9 Affordable and Adorable Starter Homes Across the Country

A great home of one’s own—is it an achievable dream or a crazy, far-off fantasy for today’s first-time home buyers? Sure, it can seem like the latter in this red-hot housing market. But we’re here to tell you that an awesome single-family home may be within reach. Really.

There are plenty of options if you know where to start. As in, starter homes. If you narrow your search to homes with less than 1,500 square feet with two bedrooms, and perhaps put aside those dreams of glam rooms and personal fitness centers, there are plenty of tempting choices around the country.

And remember, starter homes aren’t considered “forever” homes, so a location outside a major metro area might be a trade-off you’ll have to make. Who knows, you might grow to love the burbs—and be happy for your next home to be the one down the road with a wine cellar and a backyard waterslide.

In fact, according to a National Association of Realtors® survey, 79% of first-timers bought single-family homes over condos and townhouses. And it’s no wonder: These pads we pinpointed (all priced under $300,000!) are cozy and cute—and they offer entry-level home owners a cool place to start.

3429 Fitch St, Jacksonville, FL

Price: $265,000
Adorable attributes: This charmer built in 1925 has been updated, including a renovated kitchen that opens to the dining room. Features of the Spanish-style bungalow include rounded doorways, inlaid wood floors, and a fireplace. There’s also a sunroom, master suite with walk-in closet, and large patio.

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2921 Hermina St, Madison, WI

Price: $139,900
Adorable attributes: Here’s a cute cottage in a prime location in the Atwood area right on a bike path that’s close to restaurants and shopping. Features include hardwood floors, a master bedroom, and a fenced-in backyard.

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1667 Washington Ave, Portland, ME

Price: $227,500
Adorable attributes: Perfect in Portland. This gem includes two bedrooms, two bathrooms, hardwood floors, living room with built-in shelves, finished basement, attached garage, patio, and large backyard. It’s close to shopping, restaurants, and public transit.

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1217 Snyder Ave, Ann Arbor, MI

Price: $225,000
Adorable attributes: Go atomic with this ‘50s rancher, which was recently updated with a slate entry, refinished floors, and newer roof and windows. The living room has a picture window and fireplace, and the dining room has french doors overlooking a rear garden. The home is within walking distance to schools, parks, and Michigan Stadium.

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924 W Roma Ave, Phoenix, AZ

Price: $300,000
Adorable attributes: Live among the cacti! Built in 1947, this “beautifully maintained” home located in the historic Melrose district includes hardwood floors, an office, and a kitchen with granite counters and stainless-steel appliances. Enjoy the desert climate out back with a pool and patio.

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4616 Cliff View Ln, Fort Collins, CO

Price: $285,000
Adorable attributes: How cool is this crib? The 1967 A-frame offers a custom stone fireplace, hardwood floors, and an updated kitchen with granite counters and stainless-steel appliances. The spiral staircase leads to the two bedrooms and great views of Horsetooth Reservoir. The multilevel deck comes with a hot tub and provides a great excuse to entertain. (In case you needed one.)

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10214 Brookmont Dr, Richmond, VA

Price: $219,950
Adorable attributes: Your starter home awaits with this Cape Cod classic. Updates to the 1981 home include new carpet, paint, spacious remodeled kitchen, plus a master suite, a two-story family room with brick fireplace, and a large rear deck overlooking a yard.

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335 Palmetto Rd, Bridgeport, CT

Price: $184,900
Adorable attributes: Welcome to a gardener’s paradise, with almost a quarter-acre of landscaped yard. You’ll also find an updated kitchen with granite counters and stainless-steel appliances, an updated bathroom, hardwood floors, and fireplace. It’s also in close proximity to a top-ranked school district.

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4405 Center Ave, Richmond, CA

Price: $279,000
Adorable attributes: An easy commute to San Francisco, this long-beleaguered Bay Area city has become a regional hot spot for real estate. This 1950s bungalow comes with a bonus guest cottage in the backyard, along with two bedrooms, a dining room, and spacious living room.

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