10 U.S. Cities Where Homes Are Cheapest Right Now

Housing markets nationwide are cooling fast, but it would be a stretch to call many of them “cheap.” After years of climbing prices, values remain elevated in many places.

If you still feel priced out in your community of choice, perhaps it’s time to look elsewhere. Recently, Realtor.com identified 10 markets where homes remain surprisingly affordable.

Some of these markets have faced economic challenges in recent years but have much to recommend them. As Realtor.com notes, “they all have plenty of surprisingly nice homes that are seriously well-priced.”

Following are the cheapest cities in America to purchase a house now.

10. Augusta, Georgia

Median home list price per square foot: $150

Median home list price: $311,575

Augusta is probably best known as the home of golf’s Masters Tournament, but it also is a “center for medicine, manufacturing and the military,” according to the city’s official website.

Located about 150 miles east of Atlanta, it is the second-oldest city in Georgia.

9. Columbia, South Carolina

Median home list price per square foot: $146

Median home list price: $308,900

Columbia is the capital of South Carolina and home to the University of South Carolina.

Locals refer to it as the “Soda City,” a tribute to the fact that an early abbreviation for the city was “Cola.”

7. McAllen, Texas (tie)

Median home list price per square foot: $144

Median home list price: $270,000

One of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., McAllen attracts those seeking mild winter weather and the many birds that fill its skies.

In fact, the city boasts that it is “the most productive birding location in North America,” a place where you can spot 540 bird species and more than 330 butterfly species.

7. Indianapolis (tie)

Median home list price per square foot: $144

Median home list price: $300,000

Indianapolis is known as the “racing capital of the world,” as it hosts three major races — the Indy 500, Brickyard 400 and U.S. Grand Prix Formula One race.

It is also home to the largest children’s museum in the world.

6. Little Rock, Arkansas

Median home list price per square foot: $141

Median home list price: $298,873

Nestled on the banks of the Arkansas River, Little Rock is located smack-dab in the middle of the state.

If you’re looking for excitement here, the River Market District features restaurants, shops, museums and a hopping nightlife.

5. Jackson, Mississippi

Median home list price per square foot: $138

Median home list price: $299,000

Jackson bills itself as the “city with soul,” a tribute to its perseverance and triumphant spirit. It is the home of the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum.

You’ll also find authentic Southern cuisine at local restaurants and music ranging from the blues to classical.

4. Wichita, Kansas

Median home list price per square foot: $134

Median home list price: $304,475

Wichita is the place to be if you want to breathe in fresh air. Its air quality index is 21% better than the national average, and its pollution index beats 95% of the rest of the nation.

Two of the world’s most famous fast-food restaurants — Pizza Hut and White Castle — were born in Wichita. The city also is home to three universities.

3. Syracuse, New York

Median home list price per square foot: $130

Median home list price: $217,250

If you don’t mind a little snow, Syracuse is an overlooked gem. Syracuse University is located here, and the city also hosts the New York State Fair.

As for the snow, no metropolitan area in the U.S. gets more of it than Syracuse. In a typical winter, you can expect more than 100 inches of the white stuff.

2. Scranton, Pennsylvania

Median home list price per square foot: $124

Median home list price: $225,000

The beloved TV show “The Office” was set in Scranton, reason enough for millions of fans to give the city a look.

Several institutions of higher learning are based here, and the city’s official website touts a “growing downtown business district.”

1. Youngstown, Ohio

Median home list price per square foot: $95

Median home list price: $149,900

Youngstown was once renowned as a center of steel production and like many Rust Belt cities is now looking to redefine itself.

One of the big attractions here is Lanterman’s Mill, which has been restored and now operates along Mill Creek just as it did in the 19th century, grinding corn, wheat and buckwheat.