15 Cities Where You Can Still Get a Starter Home Under $150,000

Are you struggling to find an affordable place to live? If so, you're not alone — but don’t give up hope.

While the cost of housing is increasing nationwide and bidding wars are commonplace in some places, there are still areas where prices remain reasonable. In fact, there are cities where you can buy a house for under $150,000.

So, if you're on a tight budget or simply want to avoid spending a fortune on a house, check out this list of cities where you can still buy a home at a price you can afford.

This city in central New York boasts beautiful architecture and a rich history. Several homes—including a three-bedroom, 1,416-square-foot home on a 5,400-square-foot lot—recently sold for under $150,000.

You may know this city for its legendary winters — it's one of the snowier cities in the country — but U.S. News and World Report ranked Syracuse as the second-best place to live in New York.

If you're looking for a deal on a fixer-upper, this is definitely the place to find it. There are plenty of abandoned homes in Detroit that you can buy for highly affordable prices. That said, be prepared to put in some work to get them livable.

Many homes in Topeka are available for under $150,000, making them affordable for buyers. For example, a 1,385-square-foot, four-bedroom, two-bathroom home recently sold for under $100,000.

The city boasts of many festivals and several attractions, including the Kansas Children's Discovery Center, a hands-on children's museum, and the Heartland Motorsports Park, an amateur drag-racing facility.

Rockford is another city where you may find homes for under $150,000. The median sale price in Rockford is $155,000, according to Redfin.

Located between but to the west of Chicago and Milwaukee, Rockford has a robust cultural scene and beautiful outdoor spaces. 

Here, you will find the Rockford Art Museum, the Burpee Museum of Natural History, the Anderson Japanese Gardens, and the Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens.

Sitting on the picturesque Arkansas River, this city has several attractions. These include the William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum, the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, the Arkansas Repertory Theatre, and the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. And, of course, you may find plenty of homes for under $150,000.

This city is known for its beautiful beaches and unique museums, such as the Salvador Dali Museum and the Chihuly Collection. St. Petersburg also has affordable homes, with some three-bedroom homes selling for under $150,000.

Mesa is a suburb of Phoenix and is one of the largest cities in Arizona. This rapidly growing city has mild winters, making it a popular retirement destination. Mesa has many affordable homes, with smaller three-bedroom homes selling for under $150,000.

Fresno is the fifth-largest city in California and is located in the Central Valley. The region is known for its agriculture, as it is one of the major producers of grapes, almonds, and other crops. 

Fresno also has many affordable homes, with three-bedroom houses selling for under $150,000.

Cleveland is ‌on the shores of Lake Erie. It is home to several attractions, including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. 

A three-bedroom, one-bathroom house with 1,492 square feet recently sold under $150,000 in Cleveland.

Louisville also has a number of affordable homes. Recently, a home of over 1,600 square feet and three bedrooms sold for just under $150,000. Louisville is on the Ohio River and is home to the Kentucky Derby. 

The city also has unique museums, such as the Muhammad Ali Center and the Louisville Slugger Museum.

Oklahoma is home to several attractions, including the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum and the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum. 

The city also has many affordable homes, and a three-bedroom, two-bathroom, 1,432-square-foot home recently sold for just over $100,000.

If you're looking for an affordable city with a low cost of living, Tulsa is a great option. The city of homes for under $150,000 is known for its art déco architecture, museums, and art galleries.

Akron is one of the more affordable cities in Ohio for homeownership. Located in northeastern Ohio, it's known for its museums and historical landmarks. 

Homes in this city are available for under $150,000, making it an excellent option for first-time homebuyers.

Wichita is the largest city in Kansas, with a population of more than 350,000. Located in the south-central part of the state, it is known for its aerospace industry and museums. 

You may find plenty of affordable homes in Wichita, with several three-bedroom homes selling for under $150,000.

Dayton is in southwestern Ohio and is the sixth-largest city in the state. The city is home to several museums, historical landmarks, and the University of Dayton. A 1,500-square-foot, three-bedroom, two-bathroom house sold recently in Dayton for under $150,000.

There are several affordable markets across the country for first-time homebuyers. By doing your research and looking for cities with lower prices, you may find a place to call home without breaking the bank.

Remember to stay up-to-date on prices in your area, as they can change quickly.