The top 5 underrated U.S. cities to buy a home have median prices under $300,000.

The top 5 underrated U.S. cities to buy a home have median prices under $300,000.
The top 5 underrated U.S. cities to buy a home have median prices under $300,000.

You may be missing out on some underrated cities in the US if you're struggling to find a suitable home in the city.

Huntsville, Alabama, is the most underrated city for homebuyers, according to a recent LendingTree report.

The study examined 142 metropolitan areas in the U.S. with populations of at least 250,000, excluding the 50 largest cities. This ensured that the areas were large enough to be considered cities and not overlooked by those seeking an urban lifestyle.

Despite not ranking first in any specific category, Huntsville performed well overall. The city boasts a high median home value and a relatively low property tax rate.

Huntsville residents typically spend less than 17.5% of their income on median monthly housing costs, which is the second lowest figure among cities considered in the report.

Indiana and West Virginia, both with excellent U.S. housing markets, were among the top five cities with median home values below $300,000, in contrast to the national median home price of $426,900 as of June.

According to LendingTree, the 10 most underrated cities in the U.S. for buying a home are:

1. Huntsville, Alabama

  • Homeownership rate: 70.46%
  • Median home value: $292,700
  • Median annual property taxes for homes with a mortgage: $963

2. Huntington, West Virginia

  • Homeownership rate: 74.3%
  • Median home value: $155,200
  • Median annual property taxes for homes with a mortgage: $1,209

3. Fort Wayne, Indiana

  • Homeownership rate:70.67%
  • Median home value: $200,400
  • Median annual property taxes for homes with a mortgage: $1,535

4. Charleston, West Virginia

  • Homeownership rate: 68.93%
  • Median home value: $128,400
  • Median annual property taxes for homes with a mortgage: $977

5. South Bend, Indiana

  • Homeownership rate: 68.86%
  • Median home value: $187,400
  • Median annual property taxes for homes with a mortgage: $1,605

6. Canton, Ohio

  • Homeownership rate: 69.92%
  • Median home value: $170,400
  • Median annual property taxes for homes with a mortgage: $2,309

7. Cedar Rapids, Iowa

  • Homeownership rate: 76.49%
  • Median home value: $195,100
  • Median annual property taxes for homes with a mortgage: $3,123

8. Salisbury, Maryland

  • Homeownership rate: 77.2%
  • Median home value: $338,600
  • Median annual property taxes for homes with a mortgage: $1,476

9. Columbia, South Carolina

  • Homeownership rate: 70.07%
  • Median home value: $218,300
  • Median annual property taxes for homes with a mortgage: $1,336

10. Kingsport, Tennessee

  • Homeownership rate: 74.82%
  • Median home value: $185,700
  • Median annual property taxes for homes with a mortgage: $1,055

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