Autumn is a magical season. Crisp temperatures and azure skies are complemented by a kaleidoscope of foliage that ranges from delicate yellows to fiery oranges and vivid reds. For many, fall is the ideal season for hiking and camping. There’s nothing quite like a quiet mountain or tranquil lake, a cozy fire, a warm blanket, and s’mores. If you live for fall, these 12 cities are terrific year-round, but this time of year, they are downright dazzling.
Chattanooga, TN
- Average rent: $1,212 per month
- Best leaf-peeping location: Signal Mountain
- Peak fall foliage: Late October to early November
From Enterprise South Nature Park to Lula Lake, there are so many terrific destinations in Chattanooga! Every weekend in October, Rock City’s Rocktoberfest provides excellent food, specialty beer, live music, and fun for the whole family. Hiking trails offer miles of scenic beauty, from the 92 acres at Stringer’s Ridge to the trails along the Tennessee River. Best of all, at $1,212 per month, the average rent in Chattanooga is well below the national average of $1,900.
Charlottesville, VA
- Average rent: $1,515 per month
- Best leaf-peeping location: Shenandoah National Park
- Peak fall foliage: Early to late October
With UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Monticello and the University of Virginia, both designed by Thomas Jefferson, and the breathtaking expanse of Shenandoah National Park, Charlottesville is beautiful year-round. However, when autumn arrives, the city is stunning. Fall is the best time to explore the 40-plus wineries in the area on the Monticello Wine Trail, visit one of the many orchards to do some apple-picking, or spend the weekend hiking and camping in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Charlottesville is filled with fun and natural beauty, but it isn’t expensive. With an average monthly rent of just $1,515, Charlottesville offers an unbeatable blend of scenic beauty and affordability.
Portsmouth, NH
- Average rent: $2,122 per month
- Best leaf-peeping location: Piscataqua River
- Peak fall foliage: October 20-31
Portsmouth offers fall river cruises where you can kick back, unwind, and savor the scenery. These cruises operate from mid-September to October, providing breathtaking views of both New Hampshire’s natural beauty and Maine’s brilliant autumn hues. To make this incredible experience even better, the route is mostly untouched, allowing you to enjoy the splendid fall foliage without any distractions. Portsmouth is the third-oldest city in the nation, and it still contains several historic buildings and homes. Walking through this port city is like stepping back in time, and during autumn, it’s even more enchanting. While the cost to rent an apartment in Portsmouth is higher than the national average, this delightful coastal gem is comparable to other New England locales.
Portland, ME
- Average rent: $1,639 per month
- Best leaf-peeping location: Cathedral Park
- Peak fall foliage: October 21- 27
The best way to see fall in all its glory is by cruising the Casco Bay. However, if you’d rather drive, head about an hour outside Portland to the White Mountains and enjoy the stunning views. Fall is an ideal time to discover the gorgeous wineries on the Maine Wine Trail. Celebrate all things pumpkin on Maine’s Pumpkin Trail, which spans 40 miles of coastline. If you love fall and history, you’ll enjoy both in the Old Port District in Downtown Portland. This city section contains cobblestone streets and historic architecture, creating a storybook setting any time of year, but especially in the fall. Visit the Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth for more history and beauty. The juxtaposition of the historic lighthouse against the backdrop of fall foliage is stunning. At $1,639 per month, the average rent in Portland is below the national average, making this picture-perfect seaside setting even better.
Asheville, NC
- Average rent: $1,456 per month
- Best leaf-peeping location: Grandfather Mountain
- Peak fall foliage: Late September to early November
The best time to see fall foliage in Asheville depends on elevation. The first signs will begin in late September at the highest elevations, while lower elevations will peak in early November. Start your leaf-peeping at Grandfather Mountain, a terrific hiking destination if you’re up to a rather challenging hike. The Grandfather Mountain Trail is called the “chutes and ladders” trail due to the number of ladders and cables you’ll have to navigate (not to mention the Mile High Swinging Bridge). If you’re up to it, the views from the peak are well worth the hike, especially in autumn. If you’d prefer a slightly less strenuous hike with still-stunning views, hike the Craggy Pinnacle Trail to the Craggy Pinnacle. Get ready to take plenty of pictures! The average rent in Asheville is below the national average, making this an excellent location for renters, and the city is famous for its number of small, locally owned businesses, perfect if you enjoy finding unique treasures.
San Francisco, CA
- Average rent: $2,831 per month
- Best leaf-peeping location: Marin Headlands
- Peak fall foliage: Mid-October to early November
While the West Coast isn’t as famous for its fall foliage as New England and other East Coast regions, there are some beautiful spots in the San Francisco area for enjoying fall foliage. Head over to Golden Gate Park, where you can stroll beneath the towering eucalyptus trees, or visit the San Francisco Botanical Garden within the park to witness a diverse array of trees from around the world donning their autumnal hues. For a more immersive experience, take a short drive across the Golden Gate Bridge to the Marin Headlands, where you'll find scenic trails and sweeping city vistas framed by the changing leaves of native oak and maple trees. Additionally, a day trip to wine country in Napa or Sonoma, just a few hours from San Francisco, will treat you to the stunning sight of vineyards ablaze with red and orange foliage, making it a perfect destination for fall foliage enthusiasts.
While the average rent in San Franciso is higher than the national average at $2,831, rent prices have decreased in the city in the past year, making it a bit more affordable.
Bend, OR
- Average rent: $1,660 per month
- Best leaf-peeping location: Silver Falls State Park
- Peak fall foliage: Mid-September to Mid-October
How do 10 waterfalls and gorgeous hiking trails through rich fall foliage sound? Silver Falls State Park is an excellent leaf-peeping location, and it’s only the beginning if you live in Bend. Explore the Columbia River Gorge, hike the Deschutes River Trail, or discover the breathtaking beauty of Oregon’s wine country, awash in fall’s splendor. With the average rent in Bend around $1,660 per month, you can enjoy all Bend has to offer at a price that’s below the national average.
Milwaukee, WI
- Average rent: $1,060 per month
- Best leaf-peeping location: Holly Hill
- Peak fall foliage: Third week of October
While beer might be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Milwaukee, there’s much more to Brew City! Milwaukee has a wide variety of scenic destinations. Enjoy the view from North Point Lighthouse, tackle the 17 miles of hiking trails to Lapham Peak, or visit Boerner Botanical Gardens and enjoy waterfalls surrounded by brilliant fall foliage. At $1,060, the average rent in Milwaukee is far below the national average so you can enjoy a lifetime of gorgeous fall seasons.
Louisville, KY
- Average rent: $1,026 per month
- Best leaf-peeping location: Cherokee Park
- Peak fall foliage: October 5-21
The Kentucky Derby isn’t the only big event in Louisville! Fall puts on a spectacular show with fantastic destinations like the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, which features a spectacular tree canopy. With its waterfalls framed by fall foliage, Clifty Falls State Park is spectacular and well worth the hike. Jefferson Memorial Forest is also a must-see during the fall. Renting in Louisville is affordable, with the average rent around $1,026.
Dawsonville, GA
- Average rent: $1,480 per month
- Best leaf-peeping location: Amicalola Falls State Park
- Peak fall foliage: Late October to early November
Famous for its fall moonshine festival and being home to one of the state’s natural wonders, Dawsonville is fall wrapped in a cozy sweater. Situated about 60 miles north of Atlanta, this mountain hideaway is still close enough to the city when you want to experience all the metro has to offer. Dawsonville is home to Amicalola Falls, the third-highest waterfall east of the Mississippi River. The 729-foot waterfall is stunning any time of year, but in the fall it puts on a show you won’t want to miss. The average rent in Dawsonville is lower than the national average and slightly below the Atlanta average of $1,581.
Salt Lake City, UT
- Average rent: $1,376 per month
- Best leaf-peeping location: Big Cottonwood Canyon
- Peak fall foliage: Late September to early October
From the dazzling yellows of the quaking aspen to the purples and reds of the Gambel oaks, Utah is a beautiful state in the fall. Take a drive along the Big Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Byway or go hiking in the canyon and soak in the amazing views. Famous for outdoor adventures ranging from camping and mountain biking to skiing and snowboarding, there’s much to love about the mountains and forests of Salt Lake City. Rent in Salt Lake City is relatively affordable, averaging around $1,376 per month, which is below the national average.
Denver, CO
- Average rent: $1,668 per month
- Best leaf-peeping location: Rocky Mountain National Park
- Peak fall foliage: Mid September to Early November
Located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Denver has impressive views no matter what the time of year, but in fall, it’s magical. Peak fall foliage will depend on elevation, with higher elevations peaking in early to mid-September to lower elevations peaking in early November. Enjoy the beautiful aspen groves of the Guanella Pass, take a ride on the Georgetown Loop Railroad, or pedal your way along the 40-mile Cherry Creek Bike Trail, named one of the top five bike paths in the country. Rocky Mountain National Park is a must in the fall, with colors starting in September at the higher elevations. Head to Hidden Valley and you might glimpse elk as they migrate down from the high country, passing along the gold and yellow hues of the aspens as they do so. At $1,668, rent in Denver is below the national average so you can find your place in the mile-high city and start enjoying the stunning fall colors and mountain views.
As the vibrant colors of autumn paint the landscapes and the crisp, cool air fills the streets, these twelve affordable cities prove to be more than just an autumn treat; they are year-round gems waiting to be explored. Whether you're captivated by the stunning foliage in New England's Portsmouth and Portland or seeking outdoor adventures in the picturesque landscapes of Chattanooga, Bend, or Salt Lake City, there's an affordable city for every renter’s taste. From the charming southern hospitality of Louisville to the eclectic vibes of San Francisco, these cities offer unique experiences that won't break the bank.
