11 Cheapest Places in Illinois To Buy a Home

7) Pekin

Another city on this list with a median home value of under $100,000 is Pekin, with property prices at 40% less than the national average. The cost of living is also 13% below the national average, making Pekin a tempting choice for penny pinchers. Its location on the Illinois River offers a great environment for outdoor lovers. There are plenty of opportunities to fish, camp, hike, and many walking trails to explore. Boating, horseback riding, canoeing, and ice skating are also popular activities. With 2,500 acres of parks, there’s something everyone can enjoy. The city itself has an artsy vibe with many of the downtown buildings decorated with painted murals, adding to the warm and welcoming attitude of residents. There are also several centers and studios that cater toward the creatively inclined. Overall, Pekin gets a big stamp of approval for being such a well-rounded place to live.