Inexpensive Housing
Buying a home can feel impossible these days, but there’s hope. Some markets are finally starting to cool down - and in a few spots, prices are about to drop a lot. If you’ve been holding off on house-hunting, here are 20 US cities where you might actually get the home you’ve been dreaming of.
New Orleans, Louisiana (-7.2%)
New Orleans is beautiful, well worth your time and attention. With tourism still strong but higher interest rates slowing local demand, prices are expected to drop over the next year. If you’ve been dreaming about a colorful house with flowers all round, now’s the time.
San Francisco, California (-6.1%)
It’s still expensive, but prices in San Francisco are slipping a bit. People aren’t moving here as much for work, and that’s taking some of the pressure off the market. A 6% drop could mean tens of thousands off the price of a home in this famously expensive city.
Austin, Texas (-5.1%)
Tech hub Austin’s been booming for years, but it’s finally slowing down. With fewer bidding wars and a few more people leaving, buyers might have a chance to breathe. Plus, it’s a land full of live music, barbecue, and outdoor fun.
San Jose, California (-4.0%)
California again! Here, home prices have been sky-high forever. Now, with fewer people needing to be here for work, prices are slipping. A 4% drop might not sound huge, but here, it could mean saving enough to redo a kitchen at least.
Honolulu, Hawaii (-3.8%)
The wonderful land of Honolulu might be getting a little cheaper, at least by Hawaii standards. With fewer buyers flying in from the mainland these days, prices are dipping slightly. Bear in mind it’s still expensive, though, and packed with tourists. That’s just Hawaii for you.
Denver, Colorado (-3.8%)
Denver’s been a very popular choice in the past thanks to its mountain views and sunny weather, but it’s cooling off a bit house-wise. Prices are expected to dip now, giving buyers a better shot at finding a home without breaking the bank.
Sacramento, California (-3.7%)
Sacramento saw a huge boom when Bay Area folks moved in. Now things are calming down, and prices are sliding down a little. If you’ve been priced out before, this could be your chance to get a home in California’s capital without compromising your future.
San Antonio, Texas (-3.6%)
San Antonio has long been a favorite for buyers who want big city life with a small town price tag, but it’s getting even better. Prices are expected to drop a bit, making it an even better deal for anyone who loves history, beauty and culture in their city.
Portland, Oregon (-3.5%)
Portland is noted for being cool, weird, and a really good place to live overall. But fewer people are moving here, and prices are slipping. A 3.5% drop means that house in the city you loved may be affordable after all.
Washington, D. C. (-3.3%)
Homes are still pricey in the nation’s capital, but a small dip could make a difference if you’ve been trying to find a place near all the monuments and museums. Bear in mind it’s a very tourist-y place, though.
Greenville, Mississippi (-16.7%)
Greenville is seeing one of the biggest expected price drops in the country. It’s a historic river town with a lot of charm, and this kind of drop could mean some serious bargains - especially for folks looking to invest or fix up a home.
Clarksdale, Mississippi (-14.8%)
If you’re a music lover, Clarksdale is where you wanna be - it’s known as one of the birthplaces of the blues and the infamous "devil at the crossroads" urban legend. Now, homes here are about to get much cheaper, with prices expected to drop almost 15%. That could mean affordable fixer-uppers with big backyards.
Pecos, Texas (-13.7%)
Pecos in West Texas is famous for the world's first rodeo and a big role in the oil industry. When oil production slowed, so did the housing market - and now prices are set to drop nearly 14%. That means you could score a house for a fraction of what you’d pay in bigger Texas cities.
Cleveland, Mississippi (-13.6%)
Cleveland mixes small-town charm with the energy of a college community, thanks to Delta State University. Prices here are falling fast - over 13% in the next year. That could make it a great time to buy, regardless of whether you want a big home or a student apartment.
Bennettsville, South Carolina (-11.9%)
Bennettsville is the kind of place where neighbors still wave and life moves nice and slow. It’s packed with historic homes and cute little stores. Prices are expected to drop nearly 12%, which means more chances to scoop up an old, spacious house to spend the rest of your life in.
Opelousas, Louisiana (-11.5%)
Opelousas is bursting with Cajun and Creole culture, from its food and music to its colorful architecture. Housing prices are set to fall more than 11%, which could open the door to owning one of its charming historic homes.
Raymondville, Texas (-11.5%)
With prices expected to drop over 11% in Raymondville, you might be able to find a home with plenty of land for gardening and hobbies here. It’s by all accounts a really good, peaceful place to live, making it even better when it’s also more affordable.
Hobbs, New Mexico (-11.4%)
Hobbs sits near the Texas border and is known for its oil and gas industries. As that work slows down, home prices are following, with an 11% drop expected soon. That’s great news if you’re looking for an affordable town with sunny weather, friendly locals, and plenty of space.
Morgan City, Louisiana (-11.3%)
Louisiana is definitely the place to be right now if you’re looking for a house. Morgan City sits along the Atchafalaya River and has a strong fishing and boating culture. With prices expected to drop over 11%, you could find a home with a water view for far less than you’d imagine.
Indianola, Mississippi (-10.8%)
Indianola is a small town with a big place in blues history - it’s home to the B.B. King Museum and a tight-knit community. Housing prices are expected to fall almost 11%, which is great news for anyone who dreams of a quiet but musical life in Mississippi.
