What are some good cities to live in around the US?

I currently rent in Long Beach and want to buy a house for my family. I want to know about any cities that are relatively cheap and safe anywhere in the US. I've looked at Palmdale and Lancaster but it seems that the reputation isn't very good as of lately, high crime being the worst aspect. I want a house for under $100k, safe neighborhoods and preferably a place where the seasons are recognizable (real winters with snow, real autumn etc.). I've looked into the St. Louis area and there seems to be some promise there, but where are some of the safer places to live and raise a family and have a decent job and decent schools as well. I'm close to graduating with an Associates in Accounting and was wondering if the places that might come up have a market for some one like me, my wife has been a medical biller for a couple years so there is that as well. We prefer an actual house over a mobile home or a condo, we want the yard for our daughter to play in, plus we don't want the additional land lease cost that comes with mobile homes/parks. Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks.