9 Florida Cities Where You Can Still Buy a Home for Under $190,000

If you're looking for a home in Florida, you know that the state's real estate market is a pressure cooker, and most cities have prices well over what average buyers can afford. 

While even modest offerings may seem beyond a $190,000 budget, there are several overlooked communities throughout Florida where you can still find your dream home.

Despite the high mortgage rates, here are nine markets that are ripe for the right money moves for homeowners who want to relocate to Florida on a budget.

Editor's note: All median home prices come from Zillow and Redfin. 

The housing market in Jacksonville has been cooling off. While the median home price is $100,000 over your stated budget, it doesn't mean you can't find a home in this vibrant coastal city.

Consider suburbs and neighborhoods like Hogan's Creek, Downtown, New Town, Mid-Westside, and Phoenix, and look for starter homes and condos ranging from $95,000 to $190,000. These prices mean that Jacksonville is a good choice for families.

Tampa Bay isn't an affordable city. Median home prices in the most sought-after areas of the metro command prices five to 10 times your budget.

However, if you focus on Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, Zillow can give you hundreds of listings under $200,000. They range from condos to single-family houses and are ideal if you're a first-time buyer looking for a deal.

As the home of the University of Florida, Gainesville has no shortage of fun things to do. It's also the perfect location to start a family, thanks to its abundance of schools and educational institutions.

Lake City has a similar profile, making it accessible for buyers with a budget of under $200,000. Consider neighborhoods like Oak Hill and Gateway Park if you want to set up a base in this bustling region.

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Have you visited Port St. Lucie and its beautiful shoreline, incredible vistas, and low crime stats have won you over? Even so, you may find its median home price of $378,314 firmly outside your budget.

However, if you know where to look, you'll find plenty of listings priced under $190,000, including three-bedroom family homes and condos on the Treasure Coast. While you won't be living right on the beach, you'll be close enough to enjoy it.

Pensacola's housing market is perfect for first-time buyers. Its median home value is $263,380, and there are many properties listed on Zillow for under $190,000 in neighborhoods like Beach Haven, Sunny Ridge, Avondale, and Warrington.

As a rule, check out properties away from the Gulf-front areas. It is there that you'll find the gems that fit your budget.

Ocala is a great location for families and retirees alike. If you're an avid golfer, it has the best courses in the county. Kids are spoiled for fun activities, such as visiting the zoo or splash pads, and the "Horse Capital of the World" is a place of great natural beauty.

It's also an affordable destination for budget-conscious homebuyers. Consider suburbs like Tompkinsville for homes that fit your $190,000 budget or come under it.

Living in Orlando isn't for the faint of heart when it comes to house prices. The city is on the expensive side, with a median home price of $382,019, and many neighborhoods commanding prices over $400,000.

Even in Orlando, you can have your pick of houses under $190,000, ranging from manufactured homes to condos and townhomes. Not to mention, living in Orlando puts you right on the doorstep of Disney World and Universal. Your kids will love it!

At times, Panama City Beach may become somewhat of a tourist trap, especially because of its pristine beaches and clear waters. Its housing market is hot, especially in neighborhoods like Rosemary Beach, where median home values are above $2,000,000.

Despite a high average median home price of $424,806, Panama City Beach can still become your home. Redfin and Zillow list affordable properties under $200,000, including condos and studios perfect as starter homes.

North Fort Myers is an affordable area that offers breathtaking views of the Gulf and a coastal lifestyle that most people can't refuse, even though summers can be stiflingly humid.

With a median home value of $280,726, this city won't break the bank. In fact, you can find many homes that sell for $165,000, far below your offering price. Fixer-uppers and updated single-family homes are also alternatives that fall within your budget.

You may think that a budget of $190,000 won't take you far in an expensive real estate market like Florida. While it's true that many cities are beyond your reach on such a modest budget, there are plenty of options in sought-after communities like Pensacola, Orlando, or Tampa Bay.

Living in Florida can be affordable and even let you build wealth, especially by keeping more money in your pocket and saving on utilities during the winter months.