Cheaper Sunshine: 6 Affordable Sun Belt Cities With Awesome Amenities
Once upon a time, cities like Nashville, Naples and Fort Lauderdale felt like bargains compared to their northern counterparts. Those days are a distant memory.
But that doesn’t mean there are no great bargains left in the Sun Belt. For cheaper sunshine and balmy weather without sacrificing on amenities, visit these six gems to see if they fit the lifestyle you want.
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1. Huntsville, AL
With an average home price of $290,244, Huntsville remains 21% cheaper than the national average of $368,697 per Zillow.
Property taxes are low in Huntsville too, at 0.56% according to Ownwell. That’s almost half the national average of 1.02%.
But there’s more to Huntsville than just affordable housing. “It’s fast-growing and tech friendly even beyond its aerospace industry, with an expanding music and arts scene, great restaurants and a family-friendly culture,” explained real estate broker Jenna Stauffer. “Incomes stretch further here and the airport keeps you connected to major hubs.”
2. San Antonio, TX
Want big-city amenities without the equally big price tag? San Antonio homes average $249,689, fully 32% cheaper than the national average.
It doesn’t hurt that Texas residents pay no state income tax, either.
Keith Lucas of Retirement Life USA raved about San Antonio. “San Antonio is the seventh largest city in the country, giving buyers access to major medical networks, an international airport and nightlife and cultural amenities like the River Walk and an NBA franchise.”
3. Jacksonville, FL
If you want a major city with an NFL team and international airport but prefer to live on the Florida coast, Jacksonville offers those affordable sunny beaches.
Homes average $286,646, making the city 23% cheaper than the national average. And of course Florida doesn’t charge income taxes, adding to the affordability.
“There are beautiful beaches, great boating, sunshine and year-round golf,” Stauffer added. “You get all of that without the South Florida price tag.”
4. Birmingham, AL
Birmingham isn’t as flashy as Nashville or Austin — which is precisely what has kept it affordable and under the radar.
Home prices average just $137,168, which is one of the reasons Zillow ranked it the second best market for first-time homebuyers in 2026. (Jacksonville scored first, if you were wondering.)
The metro area of 1.2 million people boasts a healthcare-driven economy, outstanding restaurants, cultural institutions like the Birmingham Museum of Art and historic Alabama Theatre, several universities and abundant parks and outdoor recreation.
5. Greenville, SC
Amenities don’t always mean major-league sports teams and giant shopping centers.
“With a 32-mile Swamp Rabbit urban trail, a buzzing downtown centered around Falls Park and a premier performing arts center, it feels like a high-end resort town,” Lucas explained. “And to top it off, the city is just 30 minutes from the Blue Ridge Mountains for a quick change of scenery.”
Home prices have risen in recent years as people have caught on to Greenville. But at $331,641, they still remain 10% cheaper than the national average.
6. Memphis, TN
With hordes of relocators flooding Nashville in recent years, Memphis has largely been ignored. That’s not necessarily a bad thing.
The city of roughly 1.3 million people enjoys a rich music, nightlife and food heritage like its ritzier cousin, but hasn’t grown as corporate and overpopulated. Residents enjoy major healthcare institutions, a waterfront along the Mississippi River, professional sports, museums and an airport.
All with home prices averaging just $145,335, compared to Nashville’s $429,741. “It's a matter of time before we see the wave of Nashville people think ‘What am I doing paying this much when I can live in Memphis?’,” said Daniel Amodeo of Amo Realty.
Plus, Tennessee charges no income taxes, either.
You don’t have to pay an arm and a leg for warm weather, sunshine and attractive amenities. But you do need to look past the hype to find the cities offering a better bang for your buck.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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