10 of the Cheapest Places to Buy a Home in America
Home prices have soared in recent years, leaving millions of would-be homeowners stuck on the sidelines, unable to afford their piece of the American Dream.
But rather than giving up dreams of homeownership, it is possible to move to another city and find something more affordable.
Recently, Realtor.com highlighted 10 of the cheapest places to buy a home in America. The cities are ranked based on their median home value.
Following is a list of places where homebuying dreams remain within reach, even if your income is modest.
10. Topeka, Kansas
Median home value: $184,950
The capital of Kansas is home to several large companies, including AT&T, Goodyear and the candy company Mars.
If you crave the excitement of the big city, the Kansas City, Missouri, metro area is less than an hour away.
9. Macon, Georgia
Median home value: $174,950
There must be something in the water in Macon that produces great musicians. Legends born here include:
- The Allman Brothers Band
- Bill Berry and Mike Mills of REM
- James Brown
- Little Richard
- Otis Redding
8. Utica, New York
Median home value: $169,450
Utica is full of charms. The Utica Union Station is on the National Register of Historic Railroad Landmarks, and the Utica Public Library is on the National Register of Historic Places.
After a day of exploring the sights, stop by O’Scugnizzo Pizzeria, the oldest pizza shop in Upstate New York.
7. Charleston, West Virginia
Median home value: $148,900
The biggest city in West Virginia is the state’s capital. Two institutions of higher learning — the University of Charleston and West Virginia State University — can be found here.
6. Erie, Pennsylvania
Median home value: $148,400
Located on the southern shore of the Great Lake that shares its name, Erie rests about halfway between Cleveland and Buffalo, New York. Visitors flock to Presque Isle State Park, a 3,200-acre peninsula that arches into Lake Erie.
5. Davenport, Iowa
Median home value: $127,400
This community on the banks of the Mississippi River, the border between Iowa and Illinois, boasts that it has been described as “the most livable small city in America.” It is part of the Quad Cities region, a collection of towns in Iowa and Illinois.
4. Youngstown, Ohio
Median home value: $118,000
The downtown area of this city has undergone a revitalization that has helped to spur the arrival of new restaurants and other types of nightlife. You can also explore the 4,400 acres that make up Mill Creek MetroParks.
3. Saginaw, Michigan
Median home value: $112,200
Saginaw promises that visitors will “escape to someplace other-worldly.” Natural beauty abounds at what locals call The Flats, a 10,000-acre wildlife refuge, and historic charm lines the streets of this 19th-century river town.
2. Terre Haute, Indiana
Median home value: $104,900
Terre Haute is a college town. Home to Indiana State University and the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, the city has unveiled the See You in Terre Haute 2025 Community Plan that aims to boost the economy and spark more tourism.
1. Peoria, Ilinois
Median home value: $98,000
The roots of Peoria stretch all the way back to 1680, and this historic town on the banks of the Illinois River remains a prime target for those seeking more affordable home prices. Realtor.com says home prices here start as low as $30,000.
