1. Detroit, Michigan
Detroit has long been the poster child for affordable housing, and it still holds that title in 2025. Over half of all active listings in the city are under $100,000, with many homes priced well below that. While some properties need work, others are move-in ready and located in up-and-coming neighborhoods. It’s one of the few big cities where homeownership is still within reach.
But the secret’s getting out. Investors are scooping up properties, and prices are slowly rising. If you’re looking for a deal in a city with grit and growth potential, Detroit’s still got it. Just don’t wait too long.
2. Toledo, Ohio
Toledo offers small-city charm with big-time affordability. Nearly 44% of homes on the market are listed under $100K, and many are in livable condition. The city has a strong manufacturing history, a revitalized downtown, and access to Lake Erie. It’s a solid pick for first-time buyers or remote workers looking to stretch their dollars.
Toledo isn’t flashy, but it’s functional—and that’s the appeal. With low property taxes and a steady housing supply, it’s a buyer’s market. But as more people look beyond major metros, Toledo’s affordability might not last forever. Now’s the time to explore it.
3. Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland is another Rust Belt city where your housing budget still goes far. Over a third of listings are under $100,000, and the city offers a mix of historic homes and newer builds. It’s got a strong healthcare sector, a thriving arts scene, and a loyal sports culture. Plus, it’s right on Lake Erie.
Cleveland’s housing market is heating up, though. Investors and out-of-state buyers are starting to take notice. If you want in before prices climb, now’s your chance. It’s still affordable—but not for long.
4. St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis has a rich history, diverse neighborhoods, and—yes—plenty of homes under $100K. Nearly 23% of listings fall below that threshold, especially in areas just outside the city center. The city’s architecture is stunning, and the cost of living is well below the national average. It’s a place where you can still buy a house and have money left to fix it up.
That said, demand is rising. As other cities become unaffordable, St. Louis is attracting more attention. It’s still a deal—but the clock is ticking. Don’t sleep on the Gateway City.
5. Rochester, New York
Rochester offers a rare combo: East Coast location with Midwest pricing. About 22% of listings are under $100,000, and the city has a strong education and healthcare presence. It’s home to several universities and a growing tech scene. Plus, the Finger Lakes are just a short drive away.
Rochester’s affordability is drawing in remote workers and retirees alike. The housing stock is older but charming, and many homes are move-in ready. It’s a smart pick for buyers who want value without sacrificing culture. Just be ready for snow.
6. Fort Wayne, Indiana
Fort Wayne is one of the Midwest’s best-kept secrets. Nearly 20% of homes on the market are under $100K, and the city has a reputation for being clean, safe, and family-friendly. It’s got a growing economy, a walkable downtown, and a surprisingly strong arts scene. And the housing market is still accessible.
Prices are rising slowly, but there’s still time to get in. Fort Wayne offers a rare mix of affordability and livability. It’s not flashy—but it’s solid. And that’s exactly what many buyers are looking for.
7. Jackson, Mississippi
Jackson is one of the few state capitals where you can still buy a house for under $100,000. About a third of all listings fall below that mark, and the city has a rich cultural history. It’s known for its music, food, and Southern hospitality. And the cost of living is among the lowest in the country.
However, Jackson does face infrastructure and economic challenges. Buyers should do their homework and choose neighborhoods carefully. That said, the value is undeniable. If you’re looking for space and charm on a budget, Jackson delivers.
8. Erie, Pennsylvania
Erie sits on the shores of Lake Erie and offers scenic views with shockingly low home prices. Over 100 active listings are under $100K, and the city has a strong sense of community. It’s a great spot for outdoor lovers, with beaches, trails, and nearby ski resorts. And the housing stock includes everything from bungalows to brick colonials.
Erie’s affordability is starting to attract remote workers and retirees. It’s not a boomtown—but that’s part of the appeal. You can still find a solid home without breaking the bank. And the sunsets over the lake? Free.
9. Albany, Georgia
Albany is one of the most affordable cities in the South. With hundreds of homes listed under $100,000, it’s a buyer’s market. The city has a rich civil rights history, a warm climate, and a low cost of living. It’s a quiet place to put down roots without going into debt.
Albany isn’t a tourist hotspot, but it’s stable and welcoming. For buyers priced out of bigger Southern cities, it’s a smart alternative. And with prices this low, you might even pay in cash. That’s rare in 2025.
10. Wichita, Kansas
Wichita is Kansas’s largest city—and one of its most affordable. Around 140 homes are listed under $100K, and the city has a strong job market in aviation and healthcare. It’s got a growing downtown, family-friendly neighborhoods, and a low cost of living. It’s a practical pick for buyers who want space and stability.
Wichita doesn’t get much national attention, but that’s changing. As affordability becomes a priority, more people are looking inland. Wichita offers value without compromise. And that’s hard to find these days.
11. New Orleans, Louisiana (Certain Neighborhoods)
New Orleans isn’t cheap overall—but in certain neighborhoods, you can still find homes under $100K. These are often fixer-uppers, but they come with character and potential. The city’s culture, food, and music scene are unmatched. And for buyers willing to put in the work, the payoff can be huge.
That said, competition is fierce. Investors are snapping up affordable properties fast. If you’re looking for a project with personality, New Orleans has options. Just be ready to move quickly.
12. Lincoln, Nebraska
Lincoln offers a high quality of life with surprisingly low housing costs. Over 20% of listings are under $100K, and the city has a strong economy anchored by government and education. It’s clean, safe, and full of green space. And the housing market is still accessible to first-time buyers.
Lincoln isn’t flashy, but it’s functional. It’s a place where you can build equity without overextending. And in 2025, that’s a rare find. Especially in a capital city.
13. Peoria, Illinois
Peoria is a classic Midwestern city with a lot to offer—and a lot of homes under $100K. It’s got a riverfront, a strong healthcare sector, and a cost of living well below the national average. The housing stock includes charming older homes and newer builds. And the market is still wide open.
Peoria isn’t booming, but it’s steady. That makes it a great place for buyers who want value and stability. And with prices this low, you can afford to be picky. Or renovate to your heart’s content.
14. Kansas City, Missouri (Select Areas)
Kansas City has pockets where homes under $100K are still available—especially on the Missouri side. The city has a rich jazz history, a booming food scene, and a growing tech sector. It’s a big city with small-town friendliness. And in certain neighborhoods, it’s still affordable.
But KC is changing fast. As more people move in, prices are rising. If you want to buy before the next wave hits, now’s the time. The barbecue’s hot—and so is the market.
This post 14 American Towns Where You Can Still Buy a House for Under $100K (Yes, Really) was first published on American Charm.
