Home ownership statistics are no longer relevant in many American cities for many potential home buyers.
Amid high interest rates and a national median hovering around $399,900, homebuyers who refuse to pay off are getting creative—and finding a place.
Realtor.com® has identified 10 metros where you can still buy a home for under $300,000 without sacrificing livable amenities.
“These metros tend to offer a combination of affordability and strong local employment bases,” it saidHannah Jonessenior economic research analyst at Realtor.com.
“Many are anchored by stable institutions such as universities, health care systems, military installations, or manufacturing facilities, which help support consistent housing demand. Many have seen stable price appreciation in recent years, providing a predictable and stable market environment for buyers.”
According to Jones, the presence of metros under $300,000 shows that affordable housing options still exist in parts of the country.
“These markets show that home ownership is always available outside of the most competitive and underserved regions of the country,” he said.
“Home prices in these markets remain much closer to local income levels than in more expensive metros,” Jones continued. “That alignment would allow a middle-income family to be able to afford a middle-priced home, especially with traditional financing.”
While affordability pressures remain, he says, “the gap between income and home prices is generally less severe than in major coastal or Sun Belt markets.”
According to Jones, buyers in these areas often face less competitive bidding and lower prices than larger metros.
“That can translate into more negotiating power, more manageable monthly payments, and a clearer way to build equity,” he says. “While inventory constraints and interest rates are still significant, the overall barrier to entry is generally lower than in more expensive markets.”
Joplin, MO
January 2026 list price: $237,600
2020 list price: $147,706
Median household income: $51,154
Sitting at the crossroads of Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma, Joplin serves as a regional center for healthcare, manufacturing, and retail. It has a great downtown with local shops and restaurants, easy access to outdoor recreation along nearby Ozark trails, and a close, neighborly feel.
Dayton, OH
January 2026 list price: $239,900
2020 list price: $149,900
Median household income: $43,454
Dayton carries a legacy of innovation as a city where the Wright the brothers first flew, and that spirit of innovation continues amid the growing health care and advanced manufacturing industries. Due to the high cost of living, residents have access to an unexpectedly rich art scene and an extensive network of paved trails across the country, stretching over 300 miles.
Columbus, GA
January 2026 list price: $240,000
Median list price in 2020: $183,900
Median household income: $56,622
With easy access to both Atlanta and the Gulf Coast, Columbus is an affordable city that straddles the Georgia-Alabama border. It is home to Fort Moore, one of the US Army’s largest training facilities. It also has a revitalized uptown district along the Chattahoochee River.
Champaign, IL
January 2026 list price: $247,150
Median list price in 2020: $158,900
Median household income: $57,544
Champaign is a vibrant college town powered by the University of Illinois. With its first busy schedule, technology and engineering jobs are booming. The city also has a lively downtown filled with eclectic restaurants and live music venues.
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, PA
January 2026 list price: $259,900
2020 list price: $149,900
Median household income: $49,531
Scranton has a growing health care and education sector that strengthens the economy, and Philadelphia and New York City are each within a few hours’ drive.
“Home prices in Scranton are 20% to 35% lower than in Philadelphia,” he said. Denise SuppleePennsylvania real estate agent and founder of SparkRental. “There’s skiing near the Pocono Mountains, and it’s a popular hiking spot. It has a lot of a small-community feel.”
Cedar Rapids, IA
January 2026 list price: $264,900
Median list price in 2020: $205,000
Median household income: $67,859
“In addition to affordability, we have a very low crime rate, and it’s a safe place to raise a family,” Cedar Rapids real estate agent. Maggie Drugerof Skogman Realty, tells Realtor.com. “It’s a big city with a small town feel that’s growing and attracting more businesses.”
Amarillo, TX
January 2026 list price: $290,500
Median list price in 2020: $227,344
Median household income: $62,469
“While many housing markets have seen their median sales price rise, Amarillo is leading the way in affordability across the state and even the nation,” Douglas A. Campbellboard chairman of the Amarillo Association of Realtors, tells Realtor.com.
“The median sales price in Amarillo currently sits about 30% to 40% below the national average, and the cost of living is one of the lowest in the country,” he adds.
Bangor, ME
January 2026 list price: $295,000
Median list price in 2020: $165,000
Median household income: $58,096
Known as his hometown Stephen KingBangor is only an hour away from Acadia National Park. The city combines small-town New England charm with a growing economy in healthcare, education, and tourism. It offers affordable living, and a walkable downtown with local breweries and eclectic shops.
Duluth, MN
January 2026 list price: $295,000
2020 list price: $189,200
Median household income: $66,263
Sitting on the shores of Lake Superior, Duluth offers a thriving outdoor culture built around the world, biking, skiing and kayaking. Duluth combines its natural beauty with a growing economy for health care and education. It’s also home to a healthy food and craft beer scene and a revitalized waterfront district.
Louisville, KY
January 2026 list price: $299,990
Median list price in 2020: $238,570
Median household income: $64,731
Louisville is a city full of Southern charm and is best known as the home of the Kentucky Derby and the famous Churchill Downs. Beyond the horses, Louisville has a thriving bourbon scene along the Urban Bourbon Trail and a lively food culture. And jobs are not in short supply, thanks to its diverse economy in health care, transportation, and aging industries.
