5 Affordable Cities Offering Homes Under $250K Without Sacrificing Lifestyle, According to ChatGPT
Written by
Sarah Li Cain
Edited by
Cory Dudak
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Considering the high prices you see all around you, it makes sense to feel like affordable cities don’t exist anymore. However, there are still pockets across the country where you can find homes for under $250,000 without having to severely sacrifice your lifestyle. And no, these places aren’t just in places with shrinking populations or limited amenities.
As median home sale prices have hit $410,800, according to data from the Federal Bank of St. Louis, it may seem like buying a home today is a faraway dream. That’s why we asked ChatGPT to scan available data and look for cities where home prices and everyday living are still affordable for many. Here are five that showed up at the top of the list.
A Quick Caveat
Yes, these places have affordable homes and standard of living, but the price of homes is heavily dependent on the neighborhood you want to live in. Plus, costs for other expenses may vary, and may not save you much money.
Still, it’s worth looking at these areas if you really want to move there. You may need to do more in-depth research and be aware of any data that could mean homes on this list will go higher and above $250,000.
1. Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh offers big city culture, but without the big city price tag. You can find affordable homes, as Redfin showed, for a median home price of around $258,000.
When it comes to other expenses, they’re also equally affordable, as groceries run around 1% less than the national average, according to data from PayScale. However, utilities do run about 22% higher compared to averages across the country.
Despite that, you can access lots of amenities like riverfront trails, museums, live music and historic neighborhoods.
2. Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City, even with its cooler winters, offers a lot for those who want to live there. For instance, the median home price stands around $215,500, according to Zillow data. Expenses like groceries are also lower — sitting at around 5% less than the national average — and the same goes for utilities at 2% less than what it typically costs on average in the U.S.
3. Fort Wayne, Indiana
You can typically find homes in the $210,000 to $239,000 range in Fort Wayne, per Redfin and Zillow data. Though not as low as Oklahoma City, grocery costs run about 1% less than the national average, and utilities lean about 6% lower than average.
There are plenty of amenities in Fort Wayne, as well, including outdoor trails, riverfront area and a vibrant downtown and arts community.
4. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Harrisburg offers both historic charm with affordability. There are plenty of museums, family-friendly outdoor areas and a revitalizing dining scene.
In addition, you’ll find many homes under $250,000 (average homes sell around $257,000, according to Zillow). Compared to national averages, groceries are around 4% cheaper, as well. Utilities can be much higher, though, depending on how much energy you use.
5. Cleveland
This Midwest city consistently shows up on many lists, and for good reason. You’ve got grocery prices at or slightly below the national average, and Zillow data indicates average home prices around $112,000.
Sure, there’s the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but Cleveland offers more, like lakefront access, neighborhoods with a community feel and plenty of cultural amenities.
Disclaimer: Prices accurate as of Jan. 11, 2025 and subject to change.
