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County Housing Costs: Where to Buy in 2025

Are you curious about where you can find the most affordable housing?

Recent data highlights counties across the country with the highest and lowest home prices, as well as significant differences in mortgage payments.

Understanding these trends can help you make smarter decisions as you plan your home purchase.

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Counties with the Highest Housing Costs

Some counties, especially in coastal regions, stand out for their high housing costs. Here are the top five counties with the highest median home values and corresponding monthly mortgage payments:

- Nantucket County, MA: The median home price is $1,705,210, with average monthly payments exceeding $7,000.

- San Mateo County, CA: Median home values are $1,701,860, resulting in mortgage payments also surpassing $7,000 per month.

- Santa Clara County, CA: With a median price of $1,664,410, monthly payments are among the highest in the country.

- Marin County, CA: Median home prices of $1,584,980 come with similarly high monthly payments.

- San Francisco County, CA: A median price of $1,575,700 rounds out the list, reflecting the premium cost of living in this area.

These counties reflect the ongoing challenges of purchasing homes in highly sought-after areas.

Counties with the Lowest Housing Costs

On the other hand, there are counties that provide remarkable affordability for buyers looking to maximize their budgets. Here are the most affordable counties in the country:

- King County, TX: With a median home price of $31,700, mortgage payments are incredibly low, averaging less than $200 per month.

- Todd County, SD: Homes here have a median price of $41,800, offering low monthly payments for buyers.

- McDowell County, WV: Median home prices of $58,640 result in manageable payments that appeal to budget-conscious buyers.

- Cochran County, TX: With a median price of $62,560, this county is one of the best options for affordability in Texas.

- Knox County, TX: Median home values of $65,920 translate to very reasonable mortgage payments.

These areas demonstrate that there are still hidden gems for buyers seeking affordable housing options.

What's Driving Changes in Mortgage Payments?

Shifts in mortgage rates and home prices are significantly impacting monthly payments. For example:

- Nantucket County, MA: Mortgage payments have risen notably, reflecting the increasing cost of homeownership.

- Santa Clara County, CA: Buyers in this area face one of the sharpest increases in monthly payments due to higher median prices.

- King County, TX: Although this county remains the most affordable, mortgage payments are still slightly impacted by broader trends in the market.

Regional Housing Trends

Beyond individual counties, regional trends provide a clearer picture of the housing market:

- West Coast: Coastal California continues to dominate the high-cost category, with median home values and mortgage payments significantly exceeding the national average.

- South: Texas emerges as a standout for affordability, with several counties offering some of the lowest home prices in the country.

- Northeast: While some areas like Nantucket are expensive, other regions offer better affordability, particularly in inland counties.

What Buyers Should Do Now

Whether you're targeting an affordable county or considering a higher-cost area, understanding the housing landscape is key. Here's what you can do:

1. Research County Trends: Focus on areas with the median prices and mortgage payments that align with your budget.

2. Secure Pre-Approval: Getting pre-approved gives you a clear idea of your buying power and strengthens your position in the market.

3. Work with Local Experts: A real estate agent with knowledge of the area can help you navigate the local market and identify the best opportunities.

4. Consider Trade-Offs: If your target area is out of reach, explore nearby counties that offer more affordability without sacrificing convenience.

Conclusion

County-level housing data reveals a wide range of opportunities and challenges for today's buyers.

Whether you're drawn to the affordability of Texas or navigating the high costs of California, knowing the numbers is the first step toward making a smart decision.

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With over 50 years of mortgage industry experience, we are here to help you achieve the American dream of owning a home. We strive to provide the best education before, during, and after you buy a home. Our advice is based on experience with Phil Ganz and Team closing over One billion dollars and helping countless families.

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