11 Cheapest Places in the US to Buy a Home

5) Utica, New York

Utica, New York is the fifth cheapest in the US, with an average home price of $92,891. The median income is $31,173. Located 90 miles from Albany and 45 miles from Syracuse, Utica was once a very successful hub for manufacturing and textiles. The mid-20th century saw an economic downturn as factories moved away and there was pervasive political corruption. Today, the economy of the Mohawk Valley relies on tourism, technology, logistics and industrial services. Medical device manufacturer ConMed Corporation and Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare are the biggest employers in Utica. The low cost of living has been a huge draw to refugees and immigrants. The city prides itself on diversity with more than 40 nationalities that call Utica home. It also has 900 acres of park land. Local attractions include the Adirondack Scenic Railroad, museums, farmer’s markets, the Utica Zoo as well as symphony orchestra concerts.

6) Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

The average cost of home’s currently on the market in former Senator and Vice President Joe Biden’s hometown of Wilkes-Barre is $59,900, with the median value being $51,500. The median income is $31,361. The city is about half an hour from Scranton and two hours from Philadelphia. This city grew rapidly in the 19th century due to coal mining and reached its peak prior to World War II. Then it declined rapidly. The current population of 40,780 is half what it was during its heyday. The 21st century has brought a major effort in the revitalization of Wilkes-Barre’s downtown. Wilkes University and King’s College give the city a college town feel and contribute to the improving economy by drawing business to the downtown area. The student presence is credited for a new movie theater, a bookstore, and several new bars and restaurants to round out the local social scene.