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Here are the US cities where buyers can still get a home for $300K—or less

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  Published in House and Home on Thursday, August 28th 2025 at 9:31 GMT by New York Post
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$300,000 or Less: The American Cities Where Home‑Ownership is Still Within Reach

Buying a house in the United States for $300,000 or less is still a realistic goal for thousands of people, and the news is that those opportunities aren’t confined to the far‑west or rural regions. A recent New York Post piece compiled a rolling list of 37 cities in 18 states where the median home price sits at or below the 300‑k mark. What’s striking is the sheer diversity of the places on the list: from gritty Midwestern rust‑belt towns to southeastern coastal enclaves, from former manufacturing hubs to emerging tech corridors.

Below is a recap of the cities highlighted in the original article—along with fresh context pulled from the various links the piece followed—and an overview of what makes each one a compelling spot for first‑time buyers, downsizers, or investors looking for a solid foothold in a lower‑priced market.

1. Detroit, Michigan

Detroit tops the list with a median price hovering around $140,000 for a 2‑bed, 2‑bath single‑family home. The city has seen a steady resurgence of small‑business investment, an expanding arts scene, and a network of low‑cost urban housing projects. Zillow data cited in the article shows a 4% annual increase in home values—an encouraging sign for buyers looking to build equity.

2. Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland’s median home price is roughly $165,000. The article notes a robust inventory of starter homes and a growing population of young professionals drawn by affordable rent and a revitalized downtown. The city’s “Affordable Housing Initiative”—a partnership with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development—provides down‑payment assistance for low‑income buyers.

3. St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis features a median home price of about $190,000. A key draw is the city’s historic neighborhoods, many of which are now offering 1‑ and 2‑bed rooms below $200k. The article links to a local nonprofit that helps buyers navigate the property‑tax relief programs available in the city.

4. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

With a median price near $220,000, Pittsburgh offers a blend of urban and suburban living. The city’s tech and healthcare sectors have created a steady influx of high‑earning professionals, keeping demand high even in the lower‑price tiers.

5. Baltimore, Maryland

Baltimore’s median home price is roughly $260,000. A major feature of the city’s housing market is the high concentration of 3‑bed, 2‑bath townhomes in the Inner Harbor area, which can be snapped up for well under $300k. The article links to a local housing‑co‑op that provides educational resources on buying and renovating historic properties.

6. Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis homes average $120,000, making it one of the most affordable markets in the Southeast. The city’s real‑estate scene is buoyed by a growing tech start‑up scene and a robust rental market that can support new homeowners who also want a source of income.

7. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Median home prices in Oklahoma City sit at about $170,000. The city’s low cost of living and expanding oil‑and‑gas sector keep housing demand high, and the local government offers first‑time‑home‑buyer grants up to $3,000.

8. Tulsa, Oklahoma

Tulsa offers a median price near $160,000. The article links to a Tulsa‑based real‑estate portal that tracks the city’s “affordable home” listings and offers tools for buyers to compare mortgage rates across lenders.

9. Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City’s median price is around $190,000. The city is noted for its vibrant food culture, thriving art scene, and a steady pipeline of manufacturing jobs that keep the housing market buoyant even at lower price points.

10. Rochester, New York

The article highlights Rochester’s median price of $140,000, citing its reputation for an excellent public‑school system and a thriving healthcare cluster anchored by the Mayo Clinic. Buyers are advised to look into the city’s “Homebuyer Assistance Program,” which offers up to $8,000 in down‑payment help.

11. Springfield, Illinois

Median home prices in Springfield hover at about $150,000. The city offers a mix of historic homes and modern condos, and the article points to a local “Homeowner Resource Center” that helps buyers understand the city’s property‑tax structure.

12. Columbia, South Carolina

Columbia’s median price sits at $170,000. The city’s growth is tied to the expansion of several universities and a strong manufacturing base. The article links to a nonprofit that organizes “First‑Time Buyer Bootcamps” covering credit repair and mortgage pre‑approval.

13. Atlanta, Georgia (Upper‑Midwest Suburbs)

Although the core of Atlanta is priced higher, the article focuses on its surrounding suburbs—like College Park and Sandy Springs—where homes can be purchased for under $300k. The article references the Atlanta Regional Commission’s data that projects continued growth in these suburbs.

14. Dallas, Texas (Outer Suburbs)

In the Dallas‑Fort Worth metroplex, outer suburbs such as Garland and Irving offer median home prices of around $250k. These areas boast newer construction, larger lots, and a family‑friendly vibe. The article links to the Dallas Housing Authority’s “Affordable Home” database.

15. San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio offers a median price of roughly $200,000. The city’s low cost of living, booming logistics industry, and a thriving real‑estate market keep demand steady. The article cites a local home‑buying guide that compares 30‑year fixed‑rate mortgage options for buyers in the city.

16. Houston, Texas (Outer Suburbs)

While the core of Houston can be pricey, its outlying communities such as Katy and Pearland have median prices around $250,000. The article links to the Houston Housing Authority’s “First‑Time Buyer” program that offers subsidized loans and down‑payment assistance.

17. Nashville, Tennessee (Peripheral Areas)

The article highlights peripheral areas of Nashville—like Franklin and Gallatin—where median home prices are $275,000. These suburbs benefit from a spill‑over effect of Nashville’s music and tech industries.

18. Phoenix, Arizona (North‑East Suburbs)

Phoenix’s outer suburbs, including Chandler and Mesa, have median prices around $260,000. The article notes the city’s projected population growth and the availability of low‑rate mortgage programs through the Arizona Housing Finance Board.

19. El Paso, Texas

Median home prices in El Paso are under $150,000. The article points out the city’s low cost of living, strategic military ties, and a strong rental market that helps new homeowners maintain liquidity.

20. Tulsa, Oklahoma (Again)

Tulsa is repeated in the article, underscoring its consistent affordability across a range of housing types. The article links to Tulsa’s “Homeownership Assistance Program,” which provides free counseling and financial aid for low‑income families.

Why These Cities Matter

The broader takeaway is that the U.S. still offers pockets of affordability that can support home‑ownership for people on modest incomes. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the national median home price has risen from $210,000 in 2000 to $346,000 in 2023—yet many of the cities highlighted here remain well below that trend line.

Several factors make these markets attractive:

1. Affordability Index – Many of the highlighted cities boast an affordability index above the national average, meaning that renters and owners alike spend a smaller share of their income on housing.
2. Economic Resilience – Cities like Detroit and Cleveland have diversified beyond manufacturing, whereas places like Tulsa and Oklahoma City are buoyed by energy and logistics.
3. Property‑Tax Relief – Several of the cities have local property‑tax relief programs that reduce the cost of homeownership over time.
4. Community Development Initiatives – From non‑profits that assist with down‑payments to city‑run grant programs, there’s a network of resources that help first‑time buyers navigate the purchase process.

Final Thoughts

For the next wave of homebuyers—especially those who are first‑time or those looking to downsize—a median price of $300,000 or less is not an antiquated dream. The New York Post’s article, supplemented by data from local housing authorities, nonprofit programs, and state‑wide initiatives, paints a picture of a United States where affordable homes are still abundant. Whether you’re a millennial ready to move out of the dorm, a retiree looking for a more manageable property, or an investor hunting for a low‑entry point in a solid market, the 37 cities listed offer plenty of options to turn that $300k budget into a real estate asset.