You want more than four walls and a yard. You want a solid home and a smart investment, but let's be honestreal estate prices in 2023 still make folks sweat. If the "popular" picks are busting your budget, you're not alone. Everyone's seen the lists of overpriced hot spots. But there are quiet places still offering hidden gemsplaces where you can still snag a deal and actually love where you live.
This guide dives into the best places to buy a house in 2023. Some are small towns you might drive right by. Others are up-and-coming cities flying under the radar. Every pick is picked for value, potential, and that little extra you can't put a price tag on. Ready to see where your home hunt should go next?
What Makes a Place One of the Best in 2023?
When people hear "best places to buy a house in 2023," they picture low sticker prices. That's part of it, but it's not the whole deal. The best spots mix:
- Affordable homes (compared to income)
- Steady job growth and future prospects
- Good schools and real neighborhoods
- Access to stuff you actually want (coffee, trails, Wi-Fi, pizza...)
- Low crime rates
- Room for home values to risenot just top out
Skip the crowd-pleasers with sky-high prices. This list zooms in on hidden real estate markets and underrated cities where your money still gets you more.
Why Are Hidden Real Estate Markets a Big Deal?
The hottest spots of ten years ago are... overbaked. That means big headlines, but less room to grow your money. Hidden real estate markets flip the script. Here's why they're attracting smart buyers in 2023:
- Prices haven't peakedso you buy in before the crowds
- Less competition (no bidding wars with 15 offers)
- Local pridepeople care about their town because they actually live there
- Fewer "investors" flipping everything for a quick buck
Think of it like finding a band before their big radio hit. You're in earlywhile it still feels special and affordable.
Top Affordable Homes in 2023: Where Are They?
Not every affordable home sits in the middle of nowhere. Some of the best places to buy a house in 2023 give you:
- Starter homes for less than half what coastal cities charge
- Quiet neighborhoods without endless traffic
- Decent schoolsenough for families, but not too pricey for singles
- Tech and remote work options sneaking in
Three Hidden Real Estate Markets You Haven't Considered
- Bentonville, Arkansas: Walmart HQ put it on the map, but the arts, trails, and new jobs are what keeps people here. Median home price? Still under what you'd pay for a closet in bigger metros.
- Duluth, Minnesota: Lakes, breweries, festivals, and fresh airnot just snow. Prices are rising, but you can still get a real house for less than a fixer-upper elsewhere.
- Manchester, New Hampshire: Close enough to Boston for weekend trips, far enough that you can actually buy a home. Small city, big value, no nonsense.
Underrated Cities to Buy a House (And Why Locals Love Them)
The best places aren't always on the big lists. Ask around and you'll find locals won't shut up about certain citiesfor good reason. They offer:
- Affordable homes, yes. Decent wages too.
- Stuff to dolocal food, parks, music, cool libraries
- Communities that still wave hello
- Growth that brings opportunity, not headaches
Examples? Try these on for size:
- Greenville, South Carolina: Everyone's starting to visit, but it still flies under the national radar. Music, murals, easy road trips, and a home you can afford.
- Peoria, Illinois: Factory town rootsbut now it's got remote work, breweries, and an arts scene. Boomers and Gen Z alike are buying up bargains.
- Boise, Idaho's Shadow: Most folks talk about Boise, but neighboring cities like Caldwell and Nampa have the dealsand mountain views.
How to Spot a Top Housing Location in 2023 (Before Everyone Else Does)
Want bragging rights about finding a great spot first? Here are some easy signs you're looking at the next hot market:
- Downtown is getting new life (coffee shops, craft fairs, not just empty storefronts)
- People from bigger cities are starting to show up
- New jobs keep appearing, but housing is still cheap
- Good Wi-Fi, even if cell service is so-so
- Locals love itand wish it would stay a secret
The gamble? Not every "underrated" city will stay cheap forever. But if you check these boxes, chances are you're early to something good.
What Can Go Wrong Buying in Underrated Spots?
Mistakes happen, even with the best places to buy a house in 2023. Watch out for:
- Buying because it's cheap, not because it fits your life
- Not checking flood maps or local weather gotchas
- Skipping a real home inspection (even if it "looks fine")
- Assuming all growth means good growth
- Ignoring commute times if you have to work in person
Lesson: Being early is great, but don't skip your homework. Every market has quirksfind them before you buy.
How to Make Your Move
If you've made it this far, you probably see the pattern. The top housing locations in 2023 are places with balancebetween price, lifestyle, and growth. Here's what to do next:
- List your "must-haves"not just price, but schools, commute, community
- Zoom outdon't just search your own state
- Read local news (see what's coming, not just what's hot now)
- Talk to real localsnot just realtors
- Rent first, if you can, to get a real feel
Chasing trends is risky. Buying in a place that's quietly growing? That changes everything down the line. The best places to buy a house in 2023 reward people who look beyond the obvious.
FAQs
- Q: Where can I still find affordable homes in 2023?
A: Look in smaller cities and suburbs outside major metros. Places like Greenville, Peoria, or Bentonville offer great value compared to big cities. Prices are lower, and you often get more house for your money. - Q: What are the benefits of buying in hidden real estate markets?
A: You get better prices and less competition. Plus, these areas often have room for home values to grow. You'll be ahead of future demand if the area takes off. - Q: How do I know if a city is underrated or up-and-coming?
A: Watch for growing job markets, new businesses, improved parks and schools, and people moving in. If you spot these signs before everyone else, you could snag a smart buy. - Q: Should I worry about buying in places that aren't on "best of" lists?
A: No, as long as you do your homework. Popular lists can't cover every good spot. Visit, talk to locals, and check the basics (jobs, crime, schools) yourself. - Q: Are remote workers helping make new areas top housing locations in 2023?
A: Yes. With more people working from home, cities that weren't popular before are now getting attention. Remote work is spreading demand and boosting property values in unexpected places. - Q: What's the biggest mistake when buying in affordable cities?
A: Only looking at price. A cheap house isn't a good deal if you can't find a job or enjoy living there. Always check if the whole package fits your needs.
Pick one city, dig in, and get to know it. Your perfect homeand maybe your smartest investmentcould be off the beaten path. Start your search, trust your gut, and bet on real value.
