Lower-budget homebuyers are increasingly gravitating toward markets where their dollars can stretch further.
Several attractive metro areas still offer median home prices under $300,000 – well below the $425,000 national median. These areas provide more affordable paths to homeownership without sacrificing lifestyle or big-city conveniences, according to Realtor.com.
"In these markets, home prices are more closely aligned with local incomes, allowing the typical household to afford the typical for-sale home," said 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."
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Here are the top 10 desirable metros where homebuyers can still find prices under $300,000:
Median list price: $184,900
Median household income: $56,828
Muncie, located about an hour from Indianapolis, is home to Ball State University and outdoor attractions including the 750-acre Prairie Creek Reservoir.
Median list price: $199,900
Median household income: $63,133
Roughly 60 miles from Detroit, Toledo features a prominent arts scene anchored by the Toledo Museum of Art.
Median list price: $224,950
Median household income: $59,424
Battle Creek, located about two hours from Detroit and three hours from Chicago, was recently ranked the fifth-best city in the U.S. for veterans to live, according to Realtor.com.
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Median list price: $245,000
Median household income: $72,935
Located in western Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh is home to major professional sports teams – the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates – and has a strong tech presence.
Median list price: $250,000
Median household income: $68,695
Along the southern shore of Lake Erie, Cleveland offers lakeside parks, as well as a growing culinary scene and arts community.
Median list price: $260,000
Median household income: $63,615
Roughly 100 miles from both New York City and Philadelphia, Scranton features breweries, historic theaters and is featured as the home city of the fictional company Dunder Mifflin from "The Office" television show.
Median list price: $259,900
Median household income: $71,055
Founded in 1832, Buffalo is two hours from Toronto and is home to more than a half-dozen Frank Lloyd Wright designs, according to the Visit Buffalo website.
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Median list price: $285,000
Median household income: $70,286
Wichita features a standout food scene, including craft breweries and Kansas BBQ, along with a prominent local theater and music community.
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Median list price: $285,000
Median household income: $71,983
Situated along the Kentucky River and within an hour of both Louisville and Lexington, Frankfort is surrounded by rolling hills and walking trails.
Median list price: $291,990
Median household income: $79,869
St. Louis offers a growing startup community, hiking spots, a thriving craft beer scene and is home to the iconic Gateway Arch.
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