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While new houses have their perks, like air conditioning and modern floor plans, nothing beats the charm of a historic home. From stained glass windows to original hardwood floors to coffered ceilings and other architectural details, you just can’t find those stand-out features and long-lasting craftsmanship in many newly built homes today. However, it can be difficult to find a historic house on the market that’s actually affordable—and it’s even harder to find one that doesn’t need constant repairs.
Luckily, Realtor.com just released new data about the states with the most affordable historic homes on the market, providing a helpful starting point for your search. This data was based on the median prices of new listings from October 2025 that were built before 1940.
Ahead, here are the ten states with the most affordable historic homes on the market.
1. Kansas
Median List Price: $149,900
Kansas is the state where historic houses cost the least. Sure, some of them might be fixer-uppers, but taking on a renovation project is a great way to get exactly what you want out of a house. The state is known as a leader in the agricultural industry, but the region’s beautiful prairies and cultural landmarks also make it a great place to settle down.
2. West Virginia
Median List Price: $159,900
West Virginia offers more than just affordable historic homes—you’ll also enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. From outdoor adventures to charming smaller cities with a metropolitan feel, there’s plenty to explore for nature lovers and urban dwellers alike.
3. Oklahoma
Median List Price: $168,000
Oklahoma offers a bit of everything—from vibrant cities like Oklahoma City and Tulsa to peaceful escapes near the Wichita Mountains or Grand Lake. No matter where you settle, chances are you’ll be able to find a charming prewar home in your price range.
4. Missouri
Median List Price: $170,000
Another landlocked state, Missouri boasts cities with great cultural scenes, but there are plenty of quieter towns in and around the Ozark Mountains as well. There are a few hubs to escape to, like Kansas City or St. Louis, which both offer different vibes. Kansas City is known for its barbecue, jazz culture, theater scene, and other picturesque attractions. Meanwhile, St. Louis is great for baseball lovers, as it’s home to the St. Louis Cardinals, but it’s also known for its unique cuisine and other attractions.
5. Iowa
Median List Price: $174,900
Iowa offers the fifth most affordable selection of historic houses in the country. The capital city is Des Moines, which has a vibrant culinary scene, many beloved small businesses, and a handful of interesting museums and gardens. Outside of Des Moines and between the small towns, you can find other larger towns, like Ames and Iowa City, scattered around the state with beautiful natural scenery and unique homes.
6. Ohio
Median List Price: $179,900
Ohio is known as the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, punk, funk, and R&B, so if you’re a music-lover as well as a historic home connoisseur, this Midwestern state might be the place for you. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is located in Cleveland, and Columbus has a vibrant cultural scene, with arts and food being at the center of it. However, you can also find beautiful natural sights across the state, like Hocking Hills State Park and the Lake Erie Islands.
7. Michigan
Median List Price: $183,250
With the longest freshwater coastline in the U.S., Michigan boasts stunning views of four Great Lakes across many of its towns and cities. Popular spots like Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Grand Rapids each offer their own unique appeal—Grand Rapids, for instance, is known as Beer City, USA, thanks to its vibrant craft brewery scene.
8. Arkansas
Median List Price: $187,500
Arkansas, also called the Natural State, is known mainly for its diverse landscapes. From the Ozark Mountains to natural lakes to hot springs to a public diamond mine, there’s a lot to see and explore here. It’s where President Bill Clinton was governor, and you can even tour his Presidential library in the capital city of Little Rock.
9. Indiana
Median List Price: $189,500
The ninth state with the most affordable historic homes is Indiana. One of architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s most famous houses, the Samara House, is located in West Lafayette, Indiana, and there are six other homes of his in the Hoosier State. This Midwestern state is home to the Indy 500 and is also known for its love of basketball.
10. Alabama
Median List Price: $190,000
The only coastal state on this list, Alabama is in tenth place for the state with the most affordable historic homes in the country. It played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, and you can find much about the rich history of music here, too. The largest city is Huntsville, which is home to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. There’s also a lot of natural beauty to be found throughout the state, with beaches, mountains, and wetlands creating a diverse landscape.
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