The US is one of the most expensive countries for property purchases, so it can be a struggle to buy a house at an affordable price. To help you out, we’ve compiled this list of the 19 best US cities to buy a house for under $250,000.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
First, with an average house price of $187,941, Cedar Rapids is an excellent US city to buy an affordable property. Boasting an excellent job market and low unemployment rate, this Iowa city is a great destination to settle down or purchase investment property.
Joliet, Illinois
Ranked as one of the safest cities in the US, Joliet is an outstanding destination for property purchases. Here, you could buy your primary residence with security for your family, or you could purchase a rental property knowing that crime rates are low. Either way, it’ll cost you less than $250,000!
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Real estate in Fort Wayne is wonderfully inexpensive, with the average property price falling below $200,000. The city has a beautiful suburban community with great parks and charming coffee shops, and Niche.com considers it one of the best places to live in Indiana.
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Green Bay has an extremely strong economy that is growing rapidly. Highly qualified people are constantly relocating to the area, giving the city a huge need for quality homes to rent. It may be one of the more expensive cities on our list, but houses still sit comfortably under $250,000.
Des Moines, Iowa
The job market in Des Moines is incredible, with an impressive unemployment rate of just 2.8%. The average property price is also less than $180,000, which allows you to have plenty of room in your budget to enjoy life.
Norman, Oklahoma
With housing 7% cheaper than the national average, Norman is a great place to invest in real estate. The cost of living is also cheaper, making it great for a lower cost of living, and it is considered to be one of the top places to live in Oklahoma.
North Little Rock, Arkansas
The average house price in North Little Rock is just $155,000. It’s arguably even cheaper to live here as there is less competition in the housing market, yet its blend of southern charm, natural beauty, and relaxed pace of life make it a desirable destination.
Jackson, Mississippi
It’s difficult to find a more affordable place to buy real estate than Jackson, with an average home price of $153,900. RentCafe found that housing here is a whopping 27% cheaper than the US average. Utilities are 18% cheaper, while groceries are around 5% cheaper, so it’s a no-brainer!
Tyler, Texas
With great weather, wholesome communities, and no taxes, Texas is one of the most popular places to relocate in the US. Tyler, in particular, is a great city in which to purchase property. With huge properties and average prices under $223,000, homes in Tyler offer incredible value for money.
Amarillo, Texas
Amarillo is home to some of the most stunning properties in the country. Shockingly, the average house price in 2022 was still just $181,193, and that can get you a breathtaking four-bedroom property. There is no need to compromise on quality for a cheaper price in Amarillo.
Pensacola, Florida
Florida is a state renowned for being a little pricey, but with a great climate, a relaxed lifestyle, and no taxes, it’s a great place to invest in real estate. Pensacola is a top choice for budget options, where property for under $250,000 is common.
Lynchburg, Virginia
With Nasdaq sharing Lynchburg’s outstanding livability score of 82, the city is currently one of the best cities in the US to live on the cheap. The cost of living is highly affordable, with property prices making it easy to find a home in a good school district without breaking the bank.
El Paso, Texas
The average house price in El Paso is just over $190,000, and it has a brilliant quality of life. The city offers highly affordable homes in desirable neighborhoods while boasting more than 300 days of sunshine a year, and the culture is vibrant, with 81% of the population being Hispanic.
Independence, Missouri
The housing market in Independence is great for both buying and renting, so the name speaks for itself! You’re guaranteed to find a steal of a house in this city, as the average home value is under $180,000, which is crazy when you think about it!
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
If you’re hoping to live in a big city but don’t want to spend too much, Oklahoma City is a serious option. The average home value is just $183,000, and although it’s one of the most populated places in the US, the cost of living is 13% lower than the national average!
Columbus, Ohio
House prices in Columbus are a whopping 15% cheaper than the national average, and you will undoubtedly find an outstanding property for less than a quarter million. The city also has a great rental market, making it a top city to invest in both long-term and short-term rentals.
High Point, North Carolina
Considered one of the best places to live in North Carolina due to its quaint culture and stunning location, High Point somehow still has absurdly affordable house prices. Both families and young professionals love living there, and while the housing market is somewhat competitive, prices remain low.
Flint, Michigan
According to GoBankingRates, Flint is the best place to find a property for under $250,000, with a staggering 92.8% of houses under this figure. That’s insane! Anyone who grew up will tell you it’s a pleasant place to live, making it a great choice for raising a family.
Indianapolis, Indiana
Last but not least, as the capital and most populous city in Indiana, you would expect housing prices in Indianapolis to be sky-high. In contrast, they couldn’t be more affordable, allowing you to purchase a city property for well under $250,000. The average market value is $212,980, growing cheaper the further from the city you get.
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