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Housing costs are still climbing, but in these metros, ownership is still within reach
Housing is more expensive than it’s ever been. A chronic housing shortage and high mortgage rates have pushed monthly costs to a record $2,819, making renting cheaper than buying in every major U.S. metro. House prices have also risen for nearly two years straight, and are 92% higher than a decade ago ($225,000 in 2015 vs. $431,000 today).
These expenses have had consequences. For example, more people are getting priced out of ownership, and 40% of renters believe they’ll never own a home. A turbulent economy – namely inflation and recession fears – has experts worried that affordability could drop further.
Still, there’s hope. In nearly 20 of the largest U.S. metros, you can still buy a house for under $300,000. Many of them are even affordable for residents earning the local median income.
To help buyers looking for an affordable home, we’ve ranked 10 metros where buying is still within reach, from least to most expensive. We’ll also show how their home prices have changed over the past decade.
10 metros where you can still buy a home for under $300k
1. Detroit, Michigan
- Median sale price: $180,950
- 2015 median sale price: $70,000
- 10-year price increase: +158.5%
Detroit tops the list as the best place to buy a home for under $300,000. Once known as the Motor City, it’s now a place where creativity, community, and grit come together. The cars are still part of its story, but so are coffee shops, street art, and people committed to revitalizing neighborhoods. The city is invested in its future.
Importantly, prices in Detroit have climbed sharply over the past decade, and since March 2020, they have risen nearly 30%. The surge has been driven by limited inventory, strong demand, and slow new construction, compounded by a large number of abandoned homes. Still, even with that growth, Detroit remains the most affordable metropolitan area in the country and offers a rare opportunity to buy a home at an accessible price point.
Detroit homes for sale | Detroit houses for rent | Detroit apartments for rent
2. Cleveland, Ohio
- Median sale price: $227,000
- 2015 median sale price: $110,000
- 10-year price increase: +106.4%
Cleveland is the second-most affordable place to buy a house for under $300K. As an iconic lakeside hub known for its industrial history, work ethic, and love of the arts, Cleveland embraces the past while wading into the future.
While parts of the city are a bit more timeworn, others have already seen major transformation. Downtown, the Detroit–Shoreway district, and the Flats have been revitalized with new businesses, housing, and public spaces. Residential areas like Collinwood, Old Brooklyn, Lee-Harvard, and West Park have also seen investments aimed at rehabilitating homes. This revitalization has pushed out some locals, though.
Cleveland homes for sale | Cleveland houses for rent | Cleveland apartments for rent
3. Dayton, Ohio
- Median sale price: $229,500
- 2015 median sale price: $105,000
- 10-year price increase: +118.6%
Tucked between Cincinnati and Columbus, Dayton is a small city with easy access to major metros. Today, you’ll find that same spirit in its neighborhoods, a growing downtown, and an affordable lifestyle that doesn’t sacrifice culture or convenience.
House prices are still very affordable, with the median sitting at $229,000. However, limited supply and consistent demand has helped prices more than double in the past decade, leading 27% of residents to live in poverty. Increased interest in the area could put added pressure on local affordability. Even so, Dayton remains one of the most budget-friendly markets in Ohio today.
Dayton homes for sale | Dayton houses for rent | Dayton apartments for rent
4. Rochester, New York
- Median sale price: $230,750
- 2015 median sale price: $116,000
- 10-year price increase: +98.9%
Rochester has quietly become one of the best places to live in the country, thanks to its affordable housing, trendy amenities, and sense of self. Built on industry, the city has modernized without losing sight of its past. You’ll still find old factories repurposed into lofts (check out the Grist Mills) and a strong pride in the city’s past – from Kodak to craft beer.
For buyers priced out of bigger metros, Rochester offers the rare combination of value, character, and livability. Neighborhoods like the South Wedge and Park Avenue are full of indie shops and coffeehouses. Plus, you have the University of Rochester just down the way. Winters can be harsh, but Rochester makes up for it with great food options, easy access to the Finger Lakes, and an “emerald necklace” of parks along the Genesee River.
Rochester homes for sale | Rochester houses for rent | Rochester apartments for rent
5. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Median sale price: $235,000
- 2015 median sale price: $135,000
- 10-year price increase: +74.1%
Pittsburgh has transformed from a steel mecca into a modern tech and education hub, without losing its blue-collar spirit. The city is known for its distinct neighborhoods, riverside views, and die-hard sports culture. A revitalized downtown, riverfront parks, hundreds of bridges, and relatively high wages make Pittsburgh a great city to live in.
While home prices have risen, they’ve done so at a slower pace than the national average. That steady growth, paired with a median sale price under $250,000, makes Pittsburgh one of the best metros in the country to buy a home for under $300K.
Pittsburgh homes for sale | Pittsburgh houses for rent | Pittsburgh apartments for rent
6. Buffalo, New York
- Median sale price: $243,000
- 2015 median sale price: $112,250
- 10-year price increase: +116.4%
Buffalo is one of the best places to live in New York, and it shows. What used to be a fading Rust Belt city has become a hub of revitalization, with new downtown development and a hip food and arts scene. Old industries like grain silos and steel plants have been turned into craft breweries and iconic waterfront parks, honoring its roots while preparing for its reborn future.
Buffalo is also remarkably affordable. Home prices are well below the national average, making it one of the few big cities in the Northeast where ownership is still within reach. Inventory is tight thanks to its popularity, but for those who can find a home, Buffalo offers a rare chance to buy into a world-class city at an accessible price.
Buffalo homes for sale | Buffalo houses for rent | Buffalo apartments for rent
7. McAllen, Texas
- Median sale price: $250,000
- 2015 median sale price: $129,000
- 10-year price increase: +93.8%
McAllen has seen nearly a 94% jump in home prices over the past decade, but it still ranks as one of the most affordable places to buy in the country. With a median sale price of $250,000, homeownership is achievable for many buyers, especially compared to prices in larger Texas metros.
McAllen has a lot going for it, if you can stand the heat. The cost of living is low, the community is tight-knit, and its location near the border brings a blend of culture and cuisine. However, average wages sit nearly $11/hour below the national average, making it difficult for locals to afford daily expenses.
McAllen homes for sale | McAllen houses for rent | McAllen apartments for rent
8. Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Median sale price: $258,815
- 2015 median sale price: $173,000
- 10-year price increase: +49.6%
Louisiana’s capital, Baton Rouge, sits northwest of New Orleans in the bluffs along the Mississippi River. The city is filled with Southern history, stately architecture, a lively music and food scene, and more.
Baton Rouge offers some of the most affordable housing in the country, with a median sale price well below $300,000. Home prices have also risen more slowly than in many other cities on this list, too – less than a third as much as in Detroit. However, over half of households in the area still struggle to afford basic necessities, highlighting the gap between housing costs and local wages.
Baton Rouge homes for sale | Baton Rouge houses for rent | Baton Rouge apartments for rent
9. St. Louis, Missouri
- Median sale price: $263,850
- 2015 median sale price: $146,500
- 10-year price increase: +80.1%
St. Louis remains one of the few places where you can still buy a home for under $300K. Even after an 80% price increase over the past decade, the typical home is relatively affordable, especially compared to coastal markets. The metro also boasts a low cost of living, making it appealing for buyers on a budget.
People have been flocking to the region recently, looking for affordable housing amidst record-high nationwide costs. This has unfortunately pushed house prices up. In March, house prices rose at the fourth-fastest rate in the nation. Still, St. Louis continues to offer a strong mix of charm and big-city amenities at a low price.
St. Louis homes for sale | St. Louis houses for rent | St. Louis apartments for rent
10. El Paso, Texas
- Median sale price: $264,000
- 2015 median sale price: $138,175
- 10-year price increase: +91.1%
El Paso is a hot and dry city in Southwestern Texas, known for its Mexican influence, desert scenery, and abundance of sunshine. Check out the city’s diverse neighborhoods – Kern Place and Castner Heights are great – or go hiking in the Franklin Mountains.
Home prices are very affordable in El Paso, and the cost of living is 12% below the national average. While many residents struggle with day-to-day expenses – around a quarter of children live in poverty, and over a third of adults are food insecure – the city remains appealing for its climate and culture. For buyers seeking value and sunshine, El Paso still has a lot to offer.
El Paso homes for sale | El Paso houses for rent | El Paso apartments for rent
Final thoughts
Affordable homes still exist; it just takes knowing where to look. Midwest metros like Detroit, Cleveland, and Dayton generally have the lowest house prices in the country.
Still, affordability isn’t everything. Many of the places on this list are recovering from decades of economic hardship, and poverty remains a real challenge – a few metros have nearly triple the national poverty rate.
Before making a move, consider not just the price of a home, but what day-to-day life looks like. Job opportunities, neighborhood dynamics, and long-term stability all matter – insights you won’t find in a housing market report. Talk with a local Redfin agent to get the scoop, or chat with a resident about what different neighborhoods are like.
Buying in today’s market isn’t easy, especially since most metros on this list favor sellers. But with the right information and strategy, it’s still possible to find a place that fits your budget and your lifestyle.
Methodology
Rankings are based on Redfin’s median home-sale prices for the 91 most populous U.S. metropolitan areas. 2015 house prices are from March 2015 except for McAllen, which is from September 2015.
The post 10 Places Where You Can Still Buy a Home for Under $300K appeared first on Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling & More.
