7 Most Affordable U.S. States for Growing Families to Buy a Home

Raising our children has always involved juggling multiple priorities, with housing costs, quality schools, and safe neighborhoods always at the top of my list. We live in New Jersey where pieces are very high and I find myself researching other states to see how costs compare. My searches have found that you don’t have to settle for a sky-high mortgage or a lackluster location. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median home price nationwide is hovering around $420,000 in 2024–2025, but I found there are still parts of the country where families can find budget-friendly homes and robust community resources. Below are seven of the most affordable and family-oriented states I found as I searched around consider for your next move.

Nebraska

Why Nebraska is Great for Families:
Nebraska came up frequently when searching for lists of best states for family life thanks to its low cost of living and excellent public schools. Homes here are generally priced around $259,000, per recent housing reports, which is notably below the national median.

Quality-of-Life Perks:

• Strong Community Values: Small towns and mid-sized cities like Lincoln and Omaha emphasize neighborly connections and family-oriented events.
• Safe, Supportive Environments: Crime rates are relatively low, and public school graduation rates rank higher than the national average.
• Work-Life Balance: Nebraska’s economy is stable, centered on agriculture, energy, and transportation; this stability often translates into steady job opportunities and community investment.

Georgia

Why Georgia is Great for Families:
All I knew about Georgia before my searching was that Savannah is a really great spot for a vacation. Little did I know that Georgia also has a cost-of-living index about 9% lower than the national average, and according to another article I found on BestPlaces, Georgia makes your dollar go further. My favorite site, Zillow has data that shows typical home values in Georgia near $326,000, leaving room in the budget for family outings and extracurriculars.

Quality-of-Life Perks:

• Booming Economy: Atlanta’s flourishing finance and tech sectors provide solid job prospects.
• School Options: The suburbs around metro areas (e.g., Alpharetta, Sandy Springs) host some of the highest-rated public schools in the state.
• Rich Culture & Recreation: Families can explore the Blue Ridge Mountains, check out the Georgia Aquarium, or head to the coast for beaches and fresh seafood.

Explore More: 10 Safest Cities To Live In Across The United States 

Iowa

Why Iowa is Great for Families:
Iowa famously offers one of the most affordable housing markets in the country, with median home prices hovering around $220,000 according to Realtor.com. Along with lower property taxes and utility costs, Iowa ranks well for cost efficiency across the board.

Quality-of-Life Perks:

• Top-Notch Education: The state’s high school graduation rate is among the best nationally, and many districts boast strong academic programs.
• Safe & Welcoming: Neighborhoods often embrace a small-town feel where kids can safely play outside, and communities host frequent family events.
• Outdoor Recreation: Des Moines and Cedar Rapids both feature extensive biking/hiking trails, while rural areas have lakes, parks, and plenty of fresh air.

North Carolina

Why North Carolina is Great for Families:
My mother inlaw moved from South Carolina to North Carolina to be closer to her family a few years ago. Another reason could have been that  although home prices in North Carolina have climbed along with its popularity, Zillow still places the typical home value around $328,000—below the national median. Meanwhile, salaries in growing industries (tech, finance, biotech) help families maintain a comfortable lifestyle.

Quality-of-Life Perks:

• Diverse Regions: Enjoy beaches on the Outer Banks, mountain vistas near Asheville, or the metropolitan bustle of Charlotte and Raleigh.
• Education & Healthcare: The state is home to top-ranked universities (UNC, Duke, NC State) and leading hospitals, benefiting families’ futures.
• Vibrant Communities: Neighborhoods like Cary and Huntersville are known for safety, parks, and excellent public schools.

Kansas

Why Kansas is Great for Families:
Kansas regularly ranks in the top 5 for most affordable states, with a cost-of-living index around 87.7, per The Council for Community and Economic Research. Homes cost an average of about $226,000, according to Redfin, allowing first-time buyers or expanding families to find ample space for less.

Quality-of-Life Perks:

• Excellent School Districts: Suburban areas near Kansas City (Overland Park, Olathe) are consistently praised for high-performing schools and child-friendly amenities.
  Community-Focused Living: Families enjoy classic Midwest experiences—Friday night football games, 4-H fairs, and citywide festivals.
• Stable Economy: Agriculture, aviation, and university towns keep job markets fairly robust, with a strong sense of local pride.

North Dakota

Why North Dakota is Great for Families:
When I was younger we visited North Dakota for vacation and I even started college here after those experiences I would not have thought I would have this on my list. Despite those experiences and an increase in activity from the energy sector, North Dakota continues to offer very budget-friendly housing, with median home prices around $262,000 based on U.S. Census Bureau data. Low population density also means less traffic and less stress for busy parents.

Quality-of-Life Perks:

• Safe & Tight-Knit: Crime rates are low, and communities champion a “neighbor-helping-neighbor” approach.
• Strong Schools & Infrastructure: Investments in public works and education have boosted the state’s rank in national quality-of-life surveys.
• Outdoor Adventures: Theodore Roosevelt National Park, fishing in the Missouri River, and winter sports abound, giving kids plenty of room to explore.

Explore More: 10 Top States Where Americans Live Their Entire Lives – And Why

Minnesota

Why Minnesota is Great for Families:
My husband thinks Minnesota is on the list because its my home state, but he is wrong! I found that while it is not the cheapest state on this list, Minnesota offers exceptional value for your money, with median home values of about $334,000 (Realtor.com) alongside solid wages and a notably high standard of living. (Ok, fine bonus points for being my home state too!)

Quality-of-Life Perks:

• Outstanding Education & Healthcare: Thanks in part to the Mayo Clinic and top-ranked public schools, families can access top-tier resources.
• Land of 10,000 Lakes: Summer fun includes boating, fishing, and swimming, while winter brings hockey, ice skating, and an array of festivals.
• Thriving Culture: Minneapolis–St. Paul provides museums, sports, parks, and arts galore—plus plenty of family-friendly suburbs like Eden Prairie and Woodbury.

It does seem like it is possible to balance an affordable mortgage with a child-friendly environment is if you know where to look and are flexible with where your family will grow roots. States like Nebraska, Georgia, Iowa, North Carolina, Kansas, North Dakota, and Minnesota each offer a reliable combination of reasonable housing costs, strong community support, and excellent public amenities—helping your family set down roots and grow comfortably for years to come. Now get cozy and start your research by checking current listings on sites like Zillow or Realtor.com. Frim there you can also start looking into local school ratings, neighborhood crime statistics, and job opportunities before making a move.