Best U.S. Cities Where You Can Find Both Budget Housing and Year-Round Pleasant Weather

The American real estate market has remained resilient even as economic challenges mounted in recent years. Housing prices have climbed steadily since the pandemic began, raising concerns about another market bubble forming. While valuations have started stabilizing, discovering affordable communities that combine low property costs with genuinely comfortable climates remains challenging—yet entirely possible.

Using housing data from Zillow and climate information from WeatherSpark, we identified 15 major U.S. cities (populations exceeding 150,000) where you can secure a median home under $300,000 while enjoying consistently pleasant weather conditions. For those wondering where it stays around 70 degrees year-round in the United States, several of these communities come remarkably close.

The Most Affordable Options with Excellent Climate Profiles

Jackson, Mississippi tops the affordability charts with a median home value of just $70,078. Summer temperatures hover between 73°F and 92°F, while winters remain mild at 38°F to 58°F—making it an outstanding choice for those seeking minimal climate extremes.

Birmingham, Alabama follows closely with median home prices at $100,509. The city maintains pleasant summer temperatures of 72°F to 90°F and manageable winters from 36°F to 54°F, positioning it among the most livable budget-friendly destinations.

Shreveport, Louisiana offers median home values of $125,769. With summer highs around 90°F and winter lows near 31°F, it provides a solid compromise between affordability and moderate seasonal variation.

Mid-Range Affordable Communities

Memphis, Tennessee features median home values of $145,968 with summer weather ranging from 74°F to 91°F and winter temperatures between 34°F and 50°F. This Tennessee city combines reasonable prices with relatively stable seasonal patterns.

Columbus, Georgia presents median homes at $144,006, maintaining summer temperatures of 73°F to 91°F and mild winters from 38°F to 58°F—ideal for those seeking minimal weather extremes.

Mobile, Alabama offers homes with median values of $175,700, experiencing comfortable summers at 75°F to 90°F and mild winters at 42°F to 60°F. This Gulf Coast location enjoys some of the most consistent climates on this list.

Little Rock, Arkansas showcases median home values of $189,947. Summer temperatures typically range from 74°F to 93°F, with winter conditions between 34°F and 51°F, providing balanced seasonal weather patterns.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana has median home prices of $203,770, featuring summer temperatures of 74°F to 91°F and winter conditions from 43°F to 62°F—among the most moderate year-round options.

Budget-Conscious Larger Markets

Springfield, Missouri presents median home values of $210,441 with summer weather spanning 69°F to 89°F and winters from 26°F to 43°F. Despite slightly cooler winters, its affordable pricing attracts many relocating families.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania offers greater urban amenities with a housing affordability index of 30%. The city experiences 102 clear days annually, 52 days above 90°F, and 73 days below freezing—suitable for those comfortable with seasonal variation.

Secondary Markets Worth Considering

Greensboro, North Carolina features median home values of $228,448 with summer temperatures of 70°F to 87°F and winters from 31°F to 49°F—relatively gentle weather patterns for the region.

San Antonio, Texas maintains median home prices of $257,775 with summer highs around 96°F and mild winters from 43°F to 63°F, offering that sought-after 70-degree experience during shoulder seasons.

Tallahassee, Florida presents median values of $260,360, with summer temperatures of 73°F to 91°F and pleasantly warm winters from 41°F to 63°F.

Huntsville, Alabama shows median home values of $262,671 with summer weather between 70°F and 89°F and winters from 33°F to 50°F—consistently moderate conditions.

Norfolk, Virginia rounds out the list with median home values of $265,043, summer temperatures of 73°F to 88°F, and winter conditions from 34°F to 49°F.

Key Takeaway

For buyers seeking that elusive combination of affordable housing and consistently pleasant weather, these 15 communities deliver genuine options. While no single location maintains 70 degrees year-round across all seasons, several—particularly in the Deep South and Gulf Coast regions—come extraordinarily close to this ideal. The cities listed here demonstrate that quality affordability and climate comfort need not be mutually exclusive considerations in your relocation strategy.

Data compiled from Zillow and WeatherSpark as of early 2023.