Retirement Retired Life

15 Florida Cities Where You Can Buy a Home Under $250,000

Navigating the tax landscape is essential for retirees seeking to maximize savings and protect their retirement plan.

real estate agent holding keys
Updated Feb. 13, 2025
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If you want to find a home in the Floridian sunshine, you might face a bit of sticker shock when looking at home prices in the state. 

As of January 2025, the median home price in the U.S. was $420,400 and in Florida, it was still holding steady at $386,892. And while prices are higher across the board, finding homes for under $250,000 in some Florida cities is still possible.

Whether you’re looking to move to The Sunshine State to take advantage of tax-friendly policies and maximize your retirement savings, or just because you want to enjoy the beaches, here are 15 cities in Florida where you can still snag a home from under $250,000.

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Gainesville

SeanPavonePhoto/Adobe Gainesville Florida USA Skyline

Home to the University of Florida, this college town offers relatively affordable homeownership opportunities. Although the median home price is closer to $300,000, many homes are available for less than $250,000.

The cost of living in Gainesville is also 7.8% less expensive than the U.S. average, which means you may be able to keep more money in your pocket while enjoying your new home.

Altamonte Springs

Creative Studio 79/Adobe aerial view of Cranes Roost Altamonte Springs Florida

Altamonte Springs is on the north side of Orlando. With median home prices around $300,000, it’s possible to find a place for less than $250,000. 

That’s especially true if you are willing to consider a townhouse, which tends to be more affordable than the single family residences that are being sold in town.

Azalea Park

Ryan Tishken/Adobe Kraft Azalea Community Park in Winter Park

Azalea Park offers close proximity to Orlando’s main attractions, like Disney World. Although median home prices are above the $300,000 mark, it’s possible to find smaller homes for $250,000 or less.

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Wildwood

Gilbert/Adobe field of wildflowers in central Florida

Wildwood boasts a wide selection of homes for under $250,000, including many townhouses and single-family homes. For retirees, the close proximity to the popular Villages could be a major selling point.

Another selling point to consider: The cost of living in Wildwood is 2.1% lower than the U.S. average.

Haines City

Stephen Meese/Adobe lake eva park

Homeowners looking for a more relaxed setting might enjoy Haines City. Not only can you find homes for under $250,000, you might even find many worthwhile homes for less than $200,000.

The downside is that you’ll be further away from the amenities that come with a big city, but the upside is that you’ll avoid some of those big city prices, since the cost of living in Haines City is 8.4% lower than the U.S. average.

Jacksonville

Kovacs/Adobe Jacksonville, Florida downtown city skyline

Nestled on the east coast of north Florida, Jacksonville’s housing market offers many affordable opportunities. You’ll find plenty of housing options under $250,000 in this growing city that has a median home price of $289,286.

Orange Park

SR Productions/Adobe On the water of St Johns River

Orange Park is a suburb of Jacksonville on the St. Johns River. Like Jacksonville, it offers homebuyers options for under $250,000, with a median home price of $313,125.

Not only that, but residents here will also have access to the amenities of a larger city without the constant hustle and bustle.

Cocoa Beach

Ryan Tishken/Adobe a sunny day on Downtown Cocoa Beach

Although median home prices are high in Cocoa Beach and tend to hover around $470,599, those looking for a condo will find many options for under $250,000. You’ll enjoy close proximity to the beach anywhere on this barrier island.

Brandon

Justin Aikin/Wirestock/Adobe Aerial shot of Alafia River

Located on the east side of Tampa, Brandon offers many affordable homes, especially for buyers looking for a condo or townhouse. But even some smaller single-family homes exist on the market here for less than $250,000.

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Ybor City

Andriy Blokhin/Adobe centro ybor old town

Ybor City is a historic part of Tampa. Although it might be best known for its wonderful cuisine options, Ybor City also boasts affordable home prices. With a median home price of $274,370, it’s easy to find homes full of historic charm for less than $250,000 here.

Clearwater

Mariakray/Adobe florida clearwater beach with white sand

Clearwater is home to some of the best beaches in the world, which is likely why so many people get their average asking price of $357,917.

But, for buyers interested in a condo or townhouse, Clearwater is full of opportunities. And, once you live here, you can take long walks on the beach anytime.

Hialeah

Felix Mizioznikov/Adobe Aerial photo residential neighborhood houses

For those looking to move further south, Hialeah’s close proximity to Miami presents an interesting opportunity. Although the median home price is on the high side at $454,974, many condos and townhouses exist under the $250,000 mark.

Sunny Isles Beach

Malikoff/Adobe Sunny Isles Beach

Sunny Isles Beach is right on the water and directly north of Miami. The median home price in the area is high at over $672,000. 

But you’ll find dozens of condos for sale under $250,000, which could allow you to experience those priceless beachfront views at a manageable price point.

Pompano Beach

Jillian Cain/Adobe View of beautiful homes on the Intracoastal Waterway

Pompano Beach sits north of Fort Lauderdale with a wide range of homes available for less than $250,000. 

In this price range, the available options generally include condos and townhouses, but you’ll be right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of scenic South Florida.

Margate

Alexey Rotanov/Adobe Path over sand dunes to the Atlantic Ocean

Margate is nestled in South Florida, it sits north of Fort Lauderdale and west of Pompano Beach. For buyers seeking easy access to the endless amenities of South Florida, Margate offers worthwhile opportunities. 

You’ll find plenty of condos and townhouses available for less than $250,000, with a handful coming in at even less than $150,000.

Bottom line

JacobLund/Adobe couple moving in new house

If you’re looking to lower your financial stress by making a move, scoping out potential cities to call home can be a good way to do it. But, before committing to a place, make a visit to ensure you like the spot.

Then, once you move, you may want to find a side hustle to help offset the costs of your new living arrangement so that you can enjoy all the perks that living in your new town has to offer.

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