Looking at Zillow Home Value Index data through November 2024, I’m struck by the unique qualities of Colorado’s most affordable housing markets. The ten lowest-priced cities range from $107,885 in Las Animas to $174,464 in Lamar – notably higher than comparable markets in states like Pennsylvania, where values start at just $38,814.
I’ve found these markets concentrated in southeastern Colorado along the Arkansas River Valley, primarily in agricultural communities and historic railroad towns. Their growth has been impressive, with Eads showing a 155.5% increase since 2015, and eight of the ten communities more than doubling their values over nine years.
What fascinates me most is how Colorado’s affordable markets tell a different story than similar markets elsewhere. While America’s cheapest homes are often in struggling former industrial centers, Colorado’s affordable markets are functioning agricultural centers and county seats with stable local economies. Even Colorado’s most affordable city has home values nearly triple those found in Pennsylvania’s cheapest markets.
Here’s the list.
10. Lamar, CO
This agricultural hub in southeastern Colorado has witnessed a remarkable transformation in its housing market, with values surging from $74,324 in 2015 to $114,064 in 2020, before reaching $174,464 in 2024, representing a robust 134.7% nine-year growth and 53% increase since 2020. Located in Prowers County along the Arkansas River, Lamar serves as a vital commercial center for the surrounding farming and ranching communities, while its position on the Mountain Branch of the Santa Fe Trail has helped preserve its historical significance.
Example of a typical 2024 median-priced home in Lamar
This $180,000 home offers 980 square feet of living space with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. Recent updates include new windows throughout, a front and back sprinkler system, and a charming fireplace, adding both style and functionality. Located in the heart of Lamar, this clean and cozy property provides a comfortable and modern living environment.
Where is Lamar on the map?
It’s a small city located in Prowers County in the southeastern part of the state. It lies along the Arkansas River and serves as a hub for agriculture and ranching in the region. Lamar is known for its historic landmarks, such as the Madonna of the Trail statue and the Lamar Theater, as well as its proximity to the John Martin Reservoir State Park, which offers recreational opportunities like fishing, boating, and camping. Situated on U.S. Highway 50, Lamar provides a blend of rural charm, natural beauty, and a tight-knit community atmosphere.
9. Center, CO
Nestled in the San Luis Valley, Center’s real estate values have climbed steadily from $104,126 in 2015 to $142,208 in 2020, ultimately reaching $172,568 in 2024, marking a more modest 65.7% nine-year appreciation and 21.3% recent growth. This agricultural community, known for its potato farming, sits at the heart of Rio Grande County, where the Sangre de Cristo Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to its affordable housing market.
Example of a typical 2024 median-priced home in Center
This $175,000 home offers 1,458 square feet of living space with 4 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and a bright sunroom, perfect for relaxation or enjoying your morning coffee. Situated on a spacious lot with a fully fenced yard, the property includes a 2-car detached garage and a workshop for DIY projects. The home’s small-town location provides a peaceful atmosphere while being conveniently close to schools and local amenities. With an extra room ready for customization, this property offers endless possibilities for personalization to suit your lifestyle.
Where is Center on the map?
It’s a small town located in Saguache County in the San Luis Valley in south-central Colorado. It lies along U.S. Highway 285, approximately 30 miles north of Alamosa and 190 miles south of Denver. Surrounded by stunning mountain views, the town is situated in a largely agricultural region, known for potato farming and other crops. Center offers a quiet, rural lifestyle with a close-knit community, while its proximity to outdoor recreation areas like Great Sand Dunes National Park provides opportunities for hiking, camping, and sightseeing.
8. Manzanola, CO
Property values in this small Otero County town have experienced an impressive upward trajectory, starting at $71,851 in 2015, rising to $120,977 in 2020, and reaching $171,114 by 2024, demonstrating a substantial 138.2% nine-year increase and 41.4% growth since 2020. Situated in the fertile Arkansas River Valley, Manzanola’s affordability makes it an attractive option for those seeking small-town charm amid Colorado’s agricultural heartland.
Example of a typical 2024 median-priced home in Manzanola
This $169,000 manufactured home offers 1,344 square feet of living space with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, featuring a split bedroom floor plan for added privacy. Situated on a spacious corner lot, the property includes a 1-car garage, a 1-car carport, and a large shed for ample vehicle and outdoor storage. With its functional layout and generous lot size, this home is ideal for comfortable living and versatile use.
Where is Manzanola on the map?
It’s a small town located in Otero County in southeastern Colorado. It sits along U.S. Highway 50, approximately 45 miles east of Pueblo and near the Arkansas River, providing a quiet, rural lifestyle. Known for its agricultural roots, Manzanola is surrounded by farmland and offers a close-knit community atmosphere with easy access to outdoor activities and regional amenities.
7. Olney Springs, CO
The housing market in this quiet Crowley County community has shown consistent appreciation, moving from $80,139 in 2015 to $115,768 in 2020, before climbing to $162,327 in 2024, reflecting a solid 102.6% nine-year growth and 40.2% recent increase. Named for Richard Olney, an early settler, this small prairie town maintains its rural character while offering some of Colorado’s most accessible home prices.
Example of a typical 2024 median-priced home in Olney Springs
This $180,000 property offers 938 square feet of living space with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, situated on nearly 2 acres of serene prairie land. The peaceful setting is complemented by a spacious Quonset building, equipped with 220-volt wiring, ideal for storage or projects. Perfect for those seeking tranquility and space, this home combines rural charm with practical amenities.
Where is Olney Springs on the map?
It’s a small town located in Crowley County in the southeastern region of the state. It is situated along Colorado State Highway 96, approximately 45 miles east of Pueblo, offering a quiet, rural lifestyle. Known for its agricultural roots, the town is surrounded by open plains and farmland, embodying the charm of small-town Colorado. Olney Springs provides a peaceful community atmosphere while being close to outdoor recreation areas and larger towns for additional amenities.
6. La Junta, CO
Market values in this historic railroad town have demonstrated strong momentum, beginning at $69,498 in 2015, advancing to $106,666 in 2020, and ascending to $158,217 by 2024, showcasing a remarkable 127.7% nine-year appreciation and 48.3% growth since 2020. As the county seat of Otero County, La Junta continues to serve as an important regional hub while maintaining housing affordability.
Example of a typical 2024 median-priced home in La Junta
This $165,000 home offers 1,686 square feet of living space with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The layout features a large living room, a spacious kitchen with ample counter space, cabinet storage, a breakfast nook, and a built-in hutch. The home includes a bedroom with an attached bathroom, while the other side offers the potential for an additional bedroom, kitchen, or laundry space, along with a second living area and another bedroom with an ensuite bathroom. The property also includes a fully fenced backyard, extra parking with alley access, and a workshop for storage or projects.
Where is La Junta on the map?
It’s a small city located in Otero County in southeastern Colorado. Situated along U.S. Highway 50, it lies approximately 60 miles east of Pueblo and serves as a regional hub for agriculture and transportation. Known for its historic ties to the Santa Fe Trail, La Junta offers cultural attractions like Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site and a welcoming, small-town atmosphere with access to outdoor recreation and local amenities.
5. Rocky Ford, CO
The home of Colorado’s famous melons has seen its real estate values ripen nicely, starting at $64,568 in 2015, growing to $100,704 in 2020, and maturing to $149,447 in 2024, yielding a juicy 131.5% nine-year return and 48.4% recent growth. This Arkansas Valley community balances its agricultural heritage with affordable living opportunities, making it an attractive option for value-conscious homebuyers.
Example of a typical 2024 median-priced home in Rocky Ford
This $144,500 home in Rocky Ford offers 1,272 square feet of living space with 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, featuring fresh new flooring, carpet, and paint throughout. The spacious kitchen includes a brand-new dishwasher and ample room for meal prep and gatherings. Outside, the property boasts a large fenced backyard, a storage shed, and a 1-car carport, perfect for convenience and outdoor activities.
Where is Rocky Ford on the map?
It’s a small city located in Otero County in southeastern Colorado. It lies along U.S. Highway 50, approximately 55 miles east of Pueblo and 15 miles west of La Junta. Known as the “Melon Capital of the World,” Rocky Ford is famous for its agriculture, particularly its delicious cantaloupes and watermelons. With a rich farming heritage and a welcoming small-town atmosphere, the city offers a quiet lifestyle surrounded by scenic plains and a close-knit community.
4. Ordway, CO
This Crowley County seat has experienced steady market appreciation, with values rising from $77,085 in 2015 to $110,894 in 2020, before reaching $142,345 in 2024, posting an 84.7% nine-year gain and 28.4% recent increase. Situated along Highway 96, Ordway offers small-town charm and affordability while maintaining its role as a local government center.
Example of a typical 2024 median-priced home in Ordway
This $151,900 home in Ordway features 1,311 square feet of living space with 4 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, offering a cozy and comfortable atmosphere. The property includes a beautifully fenced yard with mature trees, flowering plants, and a backyard designed as a mini courtyard. Conveniently located near schools and downtown, this home provides charm and accessibility for a comfortable lifestyle.
Where is Ordway on the map?
It’s a small town located in Crowley County in southeastern Colorado. It serves as the county seat and is situated along State Highway 96, approximately 50 miles east of Pueblo. Known for its agricultural heritage, Ordway is surrounded by farmland and is close to Lake Henry and Lake Meredith, offering opportunities for fishing and outdoor recreation. With its quiet, small-town charm and a strong sense of community, Ordway provides a peaceful rural lifestyle while being within reach of larger cities for additional amenities.
3. Eads, CO
The housing market in this eastern Colorado ranching community has shown remarkable vitality, starting at $54,128 in 2015, climbing to $84,179 in 2020, and reaching $138,303 in 2024, boasting the highest nine-year appreciation rate among Colorado’s most affordable cities at 155.5%, along with a strong 64.3% recent growth. As the Kiowa County seat, Eads combines administrative importance with prairie affordability.
Example of a typical 2024 median-priced home in Eads
This $136,000 home features 1,800 square feet of living space with 2 bedrooms and 1 newly remodeled bathroom. The interior highlights include well-maintained hardwood floors, vinyl planks in the kitchen, and updated heating and water heating systems. A spacious laundry area offers versatility, doubling as storage, an office, or an additional living space, making this property both charming and functional.
Where is Eads on the map?
It’s a small town located in Kiowa County in southeastern Colorado. It serves as the county seat and lies along U.S. Highway 287, approximately 120 miles southeast of Denver and 70 miles northeast of La Junta. Known for its rural charm and agricultural heritage, Eads is surrounded by open plains and farmlands. The town offers a close-knit community atmosphere and is near attractions like the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site, providing a blend of history and quiet living.
2. Sugar City, CO
Property values in this sweetly-named town have risen steadily from $64,521 in 2015 to $94,079 in 2020, before reaching $133,333 in 2024, marking a 106.7% nine-year appreciation and 41.7% recent growth. Founded around a sugar beet factory, this Crowley County community continues to offer some of Colorado’s most accessible housing while maintaining its agricultural heritage.
Example of a typical 2024 median-priced home in Sugar City
This $159,000 Victorian-style home offers 2,236 square feet of living space with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, located on a spacious corner lot. The property features timeless charm with hardwood floors and an expansive living, kitchen, and dining area, while modern conveniences include central air and a detached garage. This elegant home blends classic architecture with functional living for a comfortable and stylish lifestyle.
Where is Sugar City on the map?
It’s a small town located in Crowley County in southeastern Colorado. Once a booming community due to the sugar beet industry, the town now offers a quiet, rural lifestyle with a rich agricultural history. It is situated near U.S. Highway 50, approximately 40 miles east of Pueblo and a short drive from nearby towns like Ordway and La Junta. Sugar City is known for its small-town charm, close-knit community, and peaceful atmosphere surrounded by scenic plains and farmland.
1. Las Animas, CO
The most affordable city in Colorado has seen its real estate values climb impressively from $50,272 in 2015 to $69,708 in 2020, before reaching $107,885 in 2024, representing a substantial 114.6% nine-year appreciation and 54.8% recent growth. As the Bent County seat, Las Animas combines historical significance with remarkable affordability, sitting along the Arkansas River where the Santa Fe Trail once crossed.
Example of a typical 2024 median-priced home in Las Animas
This $115,000 home offers 967 square feet of living space with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. The home features recent upgrades to the kitchen and bathroom, with a double-door refrigerator and gas range oven included in the sale. The front and side yards are fully fenced for added safety, while the back of the property provides extra parking and includes two storage sheds. The bathroom is conveniently located between the bedrooms, ensuring easy accessibility for residents.
Where is Las Animas on the map?
It’s a small city located in Bent County in southeastern Colorado. Situated along the Arkansas River and U.S. Highway 50, it lies approximately 90 miles east of Pueblo and serves as the county seat of Bent County. Las Animas is steeped in history, being close to Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site, a reconstructed trading post from the 19th century. Known for its agricultural roots, the town offers a quiet, rural lifestyle with access to outdoor recreation and a close-knit community atmosphere.
