Affordable Housing Options Across the U.S.
Even outside the big cities and coastal areas, there are plenty of budget-friendly places in the U.S. where people can find homes.
With property prices soaring and mortgage rates climbing, many potential homebuyers are feeling hesitant. Realtor.com has compiled a list of ten metropolitan areas that have more affordable home prices as of October.
The median listing price for homes in the U.S. hit around $424,000 last month. Interestingly, as the temperatures dropped in October, the market in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, also faced cooler conditions.
Despite the tough market, some areas, particularly in the Northeast, Midwest, and Appalachians, still offer reasonably priced homes.
For instance, Wheeling, West Virginia features listings with a median price of $179,975. This charming small city is about 80 miles from Allentown, and it has a friendly downtown atmosphere along with easy access to the Yuengling Brewery, the oldest operating brewery in the country.
Wheeling, often regarded as the birthplace of West Virginia and extending into parts of Ohio, also has something going for it. Its closeness to Pittsburgh paired with affordable housing makes it an appealing option, especially with home prices just under $180,000.
Elmira, New York, stands out as the second least expensive city on the list. Situated 53 miles from Ithaca, it boasted a median list price of only $179,900 in October. Meanwhile, Watertown-Fort Drum, near the Canadian border, offers homes at a median price of $249,950, just under the mark and with a small-town vibe, conveniently located about an hour away from Syracuse.
Most of the other affordable metros cited by Realtor.com are found in the Midwest. Ottawa, Illinois, for example, is a quaint town of roughly 18,800 people, nestled at the meeting point of two scenic rivers. It’s known for its low median home price, which is just under $200,000.
Additionally, in the mid-sized metro area of St. Joseph, which spans parts of Missouri and Kansas, the median listing price was around $227,125. Similarly, Marinette, positioned between Wisconsin and Michigan, reported a median price of $227,425.
On the Southern front, Wichita Falls, Texas holds its ground with a median list price of $199,900, marking it as an affordable option. It serves as a great alternative for those seeking budget-friendly living close to Dallas.
