Affordable College Towns: 5 Destinations Under $120,000
A new analysis identifies five U.S. college towns where median home asking prices are under $120,000, significantly below the national average.
Realtor.com's latest analysis has pinpointed five U.S. college towns where the median home asking price remains under $120,000. This figure stands in stark contrast to the national median asking price, which surpassed $400,000 in 2025.
The study examined 231 markets associated with NCAA Division 1 universities that had at least 15 homes listed for sale. The most affordable towns identified are predominantly located in the South and Midwest regions of the United States, areas typically characterized by lower land and construction costs and slower population growth.
The five specific towns highlighted as affordable college hubs are Detroit, Michigan; Jackson, Mississippi; Pine Bluff, Arkansas; Macomb, Illinois; and Peoria, Illinois. In these locations, housing prices are generally tethered to local wage levels, avoiding the rapid appreciation seen in many high-demand markets.
According to Hannah Jones, senior economist at Realtor.com, these towns offer a more accessible entry point into homeownership, particularly for younger buyers. She noted that while some larger cities like Detroit are experiencing revitalization, the housing market there remains relatively affordable, as do those in Jackson and Peoria.
The combination of low housing costs and the inherent amenities of college towns, such as cultural attractions and diverse populations, makes these locations appealing for recent graduates and early-career professionals seeking homeownership opportunities.