6 U.S. Cities That Will Give You a Free House or Land

High housing prices make it hard for some Americans to buy their first house or move to a new one. But you may be surprised to learn that it could be a little easier than you think to pay your mortgage. In fact, some towns in the U.S. might give you a free home or free land.

Check out this list to see if moving to one of these places to take advantage of free options for your next place to live could be the answer for your dream home.

Manilla has a population of less than 1,000 residents, but the town is trying to attract more people to the area.

The city, which is 98 miles southeast of Sioux City and 75 miles northeast of Omaha, will give you land for free so you can build a new single-family residence. The deal also includes tax abatements for five years, utilities without hookup fees, and down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers.

Through Baltimore's Fixed Pricing Program, you can buy a home for just $1. The city is selling nearly 1,000 houses at this price, with the possibility of a $50,000 grant to assist with renovations. 

The deal applies to specific city-owned vacant buildings and lots and must be used as a primary residence. 

Although the sticker price is cheap, the city does state that applicants must have a budget of $90,000 available for property rehabilitation.

Flagler, a town off I-70, 125 miles southeast of Denver, is inviting companies to move to their town and get free land, but there is a catch.

You have to apply for the free land with a business plan and financial application to prove that you'll be using the land for a business that will be beneficial to the community.

To be approved for the land, you'll also have to present your case to the town's council to prove that your business will improve the community and employ local residents.

Curtis is offering new residents free lots to build single-family homes and for commercial/industrial purposes. They must meet certain specifications and be built within a certain time frame.

The town also offers $1,000 cash incentives for families with children if you move with the intent of buying or building a home within a year of relocating.

Elwood is trying to attract new residents with free land for new single-family homes. The town has a population under 700 and lies about 180 miles west of Lincoln via I-80.

While the lots are free, there are some fees involved in the process, including a $500 deposit that you'll get back after completing your home and a $50 building permit.

You'll also have to complete construction within one year, and the house must be owner-occupied for two years after the purchase date.

This city with about 500 residents is offering houses to families with a gross annual income of $129,000 or less. 

To qualify,  you must pay a $1,000 non-refundable administrative fee and complete eight hours of homeowner education. Claremont will then pair you with a counselor to apply for a USDA mortgage.

If you don't want to move to one of these cities that offer free homes or free land, there are ways for you to get a new home.

Think about boosting your bank account with a side hustle or adjusting your budget to find additional ways to save money. You can make small changes that lead to big dividends if you're trying to find ways to afford a home or land.