Living near a national forest can mean weekend trail access, cleaner views, and a slower pace without giving up basic services. The challenge is finding places where housing and daily costs still feel within reach.

In Upshur County, West Virginia, a weekend getaway does not require a packed itinerary. From trails and rivers to locally owned restaurants and a walkable downtown, Buckhannon offers a small-town escape with plenty of ways to get outside and slow down.

In the heart of Kansas, Hutchinson offers an unexpected journey from outer space to underground salt mines, with a world-class space museum, wide-open trails and a lively downtown making it an ideal destination for an out-of-this-world day trip.