By North State Free Coast Syndicate Staff
Realtor.com recently ran the numbers and found 22 cities across the U.S. where you can still buy a home for $300,000 or less. And surprise surprise — not a single one is in California. That’s part of why so many folks are getting out. It’s not just the prices anymore. Many Californians say the state’s too expensive, too crowded, and too dangerous, and the taxes are too high.
But hold up — not every affordable city is actually a smart move. Realtor.com’s list includes places like Detroit, Birmingham, and Memphis — spots that might be cheap, but everybody knows they come with serious crime problems.
So we dug deeper. We pulled out the cities that are not just affordable, but actually safer too. And when you do that? Florida rises to the top. Clearwater and Ocala take the crown — safe, sunny, and still within reach. Then you’ve got a handful of other solid picks across Texas, the Midwest, and the South. Here’s our breakdown: each city’s median home price, crime rating, and what makes it worth a look.
🔒 Low Crime Picks (Best Overall)
1. Clearwater, FL
Median Home Price: $299,250
Crime Rating: Low
A Gulf Coast standout with beach town charm, walkable streets, and close proximity to Tampa. Clearwater’s got the sunshine, the community, and a chill Florida vibe without the Miami chaos. For families, retirees, or just folks wanting to reset — this one’s hard to beat.
2. Ocala, FL
Median Home Price: $299,999
Crime Rating: Low
Quiet and clean, with rolling horse country and open skies. Ocala’s central location puts you close to Orlando, the coasts, and some of Florida’s best natural springs. Affordable living with an old-school feel.
3. El Paso, TX
Median Home Price: $295,000
Crime Rating: Low
One of the safest large cities in Texas. El Paso brings desert sunsets, mountain views, and a tight-knit community feel. Cost of living stays low, and the culture’s got real heart.
⚖️ Moderate Crime, Still Worth It
4. Lubbock, TX
Median Home Price: $249,975
Crime Rating: Moderate
A college town with a country soul. It’s got space, low prices, and a strong local economy. If you like big skies and simple living, this one’s a sleeper pick.
5. Pittsburgh, PA
Median Home Price: $274,900
Crime Rating: Moderate
The Steel City’s been reinventing itself — tech, art, and food are all booming. Still affordable, still grounded, and packed with blue-collar pride.
6. Kansas City, MO
Median Home Price: $281,250
Crime Rating: Moderate
Good food, friendly people, and a music scene that punches way above its weight. If you want city amenities without big-city stress, KC’s worth a look.
7. Oklahoma City, OK
Median Home Price: $285,855
Crime Rating: Moderate
Spacious, affordable, and surprisingly modern. OKC’s got a growing job market and a solid downtown. You’ll miss the ocean, but you won’t miss the traffic.
8. Louisville, KY
Median Home Price: $289,900
Crime Rating: Moderate
Southern charm meets city living. You get historic neighborhoods, bourbon culture, and a whole lotta character. Way more affordable than Nashville — and just as fun.
9. Tulsa, OK
Median Home Price: $289,900
Crime Rating: Moderate
Creative, artsy, and up-and-coming. Tulsa mixes small-town feel with a fresh downtown energy. Feels like it’s building something.
10. Columbus, OH
Median Home Price: $295,900
Crime Rating: Moderate
Big state school energy, solid housing stock, and a balanced pace of life. If you want dependable and affordable without the extremes, this one checks the boxes.
