Looking for a home under $300,000? Try these 10 metro areas.
As housing affordability continues to be a pressing concern for many Americans, the Midwest has emerged as a beacon of hope for prospective homebuyers seeking homes priced under $300,000. A recent report from Realtor.com highlights this trend, revealing that while home prices nationwide have seen fluctuations, the Midwest offers a range of desirable metropolitan areas where affordability remains attainable. The median home price across the United States has risen significantly from $317,100 in the second quarter of 2020 to $418,500 in 2023, before slightly declining to $410,800 in 2025. In contrast, many Midwestern cities provide homes at prices well below the national median, making them increasingly attractive to buyers priced out of coastal markets.
The Realtor.com report identifies the ten most desirable metros with homes listed under $300,000, predominantly showcasing Midwestern cities. Notably, no coastal cities made the list, underscoring the growing appeal of the heartland. For instance, Muncie, Indiana tops the list with a median home price of just $178,250 and a median household income of $41,417, making it an ideal option for budget-conscious buyers. Other cities like Toledo, Ohio ($217,950), and Battle Creek, Michigan ($229,999) also rank high on the list, demonstrating that the Midwest is not only affordable but also offers a variety of living environments. The report illustrates that even as some regions, such as Miami Beach, continue to see exorbitant prices, the Midwest stands out for its balance of reasonable home prices and corresponding household incomes.
This shift towards the Midwest reflects a broader trend where homebuyers are increasingly looking for affordability amidst rising costs in traditional housing markets. As high demand persists in coastal cities, many buyers are seeking refuge in regions where their dollars stretch further. The Midwest’s combination of lower housing costs and relatively stable household incomes presents a compelling case for those looking to enter the housing market without breaking the bank. With cities like Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Buffalo offering homes well below the national average, the Midwest is poised to attract a new wave of homebuyers eager to find their ideal residence without the financial strain often associated with coastal living.
Skyline of Cleveland, Ohio.
Getty Images
The Midwest leads in desirable metros with homes priced under $300,000, per Realtor.com.
As home prices still remain high, affordability is a key factor for prospective homebuyers.
Coastal cities tend to be more expensive while the Midwest is gaining appeal for its lower costs.
Home sale prices across the country have actually decreased since their peak in 2022, according to data from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. However,
home prices still remain unaffordable for many
.
During the second quarter of 2020, the median sales price for a home was $317,100. Fast forward to that same timeframe in 2023, and the price jumped to $418,500. As of 2025, the amount has decreased slightly to $410,800.
Some areas continue to see increases in price, like
Miami Beach’s Fisher Island neighborhood,
where the median listing price for a home is $11,925,000. Other regions,
like the Sun Belt,
have cooled off as buyer demand has decreased.
One region that’s becoming more desirable is the Midwest. With household incomes not far off from home listing prices, there are many affordable options available below the national median of $424,200.
Realtor.com
highlighted the 10 most desirable metros with homes under $300,000, and a large majority of them are Midwestern cities.
While not every city listed is considered Midwestern, the metros are concentrated toward the middle of the map. East- and West-Coast elitists may (or may not) be shocked to find that no coastal cities made the cut. The farthest east city is in northeast Pennsylvania, and the most western city is in Kansas.
Here are 10 desirable metros with homes under $300,000, according to Realtor.com. Metros are in descending order of median list price. Median household income numbers come from the US Census Bureau.
10. St. Louis, MO
St. Louis.
Sean Pavone/Getty Images
Median list price:
$295,900
Median household income:
$53,374
9. Frankfort, KY
Frankfort, Kentucky.
benedek/Getty Images
Median list price:
$292,050
Median household income:
$54,438
8. Wichita, KS
Wichita, Kansas.
Jacob Boomsma/Shutterstock
Median list price:
$285,000
Median household income:
$65,855
7. Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY
Buffalo, New York.
Getty Images
Median list price:
$267,450
Median household income:
$69,861
6. Scranton-Wilkes-Barre, PA
The aerial view of the City Hall and Downtown District of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Getty Images
Median list price:
$262,350
Median household income:
$58,834
5. Cleveland, OH
Cleveland, Ohio.
Yuanshuai Si/Getty Images
Median list price:
$259,900
Median household income:
$43,383
4. Pittsburgh, PA
The Roberto Clemente Bridge (Sixth Street Bridge) on the Allegheny River in Pittsburgh.
JNix/Shutterstock
Median list price:
$250,000
Median household income:
$66,954
3. Battle Creek, MI
Battle Creek, Michigan.
Ray Tan/Getty Images
Median list price:
$229,999
Median household income:
$51,699
2. Toledo, OH
Toledo, Ohio from the Skyway Bridge.
Mike Kline (notkalvin)/Getty Images
Median list price:
$217,950
Median household income:
$50,562
1. Muncie, IN
Muncie, Indiana.
Nicholas Klein/Getty Images
Median list price:
$178,250
Median household income:
$41,417
Read the original article on
Business Insider
