Housing markets nationwide are cooling fast, but it would be a stretch to call many of them “cheap.” After years of climbing prices, values remain elevated in many places.
If you still feel priced out in your community of choice, perhaps it’s time to look elsewhere. Recently, Realtor.com identified 10 markets where homes remain surprisingly affordable.
Some of these markets have faced economic challenges in recent years but have much to recommend them. As Realtor.com notes, “they all have plenty of surprisingly nice homes that are seriously well-priced.”
Following are the cheapest cities in America to purchase a house now.
10. Augusta, Georgia
Median home list price per square foot: $150
Median home list price: $311,575
Augusta is probably best known as the home of golf’s Masters Tournament, but it also is a “center for medicine, manufacturing and the military,” according to the city’s official website.
Located about 150 miles east of Atlanta, it is the second-oldest city in Georgia.
9. Columbia, South Carolina
Median home list price per square foot: $146
Median home list price: $308,900
Columbia is the capital of South Carolina and home to the University of South Carolina.
Locals refer to it as the “Soda City,” a tribute to the fact that an early abbreviation for the city was “Cola.”
7. McAllen, Texas (tie)
Median home list price per square foot: $144
Median home list price: $270,000
One of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., McAllen attracts those seeking mild winter weather and the many birds that fill its skies.
In fact, the city boasts that it is “the most productive birding location in North America,” a place where you can spot 540 bird species and more than 330 butterfly species.
7. Indianapolis (tie)
Median home list price per square foot: $144
Median home list price: $300,000
Indianapolis is known as the “racing capital of the world,” as it hosts three major races — the Indy 500, Brickyard 400 and U.S. Grand Prix Formula One race.
It is also home to the largest children’s museum in the world.
6. Little Rock, Arkansas
Median home list price per square foot: $141
Median home list price: $298,873
Nestled on the banks of the Arkansas River, Little Rock is located smack-dab in the middle of the state.
If you’re looking for excitement here, the River Market District features restaurants, shops, museums and a hopping nightlife.
5. Jackson, Mississippi
Median home list price per square foot: $138
Median home list price: $299,000
Jackson bills itself as the “city with soul,” a tribute to its perseverance and triumphant spirit. It is the home of the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum.
You’ll also find authentic Southern cuisine at local restaurants and music ranging from the blues to classical.
4. Wichita, Kansas
Median home list price per square foot: $134
Median home list price: $304,475
Wichita is the place to be if you want to breathe in fresh air. Its air quality index is 21% better than the national average, and its pollution index beats 95% of the rest of the nation.
Two of the world’s most famous fast-food restaurants — Pizza Hut and White Castle — were born in Wichita. The city also is home to three universities.
3. Syracuse, New York
Median home list price per square foot: $130
Median home list price: $217,250
If you don’t mind a little snow, Syracuse is an overlooked gem. Syracuse University is located here, and the city also hosts the New York State Fair.
As for the snow, no metropolitan area in the U.S. gets more of it than Syracuse. In a typical winter, you can expect more than 100 inches of the white stuff.
2. Scranton, Pennsylvania
Median home list price per square foot: $124
Median home list price: $225,000
The beloved TV show “The Office” was set in Scranton, reason enough for millions of fans to give the city a look.
Several institutions of higher learning are based here, and the city’s official website touts a “growing downtown business district.”
1. Youngstown, Ohio
Median home list price per square foot: $95
Median home list price: $149,900
Youngstown was once renowned as a center of steel production and like many Rust Belt cities is now looking to redefine itself.
One of the big attractions here is Lanterman’s Mill, which has been restored and now operates along Mill Creek just as it did in the 19th century, grinding corn, wheat and buckwheat.
Chris Kissell
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