7 Charming Suburbs the Middle Class Can Actually Afford To Live in

Suburbs that are bustling but not overdeveloped, safe but not boring and tranquil but packed with amenities aren’t easy to come by — unless you have big bucks to spend on exclusive enclaves.

But that doesn’t mean that they don’t exist.

GOBankingRates spoke with realtors who revealed a handful of charming, coveted suburbs where average earners can still afford to buy a home and live without straining their budgets. These are the best of the bunch.

Chesapeake is a suburb of Norfolk and Virginia Beach and the coastal community on the east side of the state bordering North Carolina and the Atlantic Ocean has plenty to offer — especially considering the average home value is still south of $400,000, according to Zillow.

“The city is well known for its high-performing schools, low crime rate, outdoor activities and proximity to the beach,” said DJ Parker, realtor in Hampton Roads, Virginia and founder of Life in Hampton Roads.

“For those stationed in one of the local military bases, the city is within 10 to 20 miles of central military installations,” he said.

Parker said the median home sale price for June was $399,000, according to his local MLS, which Zillow backs up almost to the dollar.

Another enticing suburb that the middle class can still afford is Carmel, Indiana.

“Known for its excellent schools, family-friendly amenities and vibrant arts scene, Carmel offers a high quality of life without the exorbitant costs of big-city living,” said Dennis Shirshikov, head of growth at real estate investment company GoSummer.

“Housing costs are relatively reasonable,” he said “making it an attractive option for middle-class families.” 

According to Zillow, the average is a pricey $539,000, but neighborhoods like St. Vincent-Greenbriar and College Park are still selling in the high $200,000s with Nora-Far Northside and Clearwater in the $300,000s.

Round Rock, Texas, is also worth a look for families looking for an affordable yet desirable suburb.

“With its proximity to Austin, top-rated schools and plentiful parks and recreational activities, Round Rock combines the benefits of suburban living with access to urban job markets,” Shirshikov said.

“Median home prices here are around $400,000,” he said, “which is quite affordable given the area’s economic opportunities and lifestyle amenities.”

According to Zillow, more than a half-dozen neighborhoods have average home values in the low-to-mid $300,000s.

Harpreet Saini, CEO of We Buy Houses, recommended Blue Ash in Cincinnati metro, along with neighboring Montgomery. 

“These are amazing places to have a family because Ohio has a relatively cheap cost of living,” Saini said.

“They are in the Sycamore Community Schools district, which is one of the top public schools,” she said. “There are plenty of suburbs within this school district where you could choose to live on a budget in a house under $300,000.”

According to Zillow, the average value in Blue Ash is around $434,000, but as Saini explained, some neighborhoods are still available in the $300,000s and even high $200,000s.

With an average home value of $623,000, Montgomery is even more expensive but attractive for all the same reasons — and like Blue Ash, there are neighborhoods where you’ll pay half that or less.

Much of the Mountain West has gotten too expensive for the average middle-class family, but life in the Aspen-adjacent Rockies is still attainable if you know where to look.

“Littleton is home to a historic downtown with unique shops and great dining places, which combine for an exciting urban experience with a comfortable, small-town feel,” said Brett Johnson, owner of New Era Home Buyers in Englewood, Colorado.

“Very recently, data from the Denver Metro Association of Realtors reported the median home price in Littleton to hover around $520,000 as of mid-2024,” he said. “For comparison, the median in Denver is about $615,000, while statewide it is about $550,000. This makes Littleton a more affordable option, with the addition of its proximity to Denver, which is an excellent school district.”

According to Zillow, some neighborhoods are in the $400,000s or lower.

Raleigh Realty said Cary is “a great city for anyone looking to live in a top-rated town with excellent schools, weather and amenities.”

The word has spread and the town’s population has tripled in the last 25 years — but average buyers can still afford at least some neighborhoods in this tranquil yet bustling suburb.

“Cary presents a mix of quality living and urban conveniences,” said Yosef Adde, founder of I BUY Los Angeles. “It prides itself on schools, green areas galore and a strong community spirit. Cary delivers value that matches the lifestyle it provides.”

According to Zillow the average home value is an imposing $634,000, but neighborhoods like Russell Hills, Oakwood Heights and Trappers Run are still selling in the $400,000s.

Hugging the Missouri border just southwest of Kansas City is a hidden gem that shines for many of the same reasons as Cary.

“Noteworthy for its cost of living coupled with high-quality living standards is Overland Park, Kansas,” Adde said. “This city boasts good schools, abundant parks and amenities tailored for families with children in mind and stands as an option for middle-class households.”

Zillow shows the average home value is still under $450,000, but prices are rising as transplants flock to this oasis in the Midwest.