Finding a home that meets your needs without breaking the bank can be a serious challenge. State-wide, Texas has a median home value of $187,200. When you add in maintenance costs and property taxes, it can be difficult for many to buy and own a home.
That's why we've compiled a list of affordable cities in Texas to help you find a new place to live. All of these places are more affordable than average, meaning you can get more bang for your buck.
Looking for the most affordable places in Texas is a start, but you'll save even more money by working with a great agent.
The top Texas real estate agents know the local market and where to find pockets of more affordable homes. They can also help negotiate a better price when you do find your dream home.
At Clever Real Estate, we can match you with agents in any area you're interested in — even multiple areas at the same time. You can interview as many agents as you like until you find the perfect place to call home — all at no cost or obligation to you.
Most affordable cities in Texas
Whether you're looking for a quiet small town or a trendy suburban neighborhood, it's possible to locate pockets of affordability throughout Texas.
Here are our top picks for Texas residents on a budget:
1. Pecos
Pecos is a desert town that Forbes named the fastest-growing small town in the U.S. in 2012. Its growth has been helped along by nearby oil fields, but other main industries include farming and agriculture. Close to the border with Mexico, the weather can be quite hot.
Median home values are just $44,700 and median household income is $51,364. The highest paying jobs are found in mining, oil and gas, and agriculture. It’s a relatively safe town with a low crime rate. Schools have a student to teacher ratio of 14 to 1.
2. Pearland
Families who live in Pearland enjoy great shopping, an open-air mall, and multiple golf courses.
Median home values are $265,100, which is extremely affordable given that the median household income is $102,124. As a suburb of Houston, just 20 minutes from downtown, Pearland residents can enjoy a low cost of living but easy access to over 25 Fortune 500 employers.
You’ll also be living in a safe community with a low crime rate. Pearland also has excellent schools with an average student to teacher ratio of 15 to 1.
Even after you've found a more affordable place to live in Texas, moving there can be expensive. By working with a Clever Partner Agent, you'll have an expert in your corner and you may be able to take advantage of Clever Cash Back.
When you buy a home with a Clever agent, you might be eligible for cash back to use on anything you want. For the average home value of $187,200, you'd pocket $936 to help you move (or splurge on a great housewarming gift for yourself).
» SAVE: Learn more about what you can save with Clever Cash Back!
3. Post
Located in the Great Plains, Post has small town, family-friendly vibe. Unemployment is low and the town has had strong job growth recently. Restored historic buildings, small shops, and restaurants line the main street.
House in Post are cheap, with a median value of $72,800, relatively inexpensive when compared to median household income of $46,214. Top employers are in the health care and social assistance, mining and oil and gas, and public administration industries.
While schools have good student to teacher ratios at 10 to 1, the small school system does have lower test scores.
4. Monahans
If you live in Monahans you’ll enjoy visiting nearby state park Monahans Sandhills where you can go sand surfing, picnic, or play football. It’s got great weather, temperatures can reach the 60’s even in January.
The median home values for the city are $111,000, and rose 8.3% last year. Median household income is $55,313 and the crime rate is 56% lower than the national average. If you work in the oil and gas industry, quarrying, or health care, you will be able to find a job in Monahans.
5. La Feria
La Feria is about an hour from the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge and the beaches on South Padre Island. If you can’t make it to the beach, your kids can splash around at the Aquatic Center. It has extremely hot summers but mild winters.
Homes are reasonably priced, with a median home value of $74,900 but median household income is only $34,945. Employers are concentrated in the manufacturing, educational, and healthcare industries. La Feria is inexpensive but the crime rate is higher and schools aren’t great.
The benefits of a great real estate agent
If you're just researching affordable places to live, you might wonder why you need a real estate agent. They're the ones that help you once you've already decided on a house, right?
Not necessarily. The truth is, it's never too early to start looking for an agent. In fact, talking to a realtor early on in the process can help you narrow down your options much faster than doing research on your own.
A real estate agent's job is to know everything about their local area. They'll find the best deals in desirable neighborhoods — and might just help you snag your dream home for an affordable price. Let a Clever agent help you discover your options today — all while you enjoy 0.5% cash back!
Frequently asked questions about affordable places to live in Texas
In addition to shopping in some of the most affordable areas, you'll want to work with an experienced real estate agent. They can find you hidden gems at low price points. A good agent can also negotiate like a pro to get you a lower sale price and more buyer incentives. You may also be able to take advantage of home buyer rebates.
We recommend using the 28/36 rule to know how much house you can afford. This means your housing expenses shouldn't exceed 28% of your income, and all of your total debt shouldn't exceed 36%. Learn more about how to calculate your home buying budget.