GoKawiilSome of America’s most affordable college towns still have median asking prices barely above $100,000. If you want to live somewhere where you can cheer on a college sports team—and actually afford a home—then a new ranking may give you some ideas for relocating. Hint: Prepare for cold winters or hot summers.
$400,000 homes are the norm nationally. In these 5 college towns, they’re under $120,000
Why This Matters
With the national median asking price for a home near $400,000, a new ranking highlights five college towns where median list prices sit under $120,000 — a reminder that affordability in U.S. housing is highly local. For remote workers and relocation-minded buyers, these markets show that entry-level ownership is still possible, though usually in places with harsher climates and smaller job markets.
Key Takeaways
- The roughly $400,000 national median masks college towns where homes list for barely above $100,000.
- Affordability tends to come with tradeoffs, notably cold winters or hot summers in these markets.
- College towns can offer amenities like campus sports and culture at a fraction of typical housing costs.
Worth a Look
Etekcity Lasergrip Infrared Thermometer — If you're house-hunting in an affordable college town with brutal winters or scorching summers, a handheld infrared thermometer helps you spot drafty windows, cold walls, and poorly insulated attics during a walkthrough. It's a pocket-sized way to sanity-check heating and cooling issues before you make an offer on that under-$120,000 listing.
See Etekcity Lasergrip Infrared Thermometer on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Get alerts for these topics