3 Connecticut locales made Advance America‘s list of 110 Best Neighborhoods to Eat Well on a Budget in America.

The highest-ranked among them might surprise you.

Ranking 65th overall, Downtown Mystic was Connecticut’s top option for eating well on a budget, according to Advance America:

“Downtown Mystic combines small-town charm with a forward-thinking food scene. Farm-style shops sell fresh produce and organic goods, while several zero-waste eateries serve wholesome, affordable meals. It’s a spot where visitors can enjoy healthy dining while soaking up Mystic’s coastal character.”

Not far behind was Hartford’s South End at 70th, which “has a strong community feel… that extends to its dining scene, according to Advance America. “Cafes and restaurants in the neighborhood focus on wholesome, budget-friendly meals. Eating well here is accessible, affordable, and very much part of the local lifestyle.”

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Westville in New Haven barely managed to squeak onto the list at 109th, thanks to its “small but lively neighborhood with plenty of healthy and affordable dining options,” according to Advance America.

As for the best neighborhood nationally to eat well on a budget, that honor went to Athens, Georgia, according to the survey.

Check out the full top ten below, courtesy of Advance America:

Athens, Georgia
College towns know how to stretch a dollar, but Athens takes it to another level. The city’s farmers’ markets brim with fresh produce and local specialties, while independent cafés and restaurants serve up meals that are both tasty and budget-friendly. From Southern classics to creative vegetarian plates, Athens makes eating well a habit, not a splurge.
Riverside, Jacksonville, Florida
Riverside is a feast for both the eyes and the appetite. Its historic streets are lined with cafés that keep menus affordable without cutting corners on flavor. The Riverside Arts Market, held beneath the Fuller Warren Bridge, overflows with fresh produce and artisanal bites. It’s a neighborhood where “good food” is as much about community as it is about the cuisine.
Downtown Greenville, South Carolina
Greenville has quietly built one of the Southeast’s most celebrated food scenes — and it’s refreshingly accessible. The Saturday market draws crowds for its local produce, while the downtown district is peppered with restaurants offering creative dishes at approachable prices. Whether it’s a quick bite on Main Street or a sit-down dinner, Greenville proves you don’t need deep pockets to eat well.
East Nashville, Tennessee
Trendy yet approachable, East Nashville has become a magnet for foodies who appreciate personality on their plates. The neighborhood farmers’ market offers everything from heirloom vegetables to artisanal baked goods, while its eclectic mix of restaurants caters to diners on a budget. It’s a neighborhood where eating well feels effortless.
North Charleston, South Carolina
This city may be known for industry, but North Charleston’s eateries are buzzing. The farmers’ market overflows with local produce, while the city’s restaurants — from soulful Southern kitchens to global flavors — keep nutritious, affordable meals on the table. It’s proof that dining well doesn’t require a premium price tag.
Downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee
Chattanooga’s revitalized downtown hums with energy, and its food scene keeps pace. The farmers’ market showcases organic produce and locally made goods, while neighborhood cafés and restaurants focus on hearty, budget-friendly meals. Whether you’re fueling up before an outdoor adventure or winding down with a casual dinner, Chattanooga keeps eating well accessible.
East Austin, Texas
Food trucks, live music, and a proudly quirky vibe define East Austin. Here, affordable doesn’t mean ordinary: street-side tacos, globally inspired bowls, and artisanal snacks dominate the menus. Farmers’ markets add another layer of fresh options, making the neighborhood one of the city’s best places to eat well without emptying your wallet.
Old Town Albuquerque, New Mexico
Steeped in history but forward-looking in its food, Old Town makes dining on a budget feel special. The farmers’ market offers fresh, locally grown produce, while neighborhood cafés blend traditional Southwestern flavors with modern twists. It’s a spot where character and cuisine go hand in hand — at a price that encourages repeat visits.
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Lancaster is more than Amish quilts and rolling fields — it’s also a rising culinary hub. The Central Market, one of the oldest in the country, sells fresh, local ingredients at fair prices. Around town, cafés and restaurants are serving dishes that highlight quality without inflating costs. Eating well here means enjoying both history and flavor in every bite.
Downtown Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville has long been known for its mountain charm and artistic spirit, and the food scene is no exception. Farmers’ markets offer organic produce and local goods, while area restaurants emphasize wholesome meals at approachable prices. Add a dash of Appalachian culture, and Asheville serves up one of the most inviting spots for budget-conscious foodies.

“Eating well isn’t just about what’s on the plate — it’s about access, affordability, and real-life schedules,” said Laura McCutcheon, VP of Marketing at Advance America. “These spots show that dining well doesn’t need to be complicated or costly – it just needs to be part of the community fabric.”

https://www.courant.com/2025/10/05/looking-to-eat-well-on-a-budget-3-ct-locales-make-national-list/