How Much House The Middle Class Can Afford in 10 Thriving Small US Towns
Written by
Vance Cariaga
Edited by
Nicholas Morine
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Middle-class Americans have been largely priced out of certain U.S. housing markets in recent years, mainly large coastal cities such as Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, D.C. But if you don’t mind (or even prefer) smaller towns, there are some great choices out there that could allow you to buy a home on a middle-class income.
Here’s a look at 10 thriving smaller U.S. towns recently profiled by HGTV that offer houses the middle class can afford. All have average home values below or near the U.S. average of $360,381, according to the latest data from Zillow. All prices listed below are also from Zillow.
Abilene, Texas
Average home price: $198,814
HGTV’s take: Abilene boasts a low cost of living, no state personal income tax and is a “great location for history lovers eager to learn about this one-time railroad town.”
Bloomington, Indiana
Average home price: $308,158
HGTV’s take: This town of fewer than 80,000 residents is a “mover-and-shaker” thanks to job growth and expansion in the natural resources and high-tech sectors. You’ll also find “lots of green spaces,” farm-to-table dining choices and live music.
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Average home price: $276,444
HGTV’s take: Bowling Green is a “city on the rise” thanks to its affordability and strong job market — as well as access to natural attractions, Bowling Green State University and historical sites.
Burlington, North Carolina
Average home price: $243,588
HGTV’s take: Known for a “mild climate, easy commuting, strong wages and a growing job market,” Burlington also offers many outdoors activities as well as college sports thanks to its proximity to Elon College, Duke University and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.
Champaign-Urbana, Illinois
Average home price: $212,697
HGTV’s take: Home to the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, this Midwest town has “strong ties to the tech industry” that have boosted wages and employment in the area.
Fort Myers, Florida
Average home price: $366,916
HGTV’s take: Here’s an affordable town in pricey Florida that offers a “relaxed vibe” on the Gulf Coast as well as “outdoor activities of all kinds.”
Gainesville, Georgia
Average home price: $368,045
HGTV’s take: Gainesville “continues to show growth in jobs and wages” thanks mainly to its poultry industry. Although this town is technically a suburb of Atlanta, it feels like more of “weekend escape” thanks to its proximity to Lake Lanier.
Mankato, Minnesota
Average home price: $294,498
HGTV’s take: This town of 45,000 residents sits 80 miles southwest of Minneapolis and is “best known for natural attractions that enable an outdoor lifestyle.” Mankato also offers a “relaxed vibe, a family-friendly nature and lots to do.”
Redding, California
Average home price: $391,796
HGTV’s take: Redding is is home to three universities and a “growing healthcare industry” as well as national forests, lakes and rivers. It gets “more than 300 days of sunshine a year,” making it an excellent place for outdoor activities.
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Average home price: $327,952
HGTV’s take: Sioux Falls has “become a hub for the finance industry” that is also known for the cascading waterfall at Falls Park, along with “top-tier attractions” such as the Great Plains Zoo, Old Courthouse Museum and SculptureWalk.
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