8 Cities Where a Cheap Fixer-Upper is Worth the Renovation Costs
Written by
Sarah Sharkey
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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If you are looking for a place to call home, a fully polished home with all the bells and whistles might feel out of reach. But, luckily, opting for a fixer-upper is a worthwhile opportunity for many. Home buyers who are willing to put in some elbow grease can find some great deals.
Explore some of the top cities where finding a cheap fixer-upper can be worth the renovation costs based on a recent Realtor report.
Birmingham, Alabama
- Median fixer-upper list price: $100,000, according to Realtor
- Median single-family home price: $310,000
If you are looking to make Alabama your home sweet home, Birmingham could be the right place to stake your claim on a fixer-upper. The city offers a cute downtown scene, complete with plenty of restaurants and bars to try. The relatively short commutes and access to local parks might offer the pace you’ve been looking for.
Toledo, Ohio
- Median fixer-upper list price: $79,975
- Median home price: $234,650
Finding a fixer-upper in Toledo is easy on the budget. But the perks of moving to Ohio don’t end with that. In Toledo, you’ll find short commutes and ample entertainment opportunities. For starters, the Toledo Zoo and a minor league baseball team give families plenty of enjoyment.
Wichita, Kansas
- Median fixer-upper list price: $120,000
- Median home price: $284,950
Wichita’s extensive collection of fixer-uppers might fit right into your budget. And with a bit of hard work, you could turn a dusty find into a true gem. Plus, Wichita offers plenty of opportunities for families to connect, like the local parks and zoo, according to Visit Wichita.
St. Louis, Missouri
- Median fixer-upper list price: $87,950
- Median home price: $315,000
St. Louis, Missouri, otherwise known as the Gateway to the West, offers a picturesque place to call home on the Mississippi River. With fixer-uppers priced well below the $100,000 mark, finding a diamond in the rough might not be too challenging. The booming job market could make it an ideal place for a fresh financial start.
Detroit, Michigan
- Median fixer-upper list price: $100,000
- Median home price: $285,000
Detroit was once a powerhouse of the automotive industry. As car manufacturing moved elsewhere, the city felt the pinch. But more recently, Detroit is showing promising signs of revival, according to the University of Michigan. If you are looking for a fixer-upper in a revitalized city, Detroit might be the right fit.
Jackson, Mississippi
- Median fixer-upper list price: $66,750
- Median home price: $299,000
Jackson is a beautiful town packed with Southern charm. Although the job market is tight, according to BestPlaces, there are plenty of fixer-uppers for sale at fire sale prices. If you have a job you can bring with you through remote work or are retired, opting to pour your heart and soul into a Jackson fixer-upper might be the right fit.
Flint, Michigan
- Median fixer-upper list price: $26,500
- Median home price: $63,775
Flint was once home to a booming automobile industry. The city’s reputation for mismanagement of its water supply caused environmental challenges. But these issues are mostly resolved, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Currently, a changing economy has transformed it into an opportunity for home buyers seeking a fixer-upper.
Syracuse, New York
- Median fixer-upper list price: $60,000
- Median home price: $211,159
Syracuse is home to a major university and plenty of fixer-uppers. Although the town’s manufacturing mainstays have largely left the area, the university’s presence ensures this city remains relevant. With ample aging homes in the area, finding a fixer-upper with good bones isn’t too much of a challenge here.
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