Realtors Claim These 11 Popular Mountain Towns Still Have Affordable Homes

The appeal of living in a mountain town is undeniable, especially considering the stunning vistas, year-round outdoor activities, and close-knit communities you can find in these areas. 

You can build wealth, too, by buying a mountain home, as it allows you to build equity and even earn rental income when you're not there.

While many mountain towns have exorbitant housing costs, these locales still have affordable options, according to our real estate experts. From California to Tennessee, the dream of mountain living is alive and well.

Located 1.5 hours from Los Angeles, the median home price here is in the $400,000s, according to Casey TeVault, real estate agent and owner of Casey Buys Houses in Chino Hills, California.

"The price point and location is why many residents move up here and can still commute to their jobs down the mountain," he says. "It's the perfect choice for folks that want a mountain lifestyle without the high prices of a large resort town like Big Bear or Lake Arrowhead."

This mountain town is super underrated, according to Brady Bell, real estate agent, founder, and CEO at Bellhaven Real Estate in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

"It's one-third of the price of the popular Jackson Hole ski resort area — only 20 minutes from the world-famous Grand Targhee Ski Resort — and less than an hour from Jackson, Wyoming," he says. "Nestled just below the Grand Tetons, it's a perfect affordable mountain town with amazing views."

Leadville is arguably the most affordable mountain town remaining in Colorado, according to Brett Johnson, real estate agent and owner of New Era Home Buyers in Aurora, Colorado. He says that Leadville's market is reasonably cheap, unlike Vail or Breckenridge, where median house prices easily top the millions.

And there are reasons the price tag hasn't skyrocketed. "It has a higher elevation with long snowy winters, it lacks the luxury ski resort amenities that drive up prices, and it has a blue-collar history," Johnson adds.

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Head to the northernmost part of California and Wesley Kang, real estate agent and founder of Realtor 1099 Cafe in Southern California says you'll find this laid-back mountain town. It's here that Kang says you can get the luxury of other mountain areas, minus the hefty price tag.

"Mt. Shasta's hidden valleys reveal what I learned in ten years of luxury deals," he says. "Just last week I helped a Los Angeles film producer snag a 2,800-square-foot custom timber home at $515,000 backing to wilderness while my Tahoe colleagues list identical properties at $1.2 million!"

Looking for small-town charm half an hour from Boise? Jeff Martel, real estate broker and owner at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate 43* North in Meridian, Idaho says you'll want to look here. That's because he says that in addition to one of the best hot springs in Idaho, you'll find hunting, fishing, hiking, ATV-ing, and even a yearly rodeo.

Martel knows a great place to start house hunting, too. "One standout development, Morris Creek, features homes priced under $500,000, offering an affordable entry into this booming area," he adds.

Head up 5,000 feet and you'll find this hidden gem, according to Ryan Nelson, a real estate investor and founder of TenantGuide in Southern California.

"With average home prices around $85,000, it's an economical choice for those seeking mountain living," he says. "While snowfall is minimal, the town's history and proximity to outdoor recreation make it appealing." Not only that, but at this price, Santa Clara is the most affordable town on this list.

"With an average sales price under $1 million in 2024, Bozeman remains more affordable than premier mountain destinations like Jackson Hole, Park City, Aspen, and Telluride, where median single-family home prices exceed $3 million," according to Andrew Hurlburt, real estate broker and owner at Bozeman Real Estate Group in Montana.

Compared to its neighbors, Bozeman is still an accessible area for those who want luxe mountain living without a multi-million dollar price tag, and the community is even building more affordable housing, such as the Hidden Creek Housing Development. "This project will add over 180 apartments for rent and eight row homes available for purchase with equity restrictions," Hurlburt adds.

You don't have to be an avid rock climber to snag a home in Idyllwild, though many residents are, according to TeVault. "Located in the San Jacinto mountains, it's a two hour drive to Los Angeles," he says. "Larger homes can run in the high $500,000s, but you can still snag a cozy cabin in the $300,000 range." Compared to Los Angeles, that's a deal.

What else is there to know about Idyllwild? "It's well-known for its artistic community and a popular destination for creatives, retirees, and nature lovers," TeVault adds.

These West Virginia gems have that ideal blend of affordability and mountain appeal, according to Nelson. "Known for their arts scene and access to outdoor activities like hiking and skiing, they offer residents a quality lifestyle without the premium price," he says.

These tiny twin towns full of quirky shops and local restaurants are only a four hour drive to Washington D.C., making them a great vacation spot.

Known by many as The Scenic City, Chattanooga has everything you could want in a mountain town, according to Nelson.

"It's surrounded by mountains and ridges, with beautiful views and plenty of outdoor activities," he says. "Despite its natural beauty and growing economy, the median home price is approximately $344,000."

Up in lovely Oregon, Hood River's western edge and Durango's north valley are mountain towns that should be on your radar, according to Kang.

"When my team uncovers off-market riverside estates at $580,000 in Hood River or historic ranches near Purgatory Resort for 50 percent below Telluride comps, that's insider knowledge paying off," he says. "My decade of corporate finance background shows these gems outperforming famous resort towns by 20%."

We all want to avoid wasting money, especially on real estate transactions, which are likely the biggest purchases we'll make in our lives. To that end, your cash will go further in these mountain towns than it would in the Aspens and Tahoes of the world.

If nothing on this list grabs you, you may want to consider international destinations in your search for the perfect, affordable mountain town. Canada, South America, Europe, and Asia all have noteworthy locations that may still provide you the affordable home you're looking for.