In a list released by Scratch Wireless, a telecommunication company based in Massachusetts, Brookhaven was named among the 25 most affordable cities in the United States.

In an effort to highlight some “hidden gems” for those seeking a new place to call home, the company searched for cities with a low cost of living, departments and organizations providing a range of activities, decent educational systems with high graduation rates, low crime rates and higher than average employment opportunities. With a population of over 12,000 and a labeling as a family-friendly place, Brookhaven made the cut. Each city chosen had a population of at least 3,000.

“This is further evidence of how the Chamber of Commerce has been marketing the community,” Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Garrick Combs said.

The article highlighted Brookhaven’s cost of living index of 78 which is 21.9% lower that the national average. Also highlighted was the Brookhaven Parks and Recreation Department and the host of activities it offers.

“Brookhaven is a great place to work, a beautiful and safe community and it is great that others are recognizing what we at the Chamber have known for a while,” Combs said.

Also included in the list were Lake Charles, Louisiana, Jefferson City, Missouri, and Kingston, Tennessee.