The dream of owning a home has become tougher than ever for many Americans. With home prices soaring and mortgage rates doubling in recent years, owning a house feels out of reach for lots of families — especially in big cities. The gap between rising housing costs and stagnant incomes has made affordability a major challenge nationwide.
But not all hope is lost. According to recent data from Zillow, some pockets of the country remain relatively affordable for the average family — especially if buyers can put down a reasonable down payment.
What Defines “Affordable” Today?
Zillow’s analysis looks at metro areas where a median-income family spends less than one-third of their income on housing costs. They also examined affordability based on down payment size:
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With a 20% down payment, several dozen metro areas remain affordable.
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But for many, saving that much upfront is unrealistic. When the down payment target drops to 10%, only 11 metro areas still qualify as affordable.
Where Are These Affordable Places?
Most affordable metros cluster in the Midwest and the South, where:
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Zoning tends to be more flexible,
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Builders have kept pace with demand, and
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Home prices started lower before rising.
Here are the 11 metros affordable with a 10% down payment:
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Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Toledo, Ohio
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Columbia, South Carolina
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Syracuse, New York
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Jackson, Mississippi
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Wichita, Kansas
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Akron, Ohio
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Augusta, Georgia
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Little Rock, Arkansas
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St. Louis, Missouri
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Birmingham, Alabama
Good Deals Under $300,000
For buyers hunting homes under $300,000, places like Detroit stand out. Detroit’s median sale price is around $180,000 — one of the lowest among major metro areas. Other cities become affordable if buyers can manage a 20% down payment, including Cincinnati, Ohio; Indianapolis, Indiana; and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Affordable Areas in Florida
Florida has long been a popular destination for homebuyers, but affordability varies widely across the state. While many coastal cities have seen sharp price increases, there are still pockets where median-income families can find homes at reasonable prices.
Some of the more affordable Florida metro areas according to Zillow’s data include:
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Tampa, Florida and surrounding areas like Hillsborough County still offer homes under $300,000 if buyers have a solid down payment.
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Jacksonville, Florida offers a mix of affordable housing options especially in the suburbs.
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Orlando, Florida has pockets where homes remain relatively affordable compared to other large metros, though prices are rising.
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Smaller cities such as Palm Bay and Pensacola provide opportunities for buyers seeking affordability away from Florida’s high-demand coasts.
Keep in mind, the Florida market is dynamic, with strong demand pushing prices up in many areas. Buyers should act quickly and work with local experts to uncover the best deals.
What About Other Markets?
Some traditionally affordable places are heating up fast. Take Buffalo, New York, for example. Strong job growth and limited housing supply have pushed prices higher, making it less affordable even with a larger down payment.
What Does This Mean for Buyers?
If you’re dreaming of homeownership but struggling with affordability:
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Consider looking beyond the coastal and big-city markets.
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Explore Midwest and Southern metros with lower costs of living.
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Aim to save as much as possible for a down payment — it can widen your options.
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Keep an eye on fast-rising markets where prices may soon outpace incomes.
