Anonymous
Post 10/22/2025 14:33     Subject: Fairly safe metro areas that are still affordable
Anonymous wrote:Pittsburgh, Kansas City, St. Louis, Denver suburbs


Denver is too expensive (including suburbs)

Agree on Lincoln, NE
East Lansing, MI
Anonymous
Post 10/22/2025 13:53     Subject: Fairly safe metro areas that are still affordable
Don’t get a house with a yard! It’s so much extra work and hassle. In Crofton, MD you can get a good townhouse for $350. the schools which are highly rated and have very good parent involvement. We have lots of sidewalks and nature trails. It’s very safe. Also the condos in piney orchard, odenton are great for amenities (pools) and walkability and nature trails. I would also look just over the line at both Bowie (near MOM) which is similar but has more retail walkability and where the school system pays better.
Anonymous
Post 10/22/2025 12:41     Subject: Fairly safe metro areas that are still affordable
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Rochester, NY suburbs


I second this....

an example Brighton https://www.redfin.com/NY/Rochester/48-Willowdale-Dr-14618/home/79410379. There's multiple towns with areas with stores to walk to - Brighton, Pittsford, fairport, etc. much easier quality of living than here.

if you want to be in the city rather than the suburbs this is cute https://www.redfin.com/NY/Rochester/59-Rowley-St-14607/home/72502336


The taxes in Rochester are shockingly high. My cousin just moved from Pittsford to a new state due to the high taxes.
Anonymous
Post 10/22/2025 12:17     Subject: Re:Fairly safe metro areas that are still affordable
Indianapolis, IN. The fountain square area has houses like your picture. Very walkable.
Anonymous
Post 10/22/2025 11:56     Subject: Fairly safe metro areas that are still affordable
Anonymous wrote:Pittsburgh, Kansas City, St. Louis, Denver suburbs


In addition: Topeka KS, Frederick MD (although not as affordable), Hagerstown MD, Cumberland MD is really affordable but is not well off economically and has some crime.
Anonymous
Post 10/22/2025 11:51     Subject: Fairly safe metro areas that are still affordable
Anonymous wrote:Thanks everyone. I definitely think the Midwest suits me better weather wise. Not a fan of the awful humidity here.

As for living near my kids, I have no idea where they will end up. One is here locally and living with college friends in a group home. The other is a travel nurse so she doesn't really live anywhere for long.

I would prefer something move-in ready with the possibility of fixing it up. I have been looking online and this is kind of what I'm looking for:

https://www.homes.com/property/3215-e-50th-st-minneapolis-mn/tx9h7xm3rn80c/

Looks like a nice neighborhood with decent schools (for resale), walking distance to the lake, walkable to grocer store, coffee shop, etc. It is move in ready but if I wanted to finish off the attic, I could. Fenced backyard that isn't too much to take care of, a garage,


Coming to recommend Grosse Pointe Park, Grosse Pointe, and Grosse Pointe Farms, MI. You will be blocks from a major lake with access to a city-only lakefront park, the links I am going to put below are all within 1-3 blocks of several shopping and restaurant areas on the same street that include groceries, coffee shops and book stores (Kercheval). The schools are some of the top in the state.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1318-Maryland-St-Grosse-Pointe-Park-MI-48230/88427020_zpid/
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/16935-Maumee-Ave-Grosse-Pointe-MI-48230/88323384_zpid/
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/213-Muir-Rd-Grosse-Pointe-Farms-MI-48236/88402026_zpid/
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1083-Lakepointe-St-Grosse-Pointe-Park-MI-48230/88772081_zpid/ (multi-family but could be converted or rental income - strong rental market)
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1316-Maryland-St-Grosse-Pointe-Park-MI-48230/88276831_zpid/

This about the section of Kercheval in Grosse Pointe - https://www.thevillagegrossepointe.org/
Here's an example of one of the parks, they are about to redo the whole pool (Grosse Pointe Farms) - https://www.seamagazine.com/locations/marina-grosse-pointe-farms-pier-park-saint-clair-shores-michigan-9857



Anonymous
Post 10/22/2025 07:32     Subject: Fairly safe metro areas that are still affordable
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Rochester, NY suburbs


I second this....

an example Brighton https://www.redfin.com/NY/Rochester/48-Willowdale-Dr-14618/home/79410379. There's multiple towns with areas with stores to walk to - Brighton, Pittsford, fairport, etc. much easier quality of living than here.

if you want to be in the city rather than the suburbs this is cute https://www.redfin.com/NY/Rochester/59-Rowley-St-14607/home/72502336


You have to remember that property taxes are very high in many parts of NY. The listing says property taxes are around $5364 on a $229k house. Thats probably also on its current assessed value and will jump based on the sale price.

Anonymous
Post 10/22/2025 00:04     Subject: Re:Fairly safe metro areas that are still affordable
Can walk along brickyard trail to the brighton library or walk to 12 corners for lots of shops and coffee https://redf.in/MA7ClC
Anonymous
Post 10/21/2025 23:59     Subject: Fairly safe metro areas that are still affordable
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Rochester, NY suburbs


I second this....

an example Brighton https://www.redfin.com/NY/Rochester/48-Willowdale-Dr-14618/home/79410379. There's multiple towns with areas with stores to walk to - Brighton, Pittsford, fairport, etc. much easier quality of living than here.

if you want to be in the city rather than the suburbs this is cute https://www.redfin.com/NY/Rochester/59-Rowley-St-14607/home/72502336


This is not walkable but there is no traffic so is literally a 4 min drive to the library/coffee shop/Erie canal perfect for long walls with your dog. Close to Lake Ontario and fingerlakes for nature ( and Letchworth park)
Anonymous
Post 10/21/2025 23:30     Subject: Fairly safe metro areas that are still affordable
Anonymous wrote:Rochester, NY suburbs


I second this....

an example Brighton https://www.redfin.com/NY/Rochester/48-Willowdale-Dr-14618/home/79410379. There's multiple towns with areas with stores to walk to - Brighton, Pittsford, fairport, etc. much easier quality of living than here.

if you want to be in the city rather than the suburbs this is cute https://www.redfin.com/NY/Rochester/59-Rowley-St-14607/home/72502336
Anonymous
Post 10/21/2025 14:51     Subject: Fairly safe metro areas that are still affordable
Pittsburgh, Kansas City, St. Louis, Denver suburbs
Anonymous
Post 10/21/2025 14:46     Subject: Fairly safe metro areas that are still affordable
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Thanks for the suggestions everyone. Maybe it’s just a dream to own my own home.


Owning house is really not great at all in fact, I hate it. It is never ending repairs. There’s always something breaking. There’s a ton of maintenance and it’s just not worth it. I have no idea why you would wanna buy a house when you’re an empty nester when I’m an empty nester I am renting an apartment or living in a condo. I don’t wanna take care of the maintenance of the house. It is just too much especially with one adult. I think you should strongly reconsider this idea of owning a house. It’s really not that great and it really is a mortgage trap of debt for 30 years. There are better ways to spend your money. A house is not an investment. It’s just a place to live. Real estate is only an investment if it’s an income producing property and you don’t actually live there.



OP here. I will be priced out if most rentals where I currently live within about four years if the rent keeps increasing at the same pace. I have lots of friends who bought a house in their 20s/early 30s and the house is now worth hundreds of thousands more. They’d make bank if they sold it (and a few are planning on selling soon when their kids graduate).

I never made enough as a single parent to buy a house which was fine back then. I was able to get my kids through college and renting wasn’t an issue. It is now. I just cannot afford it. I’ve been looking at renting cheaper properties like condos but they really aren’t cheaper anymore. I feel stuck and pretty much like a failure. I can’t afford to rent even though my salary is going up. I definitely wish I could go back in time and not go into teaching. I have the equivalent of two Master’s degrees but won’t be able to rent much of anything. Very frustrating.


The idea that you think that your friends would sell their house and have a crap ton of money shows how knowledgeable you are about owning a home. Unless you own the house for 15 to 20 years and you basically lived in this exact area where prices have gone insane most people only break even they really don’t make that much money. I’ve owned multiple properties. When I made $100,000 I didn’t really make $100,000 I really only made $50,000 because I put so much money into the house. Another property I broke even on and another property I broke even on. Renting would’ve been cheaper for me the entire time. One house I thought that had no problems I spent $35,000 in three years in repairs that were unexpected that were missed by an inspector; owning is extremely risky. I am purchasing a place now only because I don’t wanna be told to move by a landlord, but when I can move in seven years when both of my kids are in college, I will be selling and I will be a lifetime renter. The yard maintenance alone is enough to put me off buying any regular townhouse or a single-family home. I have had both single-family homes and townhouses. In addition, property taxes go off every single year so it’s not like your payment stays the same. My property taxes went up like $300 each month last year.


My friends have sold their homes and they’ve made plenty. I’d like to leave something to my kids. This area is driving me out and even renting won’t be an option. I already work two jobs and I don’t have anymore time for more.
Anonymous
Post 10/21/2025 13:34     Subject: Fairly safe metro areas that are still affordable
OP, do look in the greater Pittsburgh area. I think you'd have some options.

Try Reddit for Pittsburgh.

Don't expect big real estate appreciation.

Also cute house and cute town = priced higher

You should look at edge suburbs that are growing due to being family-friendly. Children are getting more rare in a lot of nice places...that makes getting a job harder.

See if your friends can connect you with friends who can show you around the places you are interested in.
Anonymous
Post 10/21/2025 13:31     Subject: Fairly safe metro areas that are still affordable
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:The entire state of WV, but I'm not sure you'd enjoy teaching there. Depends on what you hope to get out of teaching.


You’re an idiot. WV is the most rural state in the union. It has no real “cities” and the “entire state” isn’t inexpensive either. You’re talking out your ass based on stereotypes.


Attitudes like the poster above is what got Trump elected. .
Anonymous
Post 10/21/2025 13:20     Subject: Fairly safe metro areas that are still affordable
Anonymous wrote:The entire state of WV, but I'm not sure you'd enjoy teaching there. Depends on what you hope to get out of teaching.


It is very worthwhile teaching in West Virginia. My daughter started in Ridgeley in Teach for America where she brought most of a small school up to reading grade level on a few years while getting her master’s in reading. After the pandemic she was hired byArlington County as a reading resource teacher. She has not been as successful but has improved a number of schools.