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The most affordable (and adorable) places to buy a home right now

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You might be looking to move for many reasons. Maybe you want to try the nomad life, you’re planning to downsize when you retire, or you want to take advantage of the current housing market. All of these very viable reasons require one thing: You need to know where to look.

If you’re not constrained by work or family, there are many places you could move to. Wherever you’re looking at starting the next chapter of your life, you need affordability. You also deserve an adorable new place, too.

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Discover affordable places to live across the country with this guide. You’ll learn where to look, average home prices, and just why these areas make great home bases.

SnapshotPhotos / Shutterstock

Little Rock, Arkansas

Average home value: $173,707

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Pricing in Little Rock is on the rise, up 7.5% from last year. Overall, Arkansas has one of the lowest costs of living in the country. But affordability isn’t necessarily your only deciding factor. Unless you’re looking to build a real estate empire, you’re probably looking for more.

If the beautiful forests and terrain don’t convince you any more than the nearby Ozarks, consider the state’s history. Or, what’s more, if you’re looking for a small-town feel with city amenities, Little Rock is it. Income taxes are less than 7%, making this a great move if you work remotely (and your employer doesn’t have any state-specific restrictions).

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Average home value: $208,190

The home value in Baton Rouge went up nearly 10% last year. If you’re looking to buy and sell while turning a quick profit, this might be an ideal investment. If you’re not a house flipper, the low mortgage rates may be another incentive.

Are you looking for a warmer climate? Louisiana has you covered year-round. You’ll find heritage, history, culture, and cuisine unlike many other parts of the country. You’ll have a variety of housing options to explore, from historic bungalows to modern two-stories. And for raising a family, you’ll have many educational opportunities.

Louisville, Kentucky

Average home value: $214, 447

If you want a fresh start, look no further than Lousiville’s abundance of employment opportunities. And if that’s not convincing enough, consider the Southern hospitality and affordable housing. What’s more, the great natural areas and surrounding schools are perfect if you want to start a family.

What’s not to love about Lousiville, Kentucky? With housing prices increasing at nearly 13%, now’s the time to buy before they get too high.

Brett Taylor Photography / Shutterstock

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Average home value: $175,73o

Want lots of land at a low price? Consider OKC. This small-big-town is close to North Texas without being in Texas. If you’re looking ahead at economic potential, you may find that water rights in Oklahoma real estate are a more interesting option. If you’re interested in a great college (for family or a career), look at the town.

With one of the lowest living costs in the nation, OKC has affordability to offer across the board. If you want a great investment, consider the almost 15% growth rate in housing costs alone.

St. Louis, Missouri

Average home value: $160,507

St. Louis, a city steeped in history and culture, makes the list of affordable and adorable homes. It has one of the lower-priced average housing costs on this list for a good reason. Although it’s a city, it’s a small one.

You’ll find dense nature areas not far outside the town. Plus, with all of the heritage in-town, you’ll find great eats on every corner. The big tech companies moving to town also serve up lots of potential job opportunities. And best of all? The cost of living there is 12.6% below the U.S. average.

Tampa, Florida

Average home value: $346,710

Sunny Tampa is much cheaper than other tropical metropolises like Orlando or Miami. With its average home value, you might not see it as affordable as some of the other homes on this list, but you can’t beat its adorable factor. Many homeowners choose to live on the coast for access to the beach, knowing it comes with a slightly higher price tag. And the cost of living in Tampa is still 9.1% below the national average.

Compared to nearby Florida towns, you’re still looking at a lower price. And, it’s in the South, so you’re not dealing with cold, rocky East Coast shores. Plus, you can always head somewhere cooler if needed; leave the state, and you’ll experience a break from the tropics. 

Ogden, Utah

Average home value: $352,596

Utah is a beautiful state with tons of national parks. It’s got an exciting history contrasted by its stark natural beauty. Of course, living in a desert area isn’t just about nature. The town itself is full of adorable homes, with a somewhat reasonable price tag (compared to the other pricey cities nearby).

If mountains are your thing, but Colorado prices are just too much for your bank account, consider Utah. With its unique terrain, you’ll have a great home base in Ogden.

If you’re looking for a fresh start in a new place, any of these locales would fit the bill.

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Amanda Hoyer
Amanda Hoyer
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Degreed in Psychology and English, Amanda fell into copywriting and blogging when she discovered an innate gift for narrative…
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