Unveiled: Top 10 Attractive Metros Where Homes Are Still Priced Below $250,000

As housing costs continue to rise, homebuyers are broadening their search to find more affordable options. Mortgage rates exceeding 6% and ongoing economic uncertainty are pushing budget-conscious buyers toward cities where their money stretches further. Fortunately, such cities still exist.

Realtor.com has highlighted 10 metropolitan areas where homes are priced under $250,000roughly $175,000 below the national medianwhile offering strong local amenities that make these locations appealing. Hannah Jones, senior economic research analyst at Realtor.com, notes, "Even in todays challenging housing market, several smaller metros provide a rare mix of affordability and stability. In many of these places, home prices align closely with local incomes, allowing a typical household to purchase a standard home without being priced out."

Jones adds that the availability of homes under $250,000, especially in regions of the Midwest, Northeast, and Appalachia, proves that affordable housing hasnt vanished. "Buyers willing to explore beyond major cities can still find attainable prices, manageable competition, and a realistic path to homeownership," she explains.

Featured Affordable Cities

• Pottsville, PA Located 50 miles from Allentown, Pottsville features a lively cultural scene, pedestrian-friendly downtown, and safe streets. The city is known for craft breweries, arts, and diverse dining options.
• Elmira, NY Just 33 miles from Ithaca, Elmira offers a relaxed small-town atmosphere with a historic downtown and landmarks such as Mark Twains former residence.
• Wheeling, WV Nicknamed "The Friendly City," Wheeling is a riverfront town popular for tubing, fishing, and canoeing. It is one hour from Pittsburgh.
• Wichita Falls, TX Located 137 miles south of Dallas, Wichita Falls appeals with low housing costs, military influence from Sheppard Air Force Base, and outdoor amenities like the 20-mile Circle Trail.
• Ottawa, IL About 80 miles southwest of Chicago, Ottawa is a welcoming small city at the meeting point of two scenic rivers, featuring a lively historic downtown, shops, dining, and festivals.
• St. Joseph, MO Located 28 miles from Kansas City, St. Joseph is home to the Kansas City Chiefs Summer Training Camp, a 26-mile parkway linking parks, and the Pony Express Museum.
• Marinette, WI Situated on the Menominee River near Green Bay, Marinette is 143 miles from Milwaukee and offers affordable living and access to waterfalls, trails, and a peaceful small-town lifestyle.
• Waterloo, IA Eight miles from Cedar Rapids, Waterloo has an extensive trail network, arts and museum district, and many locally owned restaurants, combining midsized city convenience with less congestion.
• Joplin, MO Seventy miles from Springfield, Joplin features a vibrant downtown, affordable cost of living, and proximity to outdoor activities in the Grand Falls and Ozarks region.
• Watertown, NY Located 28 miles from the Canadian border, Watertown offers good schools, local healthcare, a quieter lifestyle, and is 69 miles from Syracuse.

Author: Sophia Brooks