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ffordability tops buyers’ concerns amid economic uncertainty. Mortgage rates near 6% and inventory up 15.3% YOY. Realtor.com identifies 10 metros with median home prices under $300 k, $125 k below the national median. Hannah Jones notes these markets align prices with local incomes, offering hope for buyers.
**Key metros**
- **Muncie, IN** – median $178 k, income $56.8 k. Close to Indianapolis, home to Ball State, 750‑acre Prairie Creek Reservoir.
- **Toledo, OH** – median $218 k, income $63.1 k. 60 mi from Detroit, arts hub, low climate risk.
- **Battle Creek, MI** – median $230 k, income $59.4 k. Between Detroit and Chicago, veteran‑friendly, home of Kellogg’s.
- **Pittsburgh, PA** – median $250 k, income $72.9 k. Most affordable metro per Realtor.com, sports teams, vibrant food scene, parks, rivers.
- **Cleveland, OH** – median $260 k, income $68.7 k. Lake Erie waterfront, growing arts and food scene, low climate risk.
- **Scranton–Wilkes‑Barre, PA** – median $262 k, income $63.6 k. Near NYC and Philadelphia, revitalized downtown, lower property taxes.
- **Buffalo–Cheektowaga, NY** – median $267 k, income $71.1 k. Two hours from Toronto, four seasons, food, lake, sports.
- **Wichita, KS** – median $285 k, income $70.3 k. Listed in Realtor.com’s 50 Hottest ZIP Codes, cultural venues, BBQ, breweries.
- **Frankfort, KY** – median $292 k, income $72.0 k. Bourbon Trail, Buffalo Trace Distillery, near Louisville and Lexington.
- **St. Louis, MO** – median $296 k, income $79.9 k. Growing tech scene, hiking, zoo, craft beer.
These metros combine affordability, quality of life, and urban conveniences, making homeownership attainable for budget‑conscious buyers.
