This western Maryland metro area is closer in spirit (and geography) to Appalachia than to the cosmopolitan Washington, D.C. Its economy grew from extractive industries and the iron and coal mines, as well as the timbered hillsides, provided much of the economic drive early in Cumberland's history.
By the end of World War II, those industries started to fade and not much has arisen to take its place. The economy now depends more on health care provider and government. As a gateway to the beautiful hill country west of here, the city has also seen a rise in tourism.
Population growth is stagnant and there's very light demand for homes. The median price for homes sold in early 2011 barely exceeded $80,000, according to the National Association of Realtors. That's enough to buy a well-kept four-bedroom colonial on the market north of downtown.
NEXT: Grand Rapids, Mich. Median price: $81,100
