Hot and Cheap: 7 Markets Where Buyers Can Still Snag Homes Under $300K
- Neil Caron
- Sep 23
- 2 min read
September 23, 2025 | Housing Market Insights | Presented by ReadySetLoan™️
For buyers watching prices soar in many parts of the country, it may feel like affordable housing has disappeared entirely. But according to new Realtor.com reports, seven cities across the Upper Midwest and Northeast are still offering homes under $300,000—if buyers are willing to embrace small-town living with big-city access.
The 7 Affordable Markets
Canton, OH – $270,000
Akron, OH – $250,000
Toledo, OH – $245,000
Rockford, IL – $250,000
Springfield, IL – $215,000
Rochester, NY – $280,000
Erie, PA – $239,000
These are the pockets of affordability where the dream of homeownership is still within reach for first-time buyers and families alike.
Why These Spots Stand Out
🏁 AffordabilityWith median listing prices between $215,000 and $280,000, these markets are well below the national average, putting them within reach for many households.
🏁 Location AdvantageOhio and Illinois dominate the list, highlighting the Upper Midwest as a surprising affordability hotspot. Rochester and Erie provide East Coast buyers with rare budget-friendly alternatives.
🏁 Lifestyle BalanceMany of these towns offer the best of both worlds: affordable, small-town charm paired with access to larger metros for professional, cultural, and lifestyle opportunities.
RSL Piggy Points 🐷💡
The Upper Midwest is quietly leading the affordability race, with Ohio emerging as the star player.
Small-town living is back in style as buyers trade urban premiums for more space, more savings, and more opportunity.
Even along the East Coast, markets like Rochester and Erie prove affordability isn’t extinct—you just need to know where to look.
Neil’s Take 🎙️
"Affordability is one of the biggest barriers we hear about from buyers today. These markets show us that while you may need to compromise on location or embrace smaller cities, the dream of buying for under $300,000 is still alive. For Connecticut buyers, this doesn’t mean packing up and moving to Ohio—but it does highlight the importance of shopping smart, exploring state programs, and working with a guide who knows where to find hidden value." — Neil Caron, Area Sales Manager at CMG Mortgage
The RSL Perspective
At ReadySetLoan™️, we know affordability looks different depending on where you live. Connecticut has its own unique challenges, but just like these Midwest towns, there are creative ways to get buyers into homes without breaking the bank. From down-payment assistance to renovation lending, there are paths forward—you just need the right strategy and the right partner.
🏁 Whether you’re racing toward your first home or exploring ways to stretch your budget, ReadySetLoan™️ is your resource and guide to the finish line.
