5 Under-the-Radar Cities to Buy a Cheap House

With mortgage rates at historic lows and more workplaces going remote, now might be the time to consider moving to a more affordable city. House hunting usually includes calculating commutes, but with workplaces becoming more flexible, homeowners can prioritize states with a low cost of living. Moving from a big city doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your after-hours entertainment either; there are lots of small cities across the country that offer outdoor activities, arts and culture, and great restaurants for a fraction of the cost. Here are five under-the-radar cities to consider with median home prices well under $250,000.

Median home price: $196,528

Nestled on the eastern coast of Florida, Palm Bay is a sleepy beach town about an hour from Orlando. Surfing enthusiasts can check out nearby Melbourne beaches, specifically the top rated Paradise Beach. Like the rest of Florida, Palm Bay is perfect for water sports like kayaking and paddle boarding. The area also has an eclectic food scene, and after grabbing lunch at The Mansion, you can walk off the fresh ahi tuna tacos on one of the picturesque nature trails. Make a day of visiting the nearby Kennedy Space Center or visiting the farmer’s market at Riverview Park in downtown Melbourne.  

Median home price: $110,164

Looking for a tropical climate, Southern hospitality, and access to outdoor activities? Brownsville, Texas, covers all three, and offers a cost of living that is nearly 30 percent lower than the rest of the country.  Located in the southern tip of Texas, Brownsville is about 30 miles from vacation hot spot South Padre Island and has its own white sand beaches on the Gulf Coast. The city has bike trails, art galleries, several museums, and it’s also home to the expansive Gladys Porter Zoo. Finding good food isn’t hard—living in Brownsville means a fusion of Mexican and American cuisine like local favorites Mr. Taco and Spanky’s Burgers. 

Median home price: $139,217

Depending on where you’re from, you may have to get used to saying “pop” instead of soda after moving to Evansville, Indiana. The midwestern city was one of the filming locations for “A League of Their Own” and it’s home to the West Side Nut Club Fall festival, an event that is part parade, carnival, and food festival. While Evansville is the third largest city in Indiana, it still has a small-town feel. Sports fans can cheer on the minor league baseball team The Evansville Otters or the nearby University of Evansville athletic teams. Ever wanted to go spelunking? Southern Indiana has an expansive cave system that makes for a perfect weekend trip. 

Median home price: $209,288

During the summer months, Beachaven Vineyards and Winery holds live “Jazz on the Lawn” events. The 30-year-old vineyard in Clarksville produces world class Tennessee wines, and they’re open year round for tastings. Fans of hand crafted spirits can also visit Old Glory Distilling Company, which produces its own whisky, gin, and vodka. Other Clarksville attractions include the Roxy regional theater, the Clarksville marina, and Dunbar Cave State Park. Located about an hour outside of Nashville, Apartment Therapy recently named Clarksville one of the best Nashville suburbs to live in. Residents will enjoy living in a city with access to water sports as well as biking, hiking, and camping.

Median home price: $156,907

High Point is known as the “home furnishings capital of the world,” with over 50 retail furniture stores and the world’s largest furniture store, Furnitureland South, which is over a million square feet. Outside of all the furniture stores, High Point is surrounded by several colleges and universities including High Point University, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and Wake Forest University. On the weekends, you can choose between an overnight trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains or exploring the Outer Banks on North Carolina’s eastern coast. High Point also offers plenty of diverse eateries—Claddagh Bar and Restaurant is a nod to High Point’s Irish settlers, while Southern Roots serves locally sourced Southern meals including fried green tomatoes, cajun catfish, and shrimp and grits.