1. Cairo, Illinois
Cairo has some of the cheapest real estate in the country, with homes sometimes listed for under $50,000, according to Realtor.com. Nestled at the southern tip of Illinois where the Mississippi and Ohio rivers meet, it’s rich in history and architecture. The town features grand, crumbling mansions that hint at a once-thriving river port. But here’s the catch: Cairo has faced decades of population loss and economic decline, and city services and job prospects are extremely limited.
Revitalization efforts have been slow and inconsistent, and much of the housing stock requires extensive renovation. If you’re handy and looking for a long-term project, there’s potential here—but don’t expect quick equity growth. Some programs have been proposed to attract new residents, but nothing has yet transformed the town’s trajectory. Still, for under $100K, you could own a historic home on a sizable lot.
2. Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Johnstown is a small city about 60 miles east of Pittsburgh, where home prices hover around $50,000, as people can find on Zillow. It’s a place with a deep industrial past, charming hillside neighborhoods, and surprisingly beautiful surroundings. There’s also a robust historical identity, centered around the infamous floods that devastated the town in the 19th and 20th centuries. So what’s the downside? The local economy never quite bounced back from the decline of steel and coal.
Johnstown has seen serious depopulation, and many neighborhoods have large numbers of vacant properties. Schools and healthcare access are there—but limited in quality and scope compared to larger cities. It can be a good pick for retirees or remote workers who want affordability and small-town living. Just don’t move here expecting a thriving job market or bustling downtown.
3. Danville, Virginia
Danville sits near the North Carolina border and is one of the last places in Virginia where you can still scoop up a home for under $100K, according to Realtor.com. The city has done some work revitalizing its riverfront and has a small but growing arts scene. It’s a historic tobacco and textile town that’s trying to reinvent itself in the 21st century. But while prices are low, jobs are still scarce and incomes remain below the national average.
Many of the homes in this price range are older and will need cosmetic or structural updates. Also, parts of Danville are still recovering from economic stagnation, so neighborhood quality can vary dramatically block by block. On the plus side, there’s potential here for early adopters before prices rise with future investment. It’s a calculated risk—for some, a smart one.
4. Pine Bluff, Arkansas
Pine Bluff has a median home price hovering around $80,000, and you’ll often find listings well below that on Zillow. It’s located just south of Little Rock and has access to both urban and rural life. There are beautiful natural areas nearby, including the Arkansas River and Bayou Bartholomew. But high crime rates and struggling schools give many potential buyers pause.
The city has tried multiple revitalization initiatives, but progress has been uneven. Abandoned buildings and infrastructure issues are common in many neighborhoods. However, if you’re looking for affordable Southern living and are willing to take a chance on an up-and-coming area, Pine Bluff could be worth a second look. Just go in with your eyes wide open.
5. Peoria, Illinois
Peoria is bigger than some others on this list, with a population around 110,000 and a more diversified economy. You can still find homes under $100K—especially on the south and west sides of town. It’s got a long history tied to manufacturing and agriculture, and is home to Caterpillar Inc.’s former headquarters. But the “catch” is that these affordable areas often face crime concerns and neglected infrastructure.
Public schools can be hit-or-miss depending on the district, and property taxes are relatively high for Illinois. On the flip side, Peoria does have a downtown that’s slowly rebounding, plus a decent arts and medical scene. If you’re strategic about location and willing to do some rehab work, there’s opportunity here. Just be sure to vet neighborhoods carefully.
6. Buffalo, New York
Yes, even Buffalo still has homes under $100K—though you’ll need to move fast. Many of the cheapest options are fixer-uppers in areas that haven’t yet benefited from the city’s broader renaissance. The city overall is seeing growth, especially near downtown and the waterfront, with new businesses and restaurants popping up. But in outlying or forgotten neighborhoods, homes remain shockingly cheap—and often in rough shape.
The catch? You’ll probably need to invest in major renovations—think new roofs, HVAC systems, and lead paint mitigation. That said, the city does offer incentives for homeowners who are willing to invest in revitalization. If you can stomach the upfront work, there’s real upside potential here.
7. Galesburg, Illinois
Located in western Illinois, Galesburg is a railroad town with a proud past and a very affordable present. You can find charming old homes here for under $100K, many built before World War II with sturdy bones and historic character. The local college, Knox, gives the town a bit of academic energy. But the economy is sluggish, and many of the good-paying jobs left decades ago.
It’s a great place if you’re into antiques, quiet living, or history—but maybe not if you’re chasing a booming career. Infrastructure is decent, but don’t expect cutting-edge healthcare or tech. If you’re a remote worker or retiree who values peace and low costs, Galesburg might just fit the bill. Just bring your toolbox and realistic expectations.
8. Scranton, Pennsylvania
You might know Scranton from “The Office,” but in real life, it’s still struggling economically. Home prices remain remarkably low, with many properties under $100K—even in relatively stable neighborhoods. It has a surprisingly vibrant downtown, with old-school diners, Polish churches, and steep hills that resemble a smaller Pittsburgh. However, Scranton has high property taxes and aging infrastructure that can be a headache for homeowners.
The region also faces job challenges and a sluggish economy overall. But Scranton does have public transit, cultural institutions, and a decent sense of community. It’s not a bad choice for someone who wants a Northeastern city vibe without the price tag of Philly or New York. Just be ready for winter—and an old furnace.
9. Huntington, West Virginia
With a median home price around $95,000, Huntington is a college town (home to Marshall University) that offers more than meets the eye. It sits along the Ohio River and has a walkable downtown, historic districts, and some surprisingly lovely parks. There’s a real community feel, especially around the university. But like much of Appalachia, the area faces long-term economic hurdles.
Addiction issues and poverty are still very real concerns in parts of the town. Still, for someone looking to buy outright without a mortgage, Huntington offers affordability plus amenities you might not expect at this price point. It’s got potential, especially for retirees or young couples with remote income. Just be sure you’re comfortable with the area’s slower pace and patchy economy.
10. Decatur, Illinois
Decatur is another central Illinois city where home prices average below $100K. It was once a booming industrial town, and it still has beautiful historic homes and wide boulevards. But many parts of the city are in decline, with job losses and crime dampening long-term prospects. Homes at this price point often need serious updates, including plumbing and electrical work.
That said, Decatur has a few bright spots: a decent lakefront area, parks, and a commitment to community events. If you’re willing to put in the elbow grease, there’s value here that’s hard to beat. Just keep in mind that long-term appreciation may be slow. It’s more about lifestyle and affordability than investment growth.
11. Selma, Alabama
Selma is a city with huge historical significance and deeply rooted cultural value. It played a central role in the Civil Rights Movement, and that legacy is visible everywhere. Home prices are some of the lowest in the state, with many listings under $75,000. But the town has struggled economically for decades and still faces high poverty rates and crumbling infrastructure.
For buyers passionate about history and community engagement, Selma can be a meaningful place to settle. The city is small and tight-knit, but services and amenities are limited. Many homes are older and need restoration work—especially those in the historic district. This is not a place for profit-flippers, but rather for those looking to plant deep roots.
12. Carbondale, Illinois
Carbondale is a college town—home to Southern Illinois University—and that keeps the local economy somewhat stable. Homes under $100K are still common, especially near older student housing and outlying neighborhoods. There’s a youthful energy here thanks to the university, along with access to the beautiful Shawnee National Forest. But the catch? The town’s population shrinks considerably outside of the school year, and rental competition can suppress home values.
Some neighborhoods feel more transient than residential, and you’ll want to look closely at zoning if you’re planning to live there full-time. On the bright side, Carbondale has a few cool cafes, music venues, and a relatively progressive vibe for the region. For artists, professors, or remote workers, it could be a surprisingly livable spot. Just don’t expect fast resale value or booming demand.
