1. Elmira, New York – $139,900
This upstate New York town is home to a pristine 1890 Victorian with stained-glass windows, built-ins, and a deep front porch. It’s been fully remodeled, including updates to the electrical system and kitchen. The home spans over 2,300 square feet and still costs less than a luxury SUV.
Elmira offers small-town charm with a rich literary history—Mark Twain spent summers here. The town is dotted with historic homes and tree-lined streets. It’s a great place for anyone who wants vintage vibes with modern updates. And the price? Practically a steal.
2. Audubon, Iowa – $49,900
Yes, you read that right. For under $50K, you can own a 2,000-square-foot Victorian just a block from the town square. Built in 1895, it features original woodwork, built-ins, and endless potential. It’s a fixer-upper, but the bones are beautiful.
Audubon is a classic Midwestern town with a tight-knit community and a peaceful pace. You won’t find traffic jams or sky-high property taxes here. What you will find is a chance to own a piece of history for less than the cost of a new pickup. That’s hard to beat.
3. Yates Center, Kansas – $72,000
This 1870 Gothic-style Victorian sits on over half an acre near the town square. It’s been restored throughout and offers three bedrooms, intricate woodwork, and a wraparound porch. The price tag? Less than a base-model SUV.
Yates Center is a quiet, historic town with a strong sense of community. It’s the kind of place where people still say hello on the street. If you’re craving space, charm, and affordability, this one checks all the boxes. And the porch alone is worth the price.
4. Cordell, Oklahoma – $89,500
This small town in western Oklahoma offers a four-bedroom Victorian painted in cheerful colors with a sunroom, two-story workshop, and even a storm shelter. Built in 1920, it’s full of character and sits on a quarter-acre lot. The price? Less than a new SUV—and with way more personality.
Cordell is quiet, affordable, and full of charm. It’s the kind of place where neighbors wave and time slows down. If you’re looking for space and history without the sticker shock, this one’s a gem. And yes, it has a purple upstairs getaway.
5. Berlin, New Hampshire – Around $180,000
Tucked in the White Mountains, Berlin offers Victorian homes with mountain views and a median price under $200K. You’ll find Stick-Eastlake details, turrets, and wraparound porches. It’s a haven for outdoor lovers and history buffs alike.
Berlin is an up-and-coming town with a rugged charm and access to hiking, skiing, and kayaking. It’s not flashy, but it’s full of character. And the homes? They’re the kind of places you dream about restoring. All for less than a tricked-out SUV.
6. Bisbee, Arizona – Around $217,000
This artsy former mining town is packed with Queen Anne homes, bungalows, and Craftsman gems. The median home price is still well below many urban markets, and you can find Victorians under $250K. The town itself is quirky, colorful, and full of life.
Bisbee is known for its galleries, ghost tours, and mountain views. It’s a desert town with a cool climate and a cooler vibe. If you want a Victorian with personality, this is your place. And yes, it’s cheaper than a luxury crossover.
7. Galena, Illinois – Under $300,000
Galena is a postcard-perfect town with cobblestone streets and some of the best-preserved 19th-century architecture in the Midwest. Victorian homes here often come with gardens, gables, and original details. Many are priced under $300K, and some well below that.
It’s a popular weekend getaway, but also a peaceful place to live full-time. The town hosts festivals, parades, and antique fairs year-round. If you want charm and community, Galena delivers. And the homes? They’re straight out of a storybook.
8. Wheeling, West Virginia – Under $200,000
Wheeling’s Victorian homes reflect its industrial heyday—grand, detailed, and surprisingly affordable. You’ll find wraparound porches, stained glass, and high ceilings for under $200K. Some listings even dip below $150K.
The town sits along the Ohio River and offers a mix of history and natural beauty. It’s a place where you can live large without spending large. And the architecture? It’s the kind of craftsmanship you just don’t see anymore.
9. Savannah, Georgia – Under $300,000
Savannah’s Victorian District is famous for its colorful homes, ironwork, and Southern charm. While prices have risen, you can still find smaller Victorians or fixer-uppers under $300K. And they’re often walking distance from parks, shops, and historic squares.
Living in Savannah means cobblestone streets, Spanish moss, and porch culture. It’s romantic, walkable, and full of life. If you want a home with soul, this is it. And it’s still cheaper than a fully loaded SUV.
10. Leadville, Colorado – Under $250,000
This high-altitude mining town is full of Victorian homes with mountain views and frontier charm. Many are priced under $250K, especially if you’re open to a little DIY. The town is small but vibrant, with a strong sense of history.
Leadville offers skiing, hiking, and a true Colorado lifestyle—without Aspen prices. It’s rugged, beautiful, and full of character. And the homes? They’re like gingerbread houses with altitude. All for less than a new Land Rover.
11. Albany, New York – Under $250,000
New York’s capital city is full of historic charm, and its Victorian homes are no exception. You’ll find colorful exteriors, handcrafted woodwork, and wraparound porches in neighborhoods like Pine Hills and Center Square. Many homes are priced under $250K, especially if you’re open to a little restoration work. And the city itself offers a mix of history, culture, and walkability.
Albany is often overlooked, but it’s a hidden gem for architecture lovers. The homes here have character you can’t fake—and prices that are surprisingly down-to-earth. It’s a great place to live if you want old-world charm without big-city chaos. And yes, you’ll still have money left over for furniture.
12. Cincinnati, Ohio – Around $100,000
Cincinnati’s historic neighborhoods like Northside and Walnut Hills are packed with Victorian homes—many priced under $150K. Think tall ceilings, original fireplaces, and ornate staircases. One 1900-built beauty on Beech Avenue recently listed for just $99,500. It’s move-in ready and full of old-world charm.
Cincinnati offers big-city amenities with small-town affordability. The arts scene is thriving, the food is underrated, and the architecture is stunning. If you want a Victorian that doesn’t break the bank, this is your spot. And the city’s got just enough grit to keep it interesting.
13. Conway, South Carolina – Under $280,000
Just 15 minutes from Myrtle Beach, Conway is one of South Carolina’s oldest towns—and it’s full of historic homes. You’ll find Colonial Revivals and Victorians on tree-lined streets, many priced under $280K. The town has a walkable downtown, riverfront parks, and a relaxed pace of life. It’s Southern charm without the Charleston price tag.
Conway is perfect for buyers who want history, space, and proximity to the beach. The homes are full of character, and the community is tight-knit. It’s a place where front porches still matter. And the price? Still less than a tricked-out SUV.
14. Independence, Kansas – Under $150,000
This southeastern Kansas town is a treasure trove of historic homes, including Queen Annes and Folk Victorians. Many are priced under $150K and come with original woodwork, stained glass, and spacious yards. The town itself is quiet, affordable, and full of Midwestern charm. It’s the kind of place where you can actually hear yourself think.
Independence offers a slower pace and a lower cost of living. It’s not flashy, but it’s full of heart. And the homes? They’re the kind of places you can grow into—not just grow out of. All for less than a new SUV with leather seats.
This post 14 U.S. Towns Where You Can Still Buy a Victorian Home for Less Than a New SUV was first published on American Charm.
