The 9 Most Affordable (and Awesome) Cities for Buying a Home

When it comes to buying the perfect home, location is one of the most important variables. And, with home prices across the country on the rise, many people want to look to places where they’ll get the most bang for their buck -- a nice house and a great city to live in, too.

To help, we’ve compiled some of the most awesome cities to buy an affordable house. We’ve considered places with fun cultures, great jobs, interesting scenery, and tons of livability for home buyers of all ages.

Tampa, Florida

Median home price:$170,495

Tampa, located on Florida’s captivating Gulf Coast, offers year-round sunshine, beautiful beaches, and a booming economy. Plus, Tampa is home to charming Ybor City, a historic neighborhood built by Cuban cigar factory workers around the turn of the 20th century. And, if that weren’t enough, the city is located nearby a variety of entertainment options, like theme park Busch Gardens, Florida Aquarium, and Adventure Island, one of Florida’s largest waterparks.

Charleston, South Carolina

Median home price: $222,979

Charleston, the largest city in South Carolina and one of the oldest cities in the American South, was founded way back in 1670. Known for its cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and top-notch cuisine, Charleston has been three-times voted “America’s Friendliest City.” In addition to its booming tourism industry, the city is also home to a growing tech sector, making it a great place for families to both work and live.

Portland, Maine

Median home price: $219,658

Portland, Maine, the state’s largest city and the largest tonnage seaport in New England, is known for its small-town charm. Portland, which grew out of the 17th-century fishing village Casco, is today renowned for its historic Old Port district, which is filled with charming 19th-century brick buildings and a variety of shops and restaurants. Plus, as Maine’s largest city, Portland is also a regional financial and manufacturing capital and an important area for the local seafood industry.

San Antonio, Texas

Median home price: $178,408

San Antonio, the oldest (and second largest) city in Texas, was founded in 1731. The city is home to the world-famous Alamo, where American legend Davy Crockett died defending Texas in the in 1836. In addition to its history, San Antonio’s strong economy is bolstered by hosting five Fortune 500 companies and numerous other businesses in the healthcare, financial services, military, and energy sectors.

Houston, Texas

Median home price: $197,628

Houston, which is home to a staggering 26 Fortune 500 companies, is a serious economic powerhouse. Home to Texas Medical Center, one of the most advanced medical research facilities in the U.S., and NASA’s Johnson Space Center, the city truly matches its reputation as a hub of innovation. Plus, Houston is popular for newcomers due to its affordable cost of living, abundant jobs, and exciting arts, entertainment, and culinary scenes. \

Madison, Wisconsin

Median home price: $219,429

Madison, Wisconsin, is known for its many lakes, its beautiful network of parks and biking trails, and its extensive culinary culture. The city is also home to the University of Wisconsin, and hosts companies including Spectrum Brands, Alliant Energy, and Aprilaire. Madison’s highly educated population, incredibly low crime rate, and high-quality schools have led to it being consistently ranked among the top five best places to live in the United States.

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Median home price: $228,431

Colorado Springs is the second largest city in Colorado and one of the highest altitude cities in the United States. Colorado Springs is known for its beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains, and for being home to a variety of sporting organizations, including USA Hockey and the United States Olympic Committee. The city’s strong economy is bolstered by the fact that it hosts regional offices of important defense contractors including Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and General Dynamics.

Boise, Idaho

Median home price: $228,567

Boise, the largest city in Idaho, is known as a paradise for those who love the outdoors. With hiking trails, abundant areas for fishing and recreation, and the nearby Boise Mountains, there’s never a lack of exciting activities to try out. Plus, the city is renowned for being a regional center for jazz, theatre, and the arts, making Boise a versatile place to live, work, and play.

Nashville, Tennessee

Median home price: $200,590

As the world’s undisputed capital of country music, Nashville is second to none when it comes to southern charm. As the capital and largest city in Tennessee, Nashville is home to attractions including The Parthenon (a full-scale replica of the Greek version), the Johnny Cash Museum, and the Ryman Auditorium, home of the Grand Ole Opry music festival. Plus, the city is also home to Vanderbilt University, and hosts major employers including Nissan, Asurion, and HCA.