Here’s What Four Price Points Will Get You in 10 Cities Across the US

Because there's never been a better time to lust over real estate listings.

By Cara Sanders on November 10, 2021

When we release our annual Top 100 Best Places to Live list, we compare more than 50 data points that are then grouped into nine different categories. One of the categories that means the most to our readers is, understandably, housing (if you’d like to learn more about our methodology, click here). 

What do millennials obsess over when they’re trying to decide where to live? According to our Remote Work Relocation Report, affordability. For 70 percent of you, it’s one of the top 3 factors you think about. And nothing says “I want to move to this city this minute” more than an adorable house that won’t kill your budget. 

We scoured real estate listings in 10 cities that performed highest in the housing category on this year’s list to show you what’s available in price points across the board. So whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned seller, these cities are for you.

1. Rochester, MN

Rochester, MN ranked #14 on this year’s Top 100 Best Places to Live list, but when it comes to the housing category, the city took the top spot. The city is small but mighty and home to the world-famous Mayo Clinic, a dynamic downtown district and plenty of family-friendly fun to be had. Nature lovers thrive here as the city experiences all four seasons and ample trails for hiking, biking and even cross-country skiing. Plus, the city is an excellent place for remote workers to plant roots with a community spirit of innovation and organizations that help residents thrive. 

Budget of $200,000: $200,000; 2 Bd, 2 Ba, 936 Sqft
Listing Agent: Roberta J Simpson Backstrom/Midwest Management Incorporated dba Midwest Homes

Budget of $350,000: $325,000; 4 Bd, 2 Ba, 2,142 Sqft
Listing Agent: Carrie Brand, Keller Williams Premier Realty

Budget of $500,000: $509,900; 3 Bd, 3 Ba, 2,292 Sqft
Listing Agent: Paul J. Meier, Broker/President with Meier Realty

Budget of $750,000: $700,000; 4 Bd, 4 Ba, 3,922 Sqft
Presented by: Lorrie Schuchard
Brokered by: Edina Realty, Inc. – Rochester

2. Carmel, IN

Located just north of Indianapolis is the thriving community of Carmel, IN. The city is one of the fastest-growing communities in the country and it’s easy to see why. There is always something going on here, whether you enjoy the arts, outdoors or plenty of places to enjoy fine dining. On the weekend, spend time exploring the Monon Greenway, a 15.7 mile trail that extends from Indianapolis to Carmel or the Carmel Arts & Design District in Old Town, home to galleries, shops and restaurants galore. 

Budget of $200,000: $189,900; 2 Bd, 2 Ba, 1,072 Sqft
Listing Agent: Cynthia Shepherd McCurdy of Keller Williams Indy Metro NE

Budget of $350,000: $344,900; 3 Bd, 3 Ba, 2,201 Sqft
Listing Agent: Yajing Liu of MYL Realty, LLC

Budget of $500,000: $489,000; 5 Bd, 4 Ba, 3,915 Sqft
Listing Agent: Guangsheng Yang of Sunshine Realty, LLC

Budget of $750,000: $739,000; 6 Bd, 5 Ba, 5,767 Sqft
Listing Agent: Jim Reed of Berkshire Hathaway Home

3. Lincoln, NE

This year, Lincoln took the #18 spot on the Top 100 Best Places to Live list and it’s no surprise that this midwestern town will make you feel right at home. The real estate scene here is affordable, but the city itself doesn’t skimp on any amenities. More than that, the city is a great place for growth. The education system here is unparalleled and has a history of being an excellent spot for tech entrepreneurs. 

Budget of $200,000: $199,900; 3 Bd, 2 Ba, 1,671 Sqft
Listing Agent: Karen L. Mayo of BancWise Realty

Budget of $350,000: $349,900; 4 Bd, 4 Ba, 3,008 Sqft
Listing Agent: M. Pat Waite of Lincoln First Realty

Budget of $500,000: $500,000; 3 Bd, 4 Ba, 3,638 Sqft
Listing Agent: Matt Hardesty of Woods Bros Realty

Budget of $750,000: $724,950; 5 Bd, 4 Ba, 4,587 Sqft
Listing Agent: Vladimir Oulianov of Woods Bros Realty

4. Fargo, ND

Welcome to “Silicon Prairie,” a nickname given to the tight-knit, business-minded community of Fargo, a city known for innovation. In fact, if you’re an entrepreneur looking for a fresh start, then Fargo is the perfect city for you because the city offers both personal and professional support, a culture of growth and an affordable cost of living that is crucial when you’re getting a new business off the ground. From live music to checking out the brewery scene, there’s plenty of fun to be had on the weekend, too. 

Budget of $200,000: $199,900; 4 Bd, 1 Ba, 1,966 Sqft
Listing Agent: Charley Planteen of Next Level Real Estate

Budget of $350,000: $349,900; 4 Bd, 2 Ba, 2,479 Sqft
Listing Agent: Maria Roesch of Dakota Plains Realty

Budget of $500,000: $485,000; 4 Bd, 3 Ba, 3,302 Sqft
Listing Agent: Jarred Nygaard of RE/MAX Legacy Realty

Budget of $750,000: $749,900; 5 Bd, 5 Ba, 4,379 Sqft
Listing Agent: Lindsey Little of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Premier Properties

5. Colorado Springs, CO

To many, Colorado Springs’ deeply rooted military history comes to the top of mind, but for others, the city is an outdoor oasis, both of which make it the ideal place to plant roots. In addition, the city offers unmatched access to nature and plenty of fun things to do to keep you busy and it’s time that the mountain-town-turned-thriving-city is garnering some much-deserved attention of its own. Young entrepreneurs, tech professionals, artists and outdoor enthusiasts all find what they want in Colorado’s second-largest city. And if you think it’s impossible to have all of the above and affordability in a hometown, think again.

Budget of $200,000: $139,900; 2 Bd, 1 Ba, 862 Sqft
Listing Agent: Nichole Dennis of Muldoon Associates, Inc.

Budget of $350,000: $345,000; 3 Bd, 3 Ba, 1,374 Sqft
Listing Agent: Ryan Moberly MRP of 00004382-Exp Realty LLC

Budget of $500,000: $500,000; 4 Bd, 4 Ba, 2,334 Sqft
Listing Agent: Jeremy Wynia of RE/MAX Properties Inc.

Budget of $750,000: $725,000; 5 Bd, 4 Ba, 4,115 Sqft
Listing Agent: Kimberly Kingston of The Platinum Group

6. Overland Park, KS

Overland Park took the #3 spot on this year’s Top 100 Best Places to Live list and the city isn’t your typical suburb. Local artists in the area have created colorful murals for all to enjoy and hiking trails meander through a serene 300-acre botanical garden, making it easy to get out and about to explore. Though the city is relatively young (it was incorporated in 1960!), Overland Park is now the second-most populous city in Kansas and more than 40 companies have corporate headquarters here. 

Budget of $200,000: $190,000; 2 Bd, 2.5 Ba, 1,715 Sqft
Listing Agent: Dan Martin of Kansas City Realty Svcs LLC

Budget of $350,000: $350,000; 3 Bd, 2.5 Ba, 2,783 Sqft
Listing Agent: Austin Short of Realty Executives

Budget of $500,000: $470,000; 4 Bd, 5 Ba, 4,152 Sqft
Listing Agent: Shannon Lyon of ReeceNichols – Leawood

Budget of $750,000: $745,972; 5 Bd, 4 Ba, 3,395 Sqft
Listing Agent: Jennifer Rich of Weichert, Realtors – Welch & Co.

7. Spokane, WA

This eastern Washington city has a robust economy, unparalleled outdoor recreation options, a gorgeous landscape and an affordable cost of living, plus Spokane is easy on the eyes. The community has six major hospitals along with numerous high-tech and biotech companies and higher education options, including Gonzaga University. The housing market in Spokane is as diverse as the many neighborhoods and there is something for everyone from classic contemporary homes to modern apartments.  

Budget of $200,000: $196,000; 2 Bd, 1 Ba, 871 Sqft
Listing Agent: Nellie Otoupalik of Synergy Properties

Budget of $350,000: $340,000; 3 Bd, 2 Ba, 1,989 Sqft
Listing Agent: Whitney Schumacher of Keller Williams Spokane – Main

Budget of $500,000: $499,000; 4 Bd, 3 Ba, 2,310 Sqft
Listing Agent: Elizabeth Boykin of Keller Williams Spokane – Main

Budget of $750,000: $750,000; 6 Bd, 4 Ba, 4,200 Sqft
Listing Agent: Kim Hagel of Synergy Properties

8. Frederick, MD

Slated as one of the most affordable cities in Maryland, Frederick has a long-standing history of being the perfect blend of hip and historical. The city blends the two perfectly and the cool downtown district where many tech companies take up office space in buildings dating more than 200 years. As a result, residents here get to take advantage of this charming city’s rich history, pedestrian-friendly streets, picturesque architecture and abundant countryside wineries, all while maintaining a low cost of living and affordable housing market. 

Budget of $200,000: $164,900; 2 Bd, 1 Ba, 950 Sqft
Listing Agent: J.T. T Smith of RE/MAX Results

Budget of $350,000: $340,000; 3 Bd, 4 Ba, 2,168 Sqft
Listing Agent: Angela M Ogburn of RE/MAX Results

Budget of $500,000: $499,990; 3 Bd, 4 Ba, 2,148 Sqft
Listing Agent: Melissa M Daniels of NVR Services, Inc.

Budget of $750,000: $739,000; 4 Bd, 4 Ba, 4,389 Sqft
Listing Agent: Evelyn D Holmes of Bach Real Estate

9. Warwick, RI

Nestled between the Providence River and Greenwich Bay, Warwick, RI, offers residents anything they could ever imagine. The city offers close connections to major cities like New York and Boston, ample green spaces and swoon-worthy waterfront views. In addition to providing its community members a high quality of life, Warwick has remained a relatively affordable place to live. 

Budget of $200,000: $199,000; 3 Bd, 2 Ba, 1,048 Sqft
Listing Agent: Derek Greene of The Greene Realty Group

Budget of $350,000: $319,900; 3 Bd, 2 Ba, 1,374 Sqft
Listing Agent: Jose Galvez of Northeastern Realty Pros

Budget of $500,000: $499,000; 3 Bd, 2 Ba, 2,017 Sqft
Listing Agent: Amy Doorley of Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International

Budget of $750,000: $750,000; 6 Bd, 4 Ba, 3,559 Sqft
Listing Agent: Paul Zarrella of Williams & Stuart Real Estate

10. Louisville, KY

Rounding out the list of cities with fantastic housing markets is Louisville, the crown jewel of Kentucky. Once known as the ‘Wall Street of Whiskey,’ the city is so much more than horses and bourbon. Here you can experience world-class dining, a carefully curated trail system and a top-notch education system. The housing prices in Louisville are affordable and you’re guaranteed more bang for your buck. Plus, if you’re looking to relocate, the city has established a program to connect locals with new residents to help them get the lay of the land. 

Budget of $200,000: $200,000; 3 Bd, 2 Ba, 1,160 Sqft
Listing Agent: Anne Hayden of RE/MAX Properties East

Budget of $350,000: $349,900; 3 Bd, 2 Ba, 1,568 Sqft
Listing Agent: Glenn C Edelen of Edelen & Edelen Realtors

Budget of $500,000: $498,500; 4 Bd, 3 Ba, 3,000 Sqft
Listing Agent: Mary Bishop of Real Estate MarketPlace

Budget of $750,000: $750,000; 4 Bd, 5 Ba, 6,487 Sqft
Listing Agent: Sonal Sutaria of RE/MAX Properties East