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wning a home is becoming a distant goal for many young buyers, especially in large cities where soaring prices and high mortgage rates push markets beyond the reach of first‑timers. Yet just a few hours from these urban centers—or a short flight away—rural and small‑town markets can flip the script, offering move‑in‑ready houses for less than the cost of a luxury car.
Ben Mizes, a Missouri‑licensed agent and co‑founder of Clever Offers, argues that buying in rural areas is the most realistic path to equity for Gen Z and millennials who want to stop renting. “If they’re not willing to rent forever, rural markets give the best chance to own a home now,” he says.
Below are four rural or small‑city markets that still offer affordability and are attracting younger buyers.
**Marshalltown, Iowa**
In Marshalltown, a refurbished three‑bedroom, two‑bath home on a quarter‑acre lot sells for about $119,000—roughly the price of a studio apartment in many major U.S. cities. Mizes notes that the low cost of living and growing remote‑work options draw first‑time buyers. Lower housing costs free up money for savings, investing, or debt repayment, building long‑term financial stability.
**Beckley, West Virginia**
Beckley offers move‑in‑ready homes under $100,000 with spacious yards and recent updates. “For Gen Z and millennials, that’s less than what many pay in rent each year,” Mizes explains. In contrast, a two‑bedroom walk‑up in Williamsburg can cost $1.1 million plus $900 a month in HOA fees, pricing out those without generational wealth or tech IPO money.
**Decatur, Illinois**
Decatur combines affordable prices with steady employment in manufacturing and health care. Three‑bedroom houses in good condition are around $85,000. The lower cost of living and job opportunities give young buyers an inexpensive entry into homeownership and potential long‑term equity growth. Reduced monthly housing expenses also allow room to save and invest while advancing careers.
**Pittsburg, Kansas**
Pittsburg presents median home prices near $120,000, featuring renovated older homes and new construction. The town’s community feel and university presence make it a lively yet affordable option for first‑timers. Compared to coastal markets—where a one‑bedroom condo in San Francisco can list for $699,000—Pittsburg offers a realistic “starter home” that fits a typical millennial income.
For Gen Z and millennials determined to stop renting and build equity, rural and small‑city markets provide a rare opportunity. While these locations may involve lifestyle trade‑offs, they align better with today’s incomes, debt loads, and financial priorities.
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*This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com.*
