Finding the ideal family home at an affordable price is no longer a fantastical notion reserved for the affluent. Given the current meteoric rise in housing prices across America, owning a home has become an elusive dream for many. With median home values soaring above $1 million in certain areas, the prospect of a 20% down payment alone can be as daunting as scaling Everest.
Yet, hope beckons for those willing to step off the traditional path. While it may seem akin to hunting for a needle in a haystack, fortuitous havens do exist where homeownership is affordable and life is blessed with tranquility.
In its quest to unearth the most promising locales for homebuyers, GOBankingRates conducted a thorough analysis of cities nationwide. Factoring in the crucial criterion of median home values below a quarter-million dollars, the study melded additional metrics such as crime rates, unemployment figures, and overall livability to compile the definitive ranking of cities.
But what about your hometown? Is it featured on this charmed list? Let’s dive in to find out.
50. Bowling Green, Kentucky
- 2022 average home value: $237,894
- Livability score: 73
- Median household income: $43,633
- Unemployment rate: 3.2%
- Percentage of people below the poverty line: 25.0%
- Violent crime rate per 1,000 residents: 3.67
- Property crime rate per 1,000 residents: 38.31
Be Aware: 5 Types of Homes That Will Plummet in Value in 2024
See: 5 Places in Florida Where Home Prices Are Still Cheap
