Why live in an expensive city when there are some great, affordable treasures out there? Here’s MSN Real Estate’s list of the nine best, livable cities where you won’t need to trade the good life for the boring.

Wichita, Kan.
Wichita is one of the most affordable places in the study, and has some of the best numbers for employment and job growth, thanks to a boom in agriculture and ethanol.

Houses are appreciating in value, even in today’s tough economy. And commute times are blessedly short. The downtown area is being revitalized with new restaurants, shopping centers and parks. Arts and entertainment facilities are stronger than one might expect for a city this size, and the community feel is strong.  And there’s a new convention center along the Arkansas River.

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