With housing affordability still under pressure and buyers chasing value and lifestyle, I asked ChatGPT where people should consider buying a house this year. It pulled together cities with relatively affordable home prices, strong job markets and solid long-term potential. Some of the picks might surprise you.
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Columbus, Ohio
Ohio’s capital is gaining traction as a tech hub, with major investments from Intel and continued job growth. ChatGPT said some prices are still reasonable at around $400,000, and the city offers good schools, a growing arts scene and lots of parks.
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Kalamazoo, Michigan
This underrated Michigan city blends affordability (with a median home price of around $375,000, according to ChatGPT) with a laid-back, small-town feel. It’s popular among families and remote workers thanks to low property taxes, local breweries and easy access to lakes and trails.
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Steady job growth, a revitalized downtown and homes around $335,000 make Fort Wayne one of the Midwest’s hidden gems. Plus, Indiana has no state-level property tax on personal income, which helps your money go further.
South Bend, Indiana
With a median home price around $320,000 and a high climate resilience score, South Bend is more than just a college town, according to ChatGPT. It’s drawing in young families and investors looking for long-term value.
Springfield, Missouri
ChatGPT said this town is known for its low cost of living and a strong sense of community and it offers homes for about $345,000. Springfield is a solid choice if you want a mix of small-city life with easy access to nature.
Appleton, Wisconsin
With a median list price near $425,000, Appleton combines stable housing, good schools and a family-friendly vibe. The local economy is diverse, and the city scores high in safety and livability.
Toledo, Ohio
Toledo may not be flashy, but ChatGPT said its $275,000 median home price makes it one of the most affordable places in the U.S. It’s particularly attractive to first-time buyers and investors targeting rental markets.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Though pricier with a median home price of $545,000, Ann Arbor stands out for long-term value. It’s home to the University of Michigan, a steady stream of high-paying jobs and one of the highest quality-of-life scores in the Midwest.
Dayton, Ohio
Dayton’s real estate is still a bargain at around $260,000, according to ChatGPT. The city has been quietly improving infrastructure and attracting healthcare and aerospace jobs, two industries with staying power.
Rockford, Illinois
If affordability is your top priority, Rockford could be worth a look. ChatGPT showed its median list prices sitting around $220,000, plus its proximity to Chicago gives it potential for future appreciation.
ChatGPT’s picks may not be the usual big-name metros, but that’s the point. In 2025, the best places to buy a home aren’t necessarily the flashiest — they’re cities where your dollar goes further and the potential for stability and growth is real.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I Asked ChatGPT the Best Cities To Buy a House in 2025 — Here’s What It Said