Saving & Spending Home & Auto

10 Cities Where You Can Still Buy a House for Under $350,000

Unlock affordable living in these 10 cities where a home is still within reach.

couple looking at their new house
Updated Sept. 24, 2024
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Housing prices have skyrocketed in recent years. The median sale price for a home in the U.S. was $420,401 in March, according to real estate website Redfin.

Fortunately, there are still some good options for buying a home without jeopardizing your financial fitness.

Check out these cities where you can get a home for less than $350,000. All home price figures are for March and come from Redfin.

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Buffalo, New York

fukez84/Adobe niagara falls on america side

Buffalo is well-known for getting large amounts of winter snow, which can work to your benefit if you like winter sports. You can also enjoy the city’s proximity to Niagara Falls or head to the natural beauty of Upstate New York.

The median sale price for a home in Buffalo is $177,500.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

checubus/Adobe beautiful pittsburgh at twilight.

According to U.S. News & World Report, Pittsburgh is among the top 50 places to live in the U.S. and the 10th best place to retire.

The publication notes that Pittsburgh has reinvented itself after an economic downturn in the 1980s. The city has attracted more tech companies and added green spaces for professional and personal pursuits.

Pittsburgh’s median home sale price is $230,000.

Indianapolis, Indiana

SeanPavonePhoto/Adobe indianapolis indiana usa

Speed to Indianapolis, which is the home of auto races at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The city also has several major companies' headquarters, including pharmaceutical company Lilly and restaurant Steak ‘n Shake.

The median sale price for a home in Indianapolis is $240,000.

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Tulsa, Oklahoma

SeanPavonePhoto/Adobe tulsa oklahoma skyscraper with beautiful bright lights at night

Tulsa is a good option for those looking to settle west of the Mississippi River. The city offers plenty of museums and other cultural attractions.

For example, the Oklahoma Aquarium in nearby Jenks has the world’s largest collection of bull sharks, among other highlights.

You can easily pick up a home in the city even if you are on a budget, with the median sale price coming in at $230,000.

Jacksonville, Florida

SeanPavonePhoto/Adobe Jacksonville Florida USA city skyline

Florida is a magnet for retirees and others. The state’s popularity has caused home prices to rise, but Jacksonville is one city where values have stayed below $350,000.

The median sale price in the city is $315,000, compared to $415,500 for the state of Florida as a whole.

Green Bay, Wisconsin

Donald Joski/Adobe city of green bay wisconsin

U.S. News & World Report says Green Bay is the best place to live in the U.S. The city is home to the NFL’s Green Bay Packers and has a beautiful downtown and a thriving art scene.

Green Bay was also named the 16th best place for retirees in the U.S. News rankings. The median sale price for a home in the city is $250,000.

Savannah, Georgia

SeanPavonePhoto/Adobe forsyth park in savannah georgia

Savannah has a special culture that offers plenty of charm and beautiful architecture. The city also has a walkable historic district and green spaces to enjoy.

U.S. News & World Report says Savannah is the 37th best place to live in the U.S. The median sale price for a home in the city is right at $350,000.

Omaha, Nebraska

Esme7/Adobe omaha downtown skyline

Omaha appeals to everyone from baseball fans — the city is home to the NCAA College World Series — to those proud to live in the same place as investor Warren Buffett, nicknamed the Oracle of Omaha.

Homes in Omaha sell for a median sale price of $266,500.

Des Moines, Iowa

f11photo/Adobe Des Moines Iowa skyline in USA

If you move to Des Moines, the family-friendly atmosphere is a great bonus.

The city has plenty of cultural events for families to enjoy. Or, if you prefer, enjoy bike trails and parks.

Home prices are another plus of moving to the area, thanks to a median price of $210,000.

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Tucson, Arizona

mdurson/Adobe tucson arizona city skyline

Like Florida, Arizona has long been a popular destination for retirees. The state doesn’t tax Social Security and only partially taxes income from public or private pensions.

Save money by getting a house in Tucson, where the median sale price is $337,000. Compare that to Phoenix, where the median sale price is $459,000.

Bottom line

LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS/Adobe family in front of new house

Many houses are expensive today, but there are still places where you can buy your dream home and get ahead financially at the same time.

Shop around for the best mortgage rates to increase your savings. This could save you thousands of dollars in costs over the life of a home loan.

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Author Details

Jenny Cohen

Jenny Cohen is a freelance writer who has covered a bit of everything, from finance to sports to her favorite TV shows. Her work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and FoxSports.com.