Over the past five years, American home prices, along with the general cost of living, have boomed. Now, as a new year is about to start, buying a home in 2026 may feel out of reach for many, especially with elevated mortgage rates and persistent inflation. However, not all hope is lost because despite national price pressures, there are still affordable housing markets where homeownership is possible — well, if you’ve saved at least $50,000.
