Looking For the Best Place To Buy a Home? 10 Destinations That May Surprise You

Figuring out the best place to buy a home may seem a little overwhelming these days. First-time home buyers, in particular, might view the process as momentous and exciting, but daunting in a volatile economic climate. The good news is there are plenty of places in the U.S. where you can put down roots — or move them — and not have to compromise on either your wish list or your budget. To help you narrow down your options for the best place to buy a home, we’ve selected some destinations across the U.S. that might not be on your usual radar. These (somewhat) surprising cities offer a high quality of life along with relatively low average home sale prices and overall greater affordability — proving that sometimes the best opportunities are in places you might not expect.

If you’re looking to buy on a budget, it’s obviously best to avoid places like San Francisco, Los Angeles, or Honolulu that come with payment-to-income ratios over three-quarters higher than the national average. 

But if you’re not looking in these places, where should you look? To help you navigate through the world of the expensive housing market in the U.S., continue reading to check out some cities across the country that have lower average home sale prices overall but also other perks like lower costs of living and a good quality of life overall.

How We Chose the Best Places To Buy a House

To identify the best places to buy a house in 2026, we considered a range of economic data and quality-of-life factors, including average home values, the median income of residents, the cost of living, and housing market conditions. We also looked at local amenities like parks, the job market, schools, retail offerings, dining, and the arts.

10 Best Cities To Buy a House in 2026

If you’re open to the idea of getting outside your comfort zone, there are quite a few U.S. cities that offer affordable options and a variety of lifestyles. Take a look at our top 10 favorite places to buy a house.

Thanks to investment and innovation, Detroit has rebounded to become one of the best places to buy a house in the U.S.

1. Detroit, Michigan — Best Place To Buy a House for Investment

• Average home value: $75,500
• Median household income: $39,575
• Cost of living: 91.8
• Detroit perks: Outdoor activities, diversity, diverse food options

The Motor City has experienced a remarkable renaissance in recent decades. With home values well below the national average, buyers have a golden opportunity for investment. Property taxes are on the higher side, but since prices are low, the overall tax burden is still budget-friendly. And the choices are varied. Popular neighborhoods like Midtown and Corktown offer charming historic homes alongside contemporary condos, with retail and restaurant hubs nearby, including the iconic Eastern Market and shops along Woodward Avenue, Detroit’s main drag.

As for jobs, the unemployment rate is still slightly higher than average. But Motor City is steadily diversifying beyond its automotive roots, with a focus on advanced manufacturing, attracting a new generation of workers. In fact, almost 13,000 new residents moved to the city in 2024 — the first year since 1957 that the population rose. The arts are thriving, too, with institutions like the Detroit Institute of Arts and smaller local galleries fueling the city’s renaissance with investment and innovation. And don’t forget the Motown Museum, which tells the tale of how Hitsville USA changed the course of music history.

2. Pascagoula, Mississippi — Best Place To Buy a Beach House

• Average home value: $140,600
• Median household income: $43,286
• Cost of living: 83.5
• Pascagoula perks: Cost of living, outdoor activities, families, diversity, weather

You might not think “Mississippi” when you imagine buying a beach house in paradise. But this laidback coastal gem may change your mind about what you consider the best place to buy a home. Situated at the mouth of Pascagoula Bay on the Gulf of Mexico, the city draws visitors and prospective residents with affordable homes and waterfront living without waterfront prices. An undeniable perk is the bounty of fresh seafood served at beloved spots like Bozo’s Market and Deli, a local favorite since 1957 for overstuffed po’ boys and fresh Gulf shrimp.

Pascagoula’s maritime past is anchored by the LaPointe-Krebs House and Museum, the oldest structure in Mississippi and a centerpiece of local history. With a strong shipbuilding presence, the city appeals to workers in engineering and trades in a job market that’s consistently a smidge more positive than the national picture. Not your typical resort town, this destination has an interesting mix of industrial might and beachy vibes, with quiet neighborhoods filled with 18th century homes shaded by oak trees. Outdoor lovers enjoy kayaking, fishing, and birding along the Pascagoula River — where longtime locals will regale visitors with legends related to the Singing River at the mouth of the Mississippi. Another claim to fame: Jimmy Buffett was born here.

From historic neighborhoods to waterfront parks and a thriving arts scene, Buffalo proves you don’t have to overspend to live well.

3. Buffalo, New York — Best Place To Buy a Home for the Money

• Average home value: $232,200
• Median household income: $48,050
• Cost of living: 92.1
• Buffalo perks: Housing, families, culture, recreational opportunities, nightlife, diversity

Buffalo delivers some of the best bang-for-your-buck housing in the Northeast, with home prices far below those in nearby metro areas. And while New York’s property taxes can be hefty, the lower purchase prices help even things out, especially considering the amenities and lifestyle in this cold, snowy, thriving city in upstate New York.

In the popular neighborhood of Elmwood Village, the Elmwood Strip offers a charming mix of contemporary chic boutiques and restaurants and architecture still reflecting the industrial roots of the city. Visitors enjoy dining, shopping, and creative hubs like the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, the sixth-oldest public art institution in the U.S. The city has invested heavily in the arts, waterfront development (on the Eastern tip of Lake Erie at the mouth of the Niagara River), and outdoor recreation including Canalside and the 350-acre Delaware Park. Buffalo’s colleges and universities, medical community, and growing tech presence support a solid job market, all adding up to great value — and the No. 2 hottest housing market of 2026, per Zillow.

4. Conroe, Texas — Best Place To Buy a Lake House

• Average home value: $311,100
• Median household income: $75,245
• Cost of living: 100.1
• Conroe perks: Families, public schools, nightlife, outdoor recreation, diversity

One of the major benefits of Texas living is the lack of a state income tax. That’s important for prospective buyers in cities like Conroe, where property taxes and insurance run slightly higher than average. But you get what you pay for here in all the best ways, with an agreeable mix of lakeside living and suburban conveniences putting it in the running for the best place to buy a home. Neighborhoods that stretch along the 21-mile, 21,000-acre Lake Conroe offer everything from cozy cottages to contemporary estates.

Historic Downtown Conroe continues to revitalize but retains the flavor of its early oil-boom days in its architecture and arts. Visitors from all over the area enjoy the district’s dining, shopping, and live music, including places like Pacific Yard House, a restaurant/bar in the former Sparkle Ice building. Strong public schools and steady job growth tied to the economy of Houston — without the need for actually living in Houston — make this an ideal destination for families looking for affordability and the relaxed pace of lake life.

5. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania — Best Place for First-Time Homebuyers  

• Average home value: $255,300
• Median household income: $47,783
• Cost of living: 89.8
• Harrisburg perks: Families, outdoor recreation, housing, nightlife, diversity, politics

The capital of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, about 230 miles from the Pittsburgh suburbs and 100 from Center City Philadelphia, offers great options for first-time buyers — and for anyone seeking lower costs, state-level employers, and a surprisingly lively small-town vibe. Harrisburg home values generally stay comfortably below the national average, but Pennsylvania’s property taxes vary widely, with the capital city landing in a manageable middle range. Neighborhoods are a mix of historic, bustling, and classic ‘burbs — from Midtown to SoMa and Old Fox Ridge. Residents can enjoy some of the perks of big city living without, say, moving to Philadelphia.

People in the ‘Burg enjoy the Susquehanna Riverfront Park, wildflower-lined trails that come alive in the spring and summer months, and neighborhood restaurants like Cork & Fork, a popular downtown destination. Cultural hotspots like the State Museum of Pennsylvania and the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts are strong incentives to stay local and make Harrisburg a strong contender for the title of best place to buy a home.

6. Great Falls, Montana — Best Place To Buy a Home in a Small (but Growing) Community  

• Average home value: $324,100
• Median household income: $63,934
• Cost of living: 87.9
• Great Falls perks: Schools, housing, nightlife, families, diversity, outdoors

This Big Sky Country destination is gaining attention for a blend of affordability, growth, and (naturally) big-sky lifestyle. Families can count on more space and newer construction compared with other Mountain cities, with taxes not quite reaching national numbers but a bit higher than in the rest of Montana. But again, you get what you pay for — and this city is a beauty. While the distinctive neighborhoods of Great Falls offer varying flavors of architecture and amenities, nearly all provide walkability and a warm and welcoming family-friendly atmosphere.

Outdoor living is the hallmark of Great Falls. From Giant Springs State Park (discovered by Lewis and Clark!) to the Riverside Railyard Skate Park, the area is brimming with opportunities for fresh air pursuits. On the paved River’s Edge Trail, 60 miles stretching on both sides of the Missouri River, walkers and runners find magnificent views of the surrounding landscape along with access to Great Falls’ bustling historic downtown district.

With affordable home prices and major investment fueling growth, Fort Wayne earns its spot as one of the best places to buy a house in the Midwest.

7. Fort Wayne, Indiana — Best Place To Buy a House Under $300K

• Average home value: $234,200
• Median household income: $60,293
• Cost of living: 82
• Fort Wayne perks: Families, housing, diversity, outdoors, nightlife

Fort Wayne has the distinction of ranking No. 6 on Niche’s list of best cities in America to buy a house — no small feat, considering the massive field of competition and shifting moving trends across the U.S. But it’s an understandable honor, given the amenities and benefits of this Midwestern gem. More than $1 billion in investment has poured into revitalization in the past decade. That doesn’t include Google’s $2 billion data center, a controversial development that will bring 200 jobs to the city but has some residents concerned about environmental impacts.

Besides its bustling business landscape, Fort Wayne has easy access to more than 200 nearby lakes in northeast Indiana. Housing remains surprisingly affordable, and the state’s property tax caps keep expenses predictable, which is a big plus in the search for the best place to buy a home. Neighborhoods like historic West Central, showcased in the annual Home and Garden Tour (44 years and counting) and ArtsFest, are home to gorgeously restored Victorian architecture. The area also features nearby restaurants, the city’s signature breweries, and destinations like Promenade Park, where the city’s three rivers come together: The St. Marys, St. Joseph, and the Maumee.

8. North Adams, Massachusetts — Best Place for the Arts

• Average home value: $247,400
• Median household income: $48,521
• Cost of living: 95.9
• North Adams perks: Housing, families, arts, history, outdoor recreation

The towns dotting the Berkshires in Western Massachusetts have the feel of Norman Rockwell scenes — quaint Main Streets and spacious historic homes set along shaded boulevards. North Adams matches this vision, with a thriving regional arts center, Mass MoCA, added to the mix on the site of a massive mill shuttered in the 1980s.

This former textile town has been reborn as the region’s best place to buy a home, thanks to the investment and creative infusion of Mass MoCA’s jobs, tourists, and a fresh generation of new residents. The North Adams historic downtown core bustles with restaurants, shops, and galleries, and surrounding communities have grown with new homes and renovations. Surprisingly, home values are low compared with the rest of Massachusetts, and taxes are moderate. Outdoor lovers have endless opportunities, from hiking on Mount Greylock (the highest peak in the commonwealth) to ski slopes in every direction. Bonus for city lovers: Boston is just a two-hour drive away.

9. Las Cruces, New Mexico — Best Place To Build a House

• Average home value: $285,000
• Median household income: $55,176
• Cost of living: 83.5
• Las Cruces perks: Outdoors, families, diversity, nightlife

The Land of Enchantment appeals to prospective buyers looking for sunshine, desert scenery, and affordability. Home values remain reasonable, and New Mexico’s taxes are among the lowest in the U.S., which is a clear advantage for long-term residents. Neighborhoods like the master-planned Sonoma Ranch offer golf course views, hiking, and a family-friendly environment — but with plenty of wide open spaces for newcomers who prefer a more solitary lifestyle, Las Cruces may be the best place to build a house in the U.S.

With the Organ Mountains as the backdrop, outdoor recreation is a way of life here. New Mexico State University helps sustain a stable job base, along with agriculture and nearby aerospace operations. For new buyers in search of stunning scenery, vibrant markets, and a thriving arts and culture community, Las Cruces is on the map in a new, exciting way.

10. Worthington, MN — Best Place To Raise a Family  

• Average home value: $234,200
• Median household income: $61,840
• Cost of living: 72.4
• Worthington perks: Housing, families, nightlife, diversity, outdoors

“Minnesota Nice” is a way of life in this friendly community about three hours southwest of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro region, with a celebrated rich cultural heritage and history reflecting the area’s growing diversity. And with a cost of living well below the national average and relatively low property taxes, home ownership in Worthington is in reach for plenty of families.

Residents enjoy lots of local festivals — primarily in the summer months, when the weather is gorgeous. Check out the quirky Aebleskiver Days in nearby Tyler every July and Wood Duck Days in Fulda, along with summer farmers' markets that feature fresh produce and other treats from the surrounding rural communities. Hotspots like the Forbidden Barrel Brewery are attracting more newcomers, many drawn by the strong agricultural and manufacturing base that still anchors the local economy.

Best Cities To Buy a House in 2026 — FAQs

Q: What salary do you need for a $400,000 house?
A: This number will vary depending on your precise location, but in general, in the U.S. right now, an income in the six figures is needed for a $400,000 house — which is just above the national average home cost of $357,300. Experts say your income needs to be in the neighborhood of $116,700 to $160,200.

Q: Which state is best to buy a house in?
A: With low down payments, great weather most of the time, and no income taxes, the best place to buy a home may be the state of Florida. But the Midwest and Mountain states are attractive options, too, with relative affordability, low foreclosure rates, and reasonable property taxes in states led by Wyoming, South Dakota, and Iowa.

Q: What is the 30/30/3 rule for home buying?
A: This formula is an effective way to gauge your ability to afford a house. First: Your total home expenses — including mortgage, insurance, and taxes — should not exceed 30 percent of your gross monthly income. Second: You should have 30 percent of the home price saved to offer for a down payment and closing costs. And third: The home price should not exceed 3 times your annual gross income.

Q: When is the best time to buy a house?
A: There are a couple of variables to consider when you define “best.” In the spring and summer months, home inventory is generally highest as that’s when many families make their moves (when the kids are out of school). But in the winter months, prices are generally lowest. And a pro tip: When you find your best place to buy a home, the day immediately following a holiday (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day) is a good time to make an offer.

Q: Can you buy a house making $40,000 a year?
A: Experts say you shouldn’t spend more than three times your annual salary on a home. So, yes, you can afford to buy a house if you make $40,000 — but if you stick to the formula, your options will be limited to homes priced at $120,000 and lower.

With a PODS container delivered right to the driveway, homeowners can take their time packing before moving to one of the best places to buy a house.

Move to One of the Best Places To Buy a House in 2026 With PODS

Once you’ve done your research into the best place to buy a home and have chosen your dream locale, PODS can help get you there. Make your move to a new city flexible with PODS portable moving containers, delivered right to your driveway for you to pack and load at your own convenience. Need some help with heavy lifting? PODS can refer you to local packing and loading services to lend a hand. And if your new home won’t be ready right away, or you just need a little more time to look around, one month’s storage is included in the cost of every PODS move.

Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

Editor’s note: Average home values were obtained from Zillow. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100. Home values in the millions were rounded to the nearest $100,000.

_{*This article was written on behalf of PODS Enterprises, LLC (“PODS”). PODS does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this article and disclaims any liability for reliance upon the content herein.}