OfferBackedBuyer Tools
Step 1 · Thinking about buying

Where are towns like the one I love?

Enter a town you like, or the one you’re leaving, and find the places most like it: similar incomes, home prices, commute, age of homes and more. Look nearby, in other states or only where homes cost less.

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Towns most like Shellman, GA 39886

Shellman: median income $35,395, home value $99,500, $119/sq ft, 24-minute commute.

TownSimilarMiles awayMedian incomeHome value$/sq ftWhat’s different
Gibsland, LA 71028 92%498$36,394$93,600— more homeowners
Wisner, LA 71378 92%415$36,950$110,700— larger · older residents
Hickory Flat, MS 38633 91%330$33,029$106,200$104 larger
Henry, TN 38231 90%377$37,188$88,100$120 Very close on everything we compare
Scotts Hill, TN 38374 90%332$38,389$116,000$137 Very close on everything we compare
Boswell, OK 74727 90%670$43,047$98,400$126 larger
Keams Canyon, AZ 86034 90%1,496$37,286$77,700— Very close on everything we compare
Rowesville, SC 29133 88%246$36,987$136,400— pricier homes ($37K more)
Griggsville, IL 62340 88%647$43,333$99,500— older homes
Caraway, AR 72419 88%429$41,017$93,300$95 Very close on everything we compare
Clayton, OK 74536 88%652$39,750$118,100$145 older residents
Pamplico, SC 29583 87%329$34,931$114,100$154 larger
Rockholds, KY 40759 87%351$34,909$97,300$137 larger · newer homes
Senath, MO 63876 87%439$34,837$95,900— more walkable
Santa Anna, TX 76878 87%864$46,111$78,300— Very close on everything we compare
Hollow Rock, TN 38342 86%363$38,466$101,000$171 Very close on everything we compare
Qulin, MO 63961 86%464$39,167$90,200$93 6 min longer commute
Ola, AR 72853 86%545$35,262$98,100$108 older residents
Oilton, OK 74052 86%748$31,786$89,500$114 younger residents
Wallins Creek, KY 40873 85%356$33,359$88,900$102 larger · more homeowners
Uniontown, KY 42461 85%456$47,746$104,000$111 Very close on everything we compare
Salem, AR 72576 85%524$39,812$110,600$114 larger · older residents
Georgiana, AL 36033 84%125$37,975$90,600$146 larger · 5 min longer commute
Walnut, MS 38683 84%332$39,107$116,100$131 larger · more homeowners
New Matamoras, OH 45767 84%572$42,813$122,000$104 larger · 6 min longer commute

Similarity compares income, home value, price per sq ft, population, age, commute, education, walkability, owner share, single-family share and age of homes. Click a town to see its housing market. Set your own criteria with the town finder.

Finding towns like the one you love

Maybe you grew up somewhere you loved and want something like it closer to a new job. Maybe the town you want is out of reach and you’re looking for a cheaper version of it. Or you’re moving across the country and want to know which places will feel familiar. This tool starts from a town you know and finds the places most like it.

How we measure similarity

We compare eleven things for every ZIP code: median household income, median home value, price per square foot from recent sales, population, median age, average commute, the share of adults with a bachelor’s degree, walkability, the share of homes that are owner-occupied, the share that are single-family homes, and the median year homes were built. Income and home values count most, because they shape what a place costs and feels like day to day.

Each trait is put on the same scale, so a $50,000 difference in home value and a five-minute difference in commute can be compared fairly. The result is a similarity score: towns in the 90s are close matches on nearly everything, and scores in the 70s are similar with a few clear differences. For each match we list the biggest differences, like cheaper homes, a longer commute or more single-family homes.

Where to look

  • Anywhere shows the closest matches nationwide.
  • Same state or other states keeps the search where you need it.
  • Within a distance finds alternatives near a town you’re priced out of.
  • At least a distance away finds the same kind of place somewhere new.

Tick “only towns where homes cost less” to find more affordable versions of the place you like.

What it can’t tell you

Numbers can’t capture everything that makes a place feel like home: a walkable downtown, the schools, the views or the people. Use the matches as a short list, then visit. Click any town to see its housing market, including how competitive it is and how fast homes are selling.