By Julie Taylor November 28, 2025
Realtor.com has highlighted 10 desirable metros with homes under $250,000, which is an impressive $175,000 below the national median.
As rising costs reshape the housing landscape, buyers are casting a wider net in search of affordability.
Mortgage interest rates above 6% and lingering economic uncertainty are steering budget-conscious shoppers toward cities where their money goes further.
And they still exist. Realtor.com® has spotlighted 10 metros offering homes under $250,000—an impressive $175,000 below the national median—along with strong local amenities that make them worth the move.
"Even in today’s challenging housing market, several smaller metros continue to offer home shoppers a rare combination of affordability and stability," says Hannah Jones, senior economic research analyst at Realtor.com.
"In many of these cities, home prices remain closely aligned with local incomes, allowing a typical household to purchase a typical for-sale home without being priced out."
According to Jones, the continued existence of sub-$250,000 markets, particularly in parts of the Midwest, Northeast, and Appalachia, shows that affordability hasn’t disappeared everywhere.
"In these communities, buyers willing to look beyond major metros can still find attainable prices, reasonable competition, and a path to homeownership that remains feasible," Jones explains.
Pottsville, PA
Median list price: $159,450
2019 median list price: $97,475
Median household income: $65,069
Pottsville—which is 50 miles from Allentown—boasts a vibrant cultural scene, a pedestrian-friendly downtown, and safe streets. The city offers dependable public transit and is known for its craft breweries, thriving arts community, and diverse dining options.
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