10 affordable cities where you can still buy a home for under $300,000

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.”Median list price: $178,2502019 median list price: $113,450Median household income: $56,828Just 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.Median list price: $217,9502019 median list price: $158,000Median household income: $63,133Named 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 ...