Affordability is at the top of everyone’s minds these days, especially in this challenging economy full of financial uncertainty.
As economic conditions remain unstable, lower-budget homebuyers are increasingly drawn to more affordable communities.
Mortgage rates continue to hover close to the 6% mark and there’s plenty of active inventory to choose from. Active listings grew 15.3% year over year, according to the Realtor.com® market trends report.
For people who are looking to move into homeownership, there are several affordable metros where you can get in at a good price point, have a satisfying quality of life, and not sacrifice the conveniences of a bustling city.
Realtor.com has highlighted 10 desirable metros with homes under $300,000—which is an impressive $125,000 below the national median.
“In these markets, home prices are more closely aligned with local incomes, allowing the typical household to afford the typical for-sale home,” says Hannah Jones, senior economic research analyst at Realtor.com. “The existence of these affordable areas, even if limited, offers encouraging news for buyers committed to purchasing in one of these regions.”
Muncie, IN
Median list price: $178,250
2019 median list price: $113,450
Median household income: $56,828
Just an hour away from Indianapolis, the capital city of Indiana, the charming city of Muncie is home to Ball State University, the alma mater of comedian and late-night talk show host David Letterman. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the 750-acre Prairie Creek Reservoir, perfect for boating, hiking, and cycling.
Toledo, OH
Median list price: $217,950
2019 median list price: $158,000
Median household income: $63,133
Named by Realtor.com as the top real estate market in spring 2025, Toledo is located about 60 miles from Detroit. The city has an incredible arts scene centered around the renowned Toledo Museum of Art. It also has a lower risk of climate-related disasters compared with coastal areas, which gives residents peace of mind.
Battle Creek, MI
Median list price: $229,999
2019 median list price: $154,743
Median household income: $59,424
Battle Creek was recently named the fifth best city in the nation for veterans to live. It’s centrally located, positioned conveniently between Detroit (two hours away) and Chicago (three hours away). The affordable city is also the home of Kellogg’s, and hosts the National Cereal Festival every year.
Pittsburgh
Median list price: $250,000
2019 median list price: $190,000
Median household income: $72,935
This vibrant city is home to three major professional sports teams: the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Pittsburgh Pirates, and the Pittsburgh Penguins. And Realtor.com recently named Pittsburgh the most affordable metro in the nation.
“Young professionals are realizing they don’t have to give up quality of life to live affordably,” Emily Hatfield, vice president of marketing and communications of VisitPITTSBURGH, tells Realtor.com. “In Pittsburgh, you can buy a home, enjoy a thriving food and nightlife scene, and still be just minutes away from parks, trails, and three beautiful rivers.”
Cleveland
Median list price: $259,900
2019 median list price: $189,900
Median household income: $68,695
Cleveland’s perch on Lake Erie is a major part of its charm, offering residents lakeside parks plus a growing arts and culinary scene—without the sky-high housing costs found in coastal or in-demand cities. The area also has relatively low climate risks and a renewed urban energy that’s revitalizing its neighborhoods.
Scranton-Wilkes-Barre, PA
Median list price: $262,350
2019 median list price: $158,000
Median household income: $63,615
Many know Scranton as the backdrop for the fictional Dunder Mifflin Paper Co. featured in “The Office”—but the city’s appeal goes far beyond its TV claim to fame. Scranton’s downtown has been revitalizing, with local restaurants, breweries, and historical theaters. And if you’re craving a big-city fix, it’s just 100 miles from New York City and 105 miles from Philadelphia.
“Scranton is located near the popular Pocono Mountains, and offers a much slower and quieter pace than Philadelphia,” says Denise Supplee, a Pennsylvania real estate agent and co-founder of SparkRental. “Property taxes are also noticeably cheaper in Scranton, which is another big perk.”
Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY
Median list price: $267,450
2019 median list price: $199,900
Median household income: $71,055
Being about two hours from Toronto and a short flight from New York City is a huge bonus for people living in Buffalo.
“Plus, people genuinely love living somewhere with all four seasons,” says Colleen Collier, associate real estate broker at Buffalo’s Re/Max Plus. “Add in our incredible food scene—Buffalo wings started here for a reason!—lake access, beautiful parks, and passionate professional sports, and you get a place where people feel rooted quickly.”
Wichita, KS
Median list price: $285,000
2019 median list price: $209,890
Median household income: $70,286
Wichita has landed on the Realtor.com 50 Hottest ZIP Codes of 2025 list, highlighting its rising popularity with Midwest homebuyers looking for value. Wichita has a lively cultural side with a strong local music and theater community, the Wichita Art Museum, and the botanical gardens at Botanica Wichita. Its food scene is also impressive, featuring classic Kansas BBQ, craft breweries, and gourmet food trucks.
Frankfort, KY
Median list price: $292,050
2019 median list price: $209,225
Median household income: $71,983
Frankfort is part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and is home to the iconic Buffalo Trace Distillery. Situated along the Kentucky River, Frankfort is surrounded by rolling hills, lush greenery, and walking trails. The historic state capital is also within an hour of both Louisville and Lexington, giving residents easy access to major airports and big-city amenities.
St. Louis
Median list price: $295,900
2019 median list price: $220,000
Median household income: $79,869
St. Louis is becoming a rising force in the nation’s tech landscape, offering far more than just affordability. Its growing startup community fuels a strong job market, and locals enjoy beautiful hiking spots, an acclaimed zoo, and a standout craft beer scene.