250-room castle and is considered the largest home in America.

Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesotta

U.S. News & World Report ranking: #35

Mall of America may be the most famous shopping destination in the area, but design-loving denizens of the Twin Cities have plenty of other artsy outposts to shop for homewares. Arlee Park is stocked with carefully curated vintage decor, while The Foundry Home Goods and Golden Age Design are filled with fresh accessories and furniture. If it’s inspiration you’re after, the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Walker Art Center, and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden are the places to be.

Savannah, Georgia

U.S. News & World Report ranking: #37

America’s Hostess City of the South, also known as the country’s first planned city, has the winning combo of small-town charm with a big history of showstopping architecture. In fact, more than 40% of 2,500 buildings inventoried here have architectural or historical significance. Plus, thanks in large part to the Savannah College of Art and Design, preservation is a top priority. Spot everything from Federal- to Gothic Revival- to Regency-style buildings in this southern city, and consider owning your own piece of the architectural pie. Finding a low-cost home is possible here, as the median home price is below the national average.

Austin, Texas

U.S. News & World Report ranking: #40