In May 2025, Zillow reported that the median home value in the U.S. was $367,711 — up 1.4% from this time last year. And while the cost is much lower in some states, Florida isn't one of them. That same month, the value of a home in the Sunshine State was $389,400.
But if you've always dreamed of owning a home in Florida, there are still a few affordable cities in the state where buying a home is a smart homeownership move rather than a step into a money pit. Below, we list nine Florida cities where you can buy a home for $275,000 or less, a figure that is well below both the state and national median.
All home prices are pulled from Zillow unless otherwise noted.
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.
Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
Masaryktown
/images/2025/05/29/peaceful_country_sunset_landscape.jpg)
Median home price: $243,009
This unincorporated town outside of Tampa has a population of around 1,000 people. Named for the first president of Czechoslovakia, it has strong Slovakian roots and an agricultural heritage. Events at the city's community center offer opportunities for socializing, and if you're in the mood for a fun night on the town, Tampa is only a 45-minute drive away.
Want to learn how to build wealth like the 1%? Sign up for Worthy to get ideas and advice delivered to your inbox.
Blountstown
/images/2025/05/29/blountstown-aerial-view.jpg)
Median home price: $149,122
This small Florida Panhandle town isn't far from Tallahassee or Panama City, making it an ideal spot for anyone who wants to enjoy city life without paying city housing prices. But Blountstown is an even better fit for anyone who longs for a quieter pace of life. The region has plenty of fascinating historical sites for history buffs to explore, and the restaurants downtown ensure you can enjoy fresh seafood whenever the fancy strikes you.
Fellsmere
/images/2025/05/29/sunset-at-the-stick-marsh-fellsmere-florida.jpg)
Median home price: $237,764
Located on Floirida's east coast, Fellsmere is a charmingly rural town with easy access to some of Florida's most iconic natural habitats. Manatees and dolphins aren't strangers to the nearby St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, and fishing is plentiful at the local Blue Cypress Lake.
The town is best known for its annual frog leg festival, but you can enjoy southern cuisine like fried green tomatoes and gator tail year-round at local restaurants.
Madison
/images/2025/05/29/madison-blue-springs.jpg)
Median home price: $188,610
Madison is a must-visit town for anyone who loves the great outdoors. At Madison Blue Spring State Park, you can enjoy a lazy day of swimming at one the nation's best swimming holes, or you can get adventurous and try cave diving — the region has over 26,000 feet of below-the-surface passages that draw divers from around the world.
If you're looking for more urban entertainment, Tallahassee is an hour away.
Arcadia
/images/2025/04/03/arcadia-road.jpg)
Median home price: $244,194
Arcadia might be far from the Wild West, but its location on the southwest side of Florida's panhandle doesn't keep it from hosting the state's oldest rodeo. Events like monster truck jams and concerts keep things lively year-round, but you can find peace and quiet in the aptly named Peace River State Forest and Deep Creek Preserve.
Trending Stories
Quincy
/images/2025/05/06/quincy-florida.jpg)
Median home price: $171,801
Quincy is less than half an hour from Tallahassee. Like most Florida cities, Quincy doesn't lack for excellent outdoor opportunities, especially for anglers, but the city is also notably diverse with a rich arts and cultural scene.
The Gadsden Arts Center and Museum is located in a beautiful 100-year-old building while the Quincy Music Theatre is the only musical-centric community theater in the region.
Mayo
/images/2025/05/29/on-the-road-in-florida.jpg)
Median home price: $246,772
Mayo is surrounded by multiple state parks that are off the beaten path. While any outdoors enthusiast will find plenty to do, birdwatchers, hikers, bikers, and swimmers will be particularly thrilled by the region's unique wildlife and miles of quiet paths.
The city also has plenty of shops and a thriving (if quiet) downtown where stores run the gamut from cozy family-run diners to unique antique shops.
Lake Wales
/images/2024/05/16/the-singing-tower-lake-wales-florida.jpeg)
Median home price: $247,715
Lake Wales is located more or less in the exact center of Florida's panhandle, which puts it an hour away from both Tampa and Orlando. While the city serves as the ideal hub for anyone eager to explore the panhandle, there's plenty to keep you occupied in Lake Wales itself, from hikes across Iron Mountain's nature preserve to fishing and boating in the surrounding clear lakes.
Chipley
/images/2025/05/29/alligator-on-a-farm-in-florida.jpg)
Median home price: $223,788
Wolves aren't among the wildlife people typically associate with Florida, but at Chipley's Seacrest Wolf Preserve, visitors can safely interact with wolves while learning about ongoing conservation efforts across the US.
You can see more traditional Florida creatures at the Orange Hill Gator Farm or, if predators aren't your thing, take advantage of the region's temperate climate by playing a round of golf at the nearby club or window shopping downtown.
If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources
Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more.
How to become a member today:
- Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
- Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
- Start enjoying your discounts and perks!
Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (Do not skip this step!) Doing so will allow you to take up 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $15 the first year with auto-renewal.
Bottom line
/images/2025/03/05/home_keys_in_female_hand.jpg)
Even though the median cost of Florida houses was higher than the month before, it's down 3.2% compared to this time last year. If the Florida housing boom is finally winding down, odds are good that even more cities are about to join the list we've curated here.
Keep an eye on housing prices in Florida cities you can see yourself making a life in and continue taking steps to build your wealth so you're ready to put in a bid when the time comes.
Masterworks Benefits
- Invest in art like a millionaire for a relatively low cost
- Art investments have outperformed the S&P 500 by over 131% for 26 years
- Purchase shares of artwork by top artists
- Hedge against inflation and diversify your portfolio
Paid Non-Client Promotion
FinanceBuzz doesn’t invest its money with this provider, but they are our referral partner. We get paid by them only if you click to them from our website and take a qualifying action (for example, opening an account.)
Subscribe Today
Learn how to make an extra $200
Get vetted side hustles and proven ways to earn extra cash sent to your inbox.