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10 U.S. Cities Where You Have the Best Shot of Snagging a Home Under $300K

The FinanceBuzz team used government and housing industry data to find the cities where it’s easiest for non-homeowners to buy a house.

By Calista Headrick

Edited by Lauren Gordon

Updated Dec. 17, 2024

Buying a home is a big financial milestone, but it’s easier in some places than others. Between the difficult market, rising costs of living, and skyrocketing prices, it may feel impossible. Fortunately, homeownership is still within reach in certain U.S. cities.

FinanceBuzz recently conducted a study to find out where homeownership is most and least attainable. We looked at the 100 largest cities in the country and evaluated several factors to determine how difficult it is for someone to become a homeowner.

Here are 10 cities in the U.S. where you may be able to score a home for less than $300,000 while still being able to pay your mortgage.

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Omaha, NE

The median home sale price in Omaha is $297,800, according to the Financebuzz study. Residents spend 29% of their median household income on monthly mortgage payments.

The cost of living in Omaha is lower than the national average, which means you can keep more cash in your wallet if you buy a home in the city.

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Lincoln, NE

Homes go for a median sale price of $295,900 in Lincoln, and 56% of residents call themselves homeowners in the state’s capital city. A mortgage in Lincoln costs 31% of their gross monthly income, and the city has seen 549 new houses built per 100,000 people since 2020.

If you enjoy college football or a booming music and beer scene, Lincoln may be the place for you.

Corpus Christi, TX

58% of residents in Corpus Christi own their home, and they spend 35% of their median household income on mortgage payments. The median sale price for a home in the city is $279,500.

Located on the Gulf of Mexico, buying a home in Corpus Christi is great for those who enjoy the outdoors. The city is home to miles of beaches, and from aquariums to museums to good seafood, there’s no shortage of activities to keep you busy year-round.

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Laredo, TX

In Laredo, 63% of residents are homeowners. And while the median home sale price in the city is on the higher end of our list ($279,500), the cost of living is lower than the average cost of living in Texas overall.

Whether you hope to spend time outdoors in the dozens of parks across the city or plan to take advantage of the vibrant nightlife scene, Laredo has something for everyone.

Louisville, KY

Situated by the Ohio River and home to the Kentucky Derby, there’s no shortage of things to do in Louisville. Known for its great food and sports scene, this city is full of charm.

The median sale price of a home in Louisville is $271,900, and residents spend 27% of their median household income on mortgage payments.

Lexington, KY

30% of your monthly income is needed to pay average mortgage costs in Lexington, and the median sale price of a house is $265,100. If you buy a home in Lexington, you’ll join 54% of the population who are homeowners.

320,154 people call Lexington home. As a college town, the city is full of fervent basketball fans, and its thriving equestrian industry is a big part of Lexington’s identity.

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Oklahoma City, OK

In Oklahoma City, the median sale price of a home is $251,200, and 58% of the homes in the city are owned rather than rented. Over 1,000 new homes have been built per 100,000 since 2020 in the state’s capital.

OKC has a population of 702,767, and the city is full of historical charm and Western influence.

Fort Wayne, IN

Prospective homebuyers in Fort Wayne can expect to pay less than $250,000 for a house. The median sale price for a home in this Indiana city is $243,000. Homeownership is more attainable as well — 63% of all houses in the city are owned as opposed to rented.

Located in the heart of the Midwest, Fort Wayne is the second largest city in Indiana but can feel much more like a small town full of friendly people, an arts and culture scene, and plenty of recreational activities to keep you occupied.

Pittsburgh, PA

In Steel City, you can expect to pay $231,100 for a home, making it an economical place to settle down if you’re looking to buy a house for less than $300,000. Less than half of Pittsburgh homes are owned, and a mortgage costs 26% of gross monthly income.

The city is a great place to live if you value walkability and public transportation, and it’s full of diverse museums and community events. Just be prepared — you’re sure to see some snowy winters.

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Wichita, KS

Homes are very affordable in Wichita. The median home sale price in the city is $224,300 — the second-lowest price in the country — making it more attainable to buy a house in this city than in many others in the U.S.

Wichita is the largest city in Kansas, but despite its size, this Midwest metropolis has a small-town feel and a rich history and culture.

Bottom line

While buying a home may seem out of reach, there are places in the U.S. that both offer a great quality of life and are affordable so you can get ahead financially.

If you’re considering making an important purchase, such as a new home, you’ll want to be financially prepared. Make sure to carefully craft a budget to determine how much you can afford, and make sure to look at the market, other properties, and do your research so you can secure the best deal possible.

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