Renting certainly has its charms — you can move on a whim, upgrade when you need a little more space, and even enjoy some luxurious amenities like on-site gyms and pools. However, there may come a time when you want to set down roots in a place of your own. If that’s your current frame of mind, you may be deterred by some of the high real estate prices in many parts of the country. But don’t get too discouraged. Finding a great (and affordable!) home may be easier than you think.
These homes, currently for sale, have all the charms of pricier properties but at an asking price of $200,000 or less. Ranging from the peaceful small town of Griswold, CT, to bustling Dallas, TX, these homes prove it’s possible to find a budget-friendly property without sacrificing style.
1. Country charmer
$114,900, 725 Resimont Drive, Russellville, AR 72801
Got a growing family? This three-bedroom, two-bathroom home may be just right. It’s located in a quiet subdivision and comes with a huge, fenced-in backyard that’s perfect for play sets, a pool, or just space for a pup to run around. Inside, the brick fireplace and bay window offer a natural place for loved ones to gather.
2. Good bones, great upgrades
$149,900, 214 Third St., Scotia, NY 12302
Although the craftsman-style exterior of this freshly rehabbed bungalow fits right in among the other classic homes on this quaint street in the village of Scotia, NY, the interior has all the upgrades modern homebuyers want most. There’s a new kitchen complete with stainless steel appliances, pendant lights, an open-concept floor plan, and new windows and roof.
3. A study in character
$185,000, 77 Slater Ave., Griswold, CT 06351
Exposed beams and polished hardwood floors give a cozy feel to this move-in ready, two-bedroom, one-bathroom historical Cape-style home. Although it feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle, the small town of Griswold is located right between Hartford, CT, and Providence, RI. (They’re both less than an hour away.) But who needs to hit the city when you have such a cozy home and lushly landscaped yard to call your own?
4. Cottage charm
$189,900, 1725 E. Lenoir St., Raleigh, NC 27610
Nestled on a cul-de-sac, this adorable cottage is conveniently located in downtown Raleigh, NC. Although it looks cozy from the curb, there’s so much room to spare — we’re talking three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and 1,324 square feet of living space in a light-filled open floor plan. The upgraded kitchen, baths, hardwood floors, new tile, and new granite all contribute to the luxurious feel.
5. Sunshine state of mind
$189,900, 706 N. Betty Lane, Clearwater, FL 33755
There’s not a bad view in any of the rooms of this two-bedroom, one-bath midcentury home, thanks to a location overlooking the Clearwater Country Club golf course. When you’re not gazing at the greens, you’ll enjoy the lush backyard and newly added paved patio from the large windows that flood the home with light. Of course, if you’re looking for a little more R&R, head to the nearby beaches — they’re only minutes away.
6. Down-to-earth ranch
$195,000, 58 Schenk St., Madison, WI 53714
This affordable home is all about location, location, location. Not only is it in the highly sought-after Eastmorland neighborhood, but the home also is super-close to schools, parks, shopping, and hiking trails. Although it’s modest on the outside, the hardwood floors, updated bathroom, and new lighting within feel very luxe. Plus, there’s a brand-new shed that offers space for all your hobbies.
7. Big-city luxury, small-town footprint
$198,000, 2716 Avon St., Dallas, TX 75211
Dallas has a “bigger is better” image, but this stylishly remodeled two-bedroom, one-bath home proves that good things do come in smaller packages. From the on-trend navy exterior trim to the open interior that comes complete with stainless steel appliances, a large island, and spacious living- and dining-room areas, this 1945 stunner definitely won’t cramp your style.
8. Fab family home
$199,900, 1008 Peters St., Lake City, MN 55041
The blue-and-white color scheme and large front porch give this classic four-bedroom home tremendous curb appeal. Thoughtfully designed with ceramic tiles, a gas fireplace, and vaulted ceilings, this home is just as welcoming on the inside as the outside. The oversized, heated two-car garage (which includes a workshop) is a nice amenity for chilly winters, while the shed gives you bonus space for seasonal storage.
9. Stunning shades of gray
$199,990, 672 Forty Niner Court, Middleton, ID 83644
Often, a budget-friendly home is synonymous with “fixer-upper.” This cozy home in the Everett 1893 neighborhood proves that assumption wrong. Built in 2016, this super-roomy three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath home is new, new, new. You don’t even have to sacrifice space at this affordable price — in addition to your main-level master bedroom and open floor plan, you get a loft and bonus room upstairs.
10. Air of elegance
$200,000, 1421 Amsterdam Road, Park Hills, KY 41011
This terrifically charming Tudor-style home looks as if it came from the pages of a storybook. The magical atmosphere is enhanced by its parklike backyard, complete with lush landscape, a deck, and a darling arched entrance. The attention to detail doesn’t stop there. Arched doorways, an updated kitchen, and character-filled wood floors make the interior feel roomy yet intimate. The second-floor owner’s suite, which boasts cathedral ceilings, a new carpet, and a bathroom with a double vanity, offers a lovely escape from the daily grind.
11. An acre to call your own
$200,000, 10298 E. C Ave., Richland, MI 49083
Had enough of city living? Get to Richland, MI, a village with a population of only about 791 people (per the 2010 census). This four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom gives you plenty of room to relax and unwind. Inside, you’ll enjoy a huge kitchen, an open-concept living and dining room, a unique storage loft, hardwood flooring, and new carpet. A favorite feature, however, has to be the lower-level sauna. Just be prepared for plenty of weekend visitors.
12. Let the sunshine in
$200,000, 5714 W. 15th Ave., Kennewick, WA 99338
Bright and sunny, this cute three-bedroom, two-bathroom rambler has an open floor plan that bathes the living room, dining area, and kitchen in gorgeous natural light. If you’d rather get outdoors, there’s a large wraparound patio, a roomy (and fully fenced) backyard, a bonus fire pit that’s ideal for alfresco entertaining, and a great location that puts you in walking distance to the local park.
13. Cute with a carport
$200,000, 3405 Luna Court, Nashville, TN 37211
This sweet three-bedroom, one-bathroom home is close to all Nashville, TN, has to offer and leaves you plenty of room in your monthly budget to live it up. Although it dates back to 1962, this vintage ranch has been recently remodeled with hardwood floors, custom tile and cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a new roof. The large, grassy backyard gives you a blank slate to customize with landscaping features.
