Looking for affordable housing options in California? Based on the Zillow Home Value Index data through March 31, 2025, you can still find neighborhoods with relatively affordable home values in the Golden State. The following analysis reveals striking patterns in California’s housing market where the least expensive neighborhoods have experienced an average price increase of 258% since 2010.
You might be surprised to learn that the most affordable neighborhoods in California are concentrated in just six cities across five counties. Bakersfield dominates the list with 11 neighborhoods, while areas in Stockton have seen the most dramatic appreciation—with Louis Park experiencing an astonishing 522% increase over the 15-year period. Even the “slowest” growing neighborhood in this analysis, Chapmantown in Chico, still saw prices more than double with a 123% increase since 2010.
When examining the data, you’ll notice that even California’s most affordable neighborhoods have seen substantial price acceleration since 2020, with an average increase of 53% in just five years. This upward trajectory emphasizes the importance of identifying remaining affordable markets if you’re considering purchasing a home in California.
25. Fresno High Roeding
- 2025 Value: $311,720
- 2020 Value: $211,184
- 2015 Value: $136,907
- 2010 Value: $109,981
- % Change 2020-2025: 47.61%
- % Change 2015-2025: 127.69%
- % Change 2010-2025: 183.43%
Located in the heart of Fresno, the Fresno High Roeding neighborhood offers the most affordable housing options among our analyzed areas. You’ll find this historic district surrounding the iconic Fresno High School, established in 1889. Property values have climbed steadily from $109,981 in 2010 to $136,907 in 2015, then accelerating to $211,184 by 2020. Today’s average home value of $311,720 represents a substantial 183% increase over the 15-year period, though it remains relatively affordable compared to state averages.
24. River Oak Park
- 2025 Value: $307,308
- 2020 Value: $203,272
- 2015 Value: $136,574
- 2010 Value: $97,333
- % Change 2020-2025: 51.18%
- % Change 2015-2025: 125.01%
- % Change 2010-2025: 215.73%
Nestled in Visalia in Tulare County, River Oak Park presents an attractive option for budget-conscious homebuyers. You’ll appreciate the neighborhood’s proximity to the St. John’s River and various parks that give it a natural charm. From a modest $97,333 average value in 2010, homes have appreciated significantly to $136,574 by 2015 and $203,272 in 2020. The current average value of $307,308 represents an impressive 216% growth since 2010, with over half that growth occurring in just the last five years.
23. Gleason Park
- 2025 Value: $304,463
- 2020 Value: $220,585
- 2015 Value: $95,332
- 2010 Value: $67,640
- % Change 2020-2025: 38.03%
- % Change 2015-2025: 219.37%
- % Change 2010-2025: 350.12%
Situated in Stockton, San Joaquin County, Gleason Park has experienced remarkable growth over the past 15 years. You’ll find this neighborhood in central Stockton, offering more affordable housing than many parts of Northern California. Starting from a very accessible $67,640 in 2010, values climbed modestly to $95,332 by 2015 before leaping to $220,585 in 2020. The current average home value of $304,463 represents a staggering 350% increase since 2010, though growth has moderated somewhat recently with a 38% increase over the past five years.
22. Baker Street
- 2025 Value: $301,115
- 2020 Value: $197,100
- 2015 Value: $149,459
- 2010 Value: $102,771
- % Change 2020-2025: 52.77%
- % Change 2015-2025: 101.47%
- % Change 2010-2025: 192.99%
Baker Street in Bakersfield offers you a centrally located neighborhood in Kern County with reasonable home values. You’ll discover this area features a mix of older homes with character and newer developments. Property values have shown consistent growth from $102,771 in 2010 to $149,459 in 2015 and $197,100 by 2020. Today’s average value of $301,115 represents nearly a 193% increase over 15 years, with acceleration in the growth rate during the most recent five-year period when values rose by almost 53%.
21. Park Stockdale
- 2025 Value: $300,604
- 2020 Value: $185,898
- 2015 Value: $141,642
- 2010 Value: $98,850
- % Change 2020-2025: 61.70%
- % Change 2015-2025: 112.23%
- % Change 2010-2025: 204.10%
In the southwestern part of Bakersfield, you’ll find Park Stockdale, a neighborhood known for its mid-century homes and tree-lined streets. From a starting point of $98,850 in 2010, home values increased steadily to $141,642 by 2015 and $185,898 in 2020. The current average value of $300,604 represents a robust 204% growth over the 15-year period, with particularly strong appreciation of nearly 62% in just the last five years as Bakersfield continues to attract residents seeking more affordable California living.
20. Downtown Stockton
- 2025 Value: $292,156
- 2020 Value: $232,007
- 2015 Value: $96,332
- 2010 Value: $62,476
- % Change 2020-2025: 25.93%
- % Change 2015-2025: 203.28%
- % Change 2010-2025: 367.63%
Along the waterfront in San Joaquin County, Downtown Stockton offers you historic charm and urban conveniences at a fraction of Bay Area prices. You’ll witness how this area has transformed from having average values of just $62,476 in 2010 to $96,332 in 2015, before surging to $232,007 by 2020. Today’s average value of $292,156 represents an extraordinary 368% increase over 15 years, though the growth rate has moderated to about 26% in the most recent five-year period as the neighborhood stabilizes.
19. Benton Park
- 2025 Value: $290,596
- 2020 Value: $180,424
- 2015 Value: $126,407
- 2010 Value: $80,737
- % Change 2020-2025: 61.06%
- % Change 2015-2025: 129.89%
- % Change 2010-2025: 259.93%
Tucked in northeastern Bakersfield, Benton Park gives you access to affordable housing with convenient amenities. This family-friendly neighborhood has seen consistent appreciation from $80,737 in 2010 to $126,407 in 2015 and $180,424 by 2020. The current average value of $290,596 represents nearly a 260% increase over the 15-year period, with a significant 61% jump in just the last five years as Bakersfield continues to attract residents looking for value in California’s housing market.
18. Charter Oak
- 2025 Value: $287,237
- 2020 Value: $187,551
- 2015 Value: $121,179
- 2010 Value: $93,526
- % Change 2020-2025: 53.15%
- % Change 2015-2025: 137.04%
- % Change 2010-2025: 207.12%
In the heart of Visalia, you’ll discover Charter Oak, an established neighborhood in Tulare County with reasonable housing options. From a modest average of $93,526 in 2010, values increased to $121,179 by 2015 and $187,551 in 2020. Today’s average value of $287,237 represents a substantial 207% increase over the 15-year period, with more than half that growth occurring just within the last five years as the Central Valley continues to attract residents seeking affordable alternatives to coastal California.
17. Downtown Tehachapi
- 2025 Value: $286,968
- 2020 Value: $213,166
- 2015 Value: $121,576
- 2010 Value: $108,258
- % Change 2020-2025: 34.62%
- % Change 2015-2025: 136.04%
- % Change 2010-2025: 165.08%
Perched at a higher elevation in Kern County, Downtown Tehachapi offers you small-town charm with a distinct four-season climate. This mountain community has seen steady appreciation from $108,258 in 2010 to $121,576 in 2015 and $213,166 by 2020. The current average value of $286,968 represents a 165% increase over the 15-year period, with growth moderating to about 35% in the most recent five years. You’ll find this historic downtown area maintains its character while providing more affordable housing than many California locations.
16. Chapmantown
- 2025 Value: $282,716
- 2020 Value: $253,611
- 2015 Value: $156,794
- 2010 Value: $126,899
- % Change 2020-2025: 11.48%
- % Change 2015-2025: 80.31%
- % Change 2010-2025: 122.79%
Located in the college town of Chico in Butte County, Chapmantown presents an eclectic neighborhood with a mix of housing styles. You’ll notice this area has shown more moderate growth than others on our list, rising from $126,899 in 2010 to $156,794 in 2015 and $253,611 by 2020. The current average value of $282,716 represents a 123% increase over 15 years, with just an 11.5% increase in the most recent five years—the lowest growth rate among our analyzed neighborhoods, potentially indicating a stabilizing market.
15. Calwa
- 2025 Value: $280,413
- 2020 Value: $188,610
- 2015 Value: $119,256
- 2010 Value: $83,528
- % Change 2020-2025: 48.67%
- % Change 2015-2025: 135.14%
- % Change 2010-2025: 235.71%
Situated in southeast Fresno, Calwa offers you a historic neighborhood with some of the most affordable housing in the area. This community has seen substantial growth from $83,528 in 2010 to $119,256 in 2015 and $188,610 by 2020. The current average value of $280,413 represents a significant 236% increase over the 15-year period, with nearly 49% of that growth occurring in just the last five years as Fresno continues to develop and attract residents looking for Central Valley affordability.
14. Walnut
- 2025 Value: $276,049
- 2020 Value: $181,317
- 2015 Value: $117,693
- 2010 Value: $111,971
- % Change 2020-2025: 52.25%
- % Change 2015-2025: 134.55%
- % Change 2010-2025: 146.54%
In central Visalia, you’ll find the Walnut neighborhood offering reasonable housing options in Tulare County. This area experienced minimal growth from 2010 to 2015, with values only rising from $111,971 to $117,693. However, acceleration began after 2015, with values reaching $181,317 by 2020 and $276,049 today. This represents a total increase of about 147% over 15 years, with more than half that growth occurring in just the last five years as Visalia continues to develop as an affordable alternative in California’s housing market.
13. Johnson
- 2025 Value: $269,799
- 2020 Value: $168,504
- 2015 Value: $104,015
- 2010 Value: $91,480
- % Change 2020-2025: 60.11%
- % Change 2015-2025: 159.39%
- % Change 2010-2025: 194.93%
The Johnson neighborhood in northeast Visalia provides you with affordable housing options in Tulare County. You’ll notice this area showed relatively modest growth from 2010 to 2015, with values increasing from $91,480 to $104,015. Growth accelerated after 2015, with values reaching $168,504 by 2020 and $269,799 today. This represents a nearly 195% increase over the 15-year period, with the most significant growth occurring in more recent years as the area benefits from Visalia’s expanding economy and relative affordability.
12. Downtown Bakersfield
- 2025 Value: $261,472
- 2020 Value: $170,138
- 2015 Value: $113,383
- 2010 Value: $68,090
- % Change 2020-2025: 53.68%
- % Change 2015-2025: 130.61%
- % Change 2010-2025: 284.01%
At the urban core of Kern County’s largest city, Downtown Bakersfield offers you historic architecture and revitalized spaces at affordable prices. This area has seen remarkable growth from a very accessible $68,090 in 2010 to $113,383 in 2015 and $170,138 by 2020. Today’s average value of $261,472 represents an impressive 284% increase over the 15-year period, with ongoing revitalization efforts contributing to consistent appreciation as more people discover Bakersfield’s downtown charm and comparative affordability.
11. Oleander Sunset
- 2025 Value: $260,948
- 2020 Value: $167,609
- 2015 Value: $110,401
- 2010 Value: $69,296
- % Change 2020-2025: 55.69%
- % Change 2015-2025: 136.36%
- % Change 2010-2025: 276.57%
In south-central Bakersfield, you’ll find the charming Oleander Sunset neighborhood known for its mature trees and mid-century homes. Property values have climbed steadily from $69,296 in 2010 to $110,401 in 2015 and $167,609 by 2020. The current average value of $260,948 represents a substantial 277% increase over the 15-year period, with nearly 56% growth in just the last five years as more homebuyers discover this well-established neighborhood with relatively affordable housing options.
10. Oval Park
- 2025 Value: $252,722
- 2020 Value: $159,210
- 2015 Value: $94,451
- 2010 Value: $79,039
- % Change 2020-2025: 58.74%
- % Change 2015-2025: 167.57%
- % Change 2010-2025: 219.75%
Surrounding the distinctive oval-shaped park in central Visalia, the Oval Park neighborhood gives you access to affordable housing in a historic setting. From a modest $79,039 in 2010, values increased to $94,451 by 2015 and $159,210 in 2020. Today’s average value of $252,722 represents a significant 220% increase over the 15-year period, with approximately 59% growth in just the last five years as Visalia continues to attract homebuyers seeking affordable options in California’s Central Valley.
9. Southgate
- 2025 Value: $247,621
- 2020 Value: $150,898
- 2015 Value: $99,756
- 2010 Value: $60,529
- % Change 2020-2025: 64.10%
- % Change 2015-2025: 148.23%
- % Change 2010-2025: 309.09%
Located in south Bakersfield, the Southgate neighborhood provides you with affordable housing options in a convenient location. From a very accessible $60,529 in 2010, home values increased to $99,756 by 2015 and $150,898 in 2020. The current average value of $247,621 represents an impressive 309% growth over the 15-year period, with a substantial 64% increase in just the last five years as more homebuyers discover this area’s value proposition within Kern County’s largest city.
8. Casa Loma
- 2025 Value: $247,298
- 2020 Value: $144,974
- 2015 Value: $90,638
- 2010 Value: $56,626
- % Change 2020-2025: 70.58%
- % Change 2015-2025: 172.84%
- % Change 2010-2025: 336.72%
In the southern portion of Bakersfield, you’ll discover Casa Loma, a neighborhood offering some of the most affordable housing in Kern County. Starting from a very low $56,626 in 2010, values climbed to $90,638 by 2015 and $144,974 in 2020. Today’s average value of $247,298 represents a remarkable 337% increase over 15 years, with acceleration in the growth rate during the most recent five-year period when values rose by nearly 71%—among the highest recent growth rates in our analysis.
7. Louis Park
- 2025 Value: $245,594
- 2020 Value: $137,669
- 2015 Value: $56,839
- 2010 Value: $39,455
- % Change 2020-2025: 78.40%
- % Change 2015-2025: 332.09%
- % Change 2010-2025: 522.46%
Adjacent to Louis Park in northwest Stockton, this neighborhood has experienced the most dramatic price appreciation in our entire analysis. You’ll be amazed to learn that from an extremely affordable $39,455 in 2010, values rose modestly to $56,839 by 2015 before accelerating to $137,669 in 2020. The current average value of $245,594 represents an astounding 522% increase over the 15-year period—the highest in our study—with continued strong growth of 78% in just the last five years as Stockton’s housing market recovers from earlier challenges.
6. Edison
- 2025 Value: $245,519
- 2020 Value: $157,536
- 2015 Value: $90,390
- 2010 Value: $63,903
- % Change 2020-2025: 55.85%
- % Change 2015-2025: 171.62%
- % Change 2010-2025: 284.21%
In southwest Fresno, the Edison neighborhood offers you affordable housing options close to major transportation routes. The area has seen significant growth from a modest $63,903 in 2010 to $90,390 by 2015 and $157,536 in 2020. The current average value of $245,519 represents an impressive 284% increase over the 15-year period, with a strong 56% growth just in the last five years as Fresno continues to develop and attract residents seeking relatively affordable housing within California’s fifth-largest city.
5. Central
- 2025 Value: $238,886
- 2020 Value: $162,808
- 2015 Value: $92,301
- 2010 Value: $67,228
- % Change 2020-2025: 46.73%
- % Change 2015-2025: 158.81%
- % Change 2010-2025: 255.34%
Situated in the heart of Fresno, the Central neighborhood combines urban convenience with affordability. You’ll find this area has undergone significant transformation, with property values rising from $67,228 in 2010 to $92,301 in 2015 and $162,808 by 2020. Today’s average value of $238,886 represents a substantial 255% increase over the 15-year period, with continued strong growth of nearly 47% in the last five years as downtown Fresno experiences ongoing revitalization efforts and increased interest from homebuyers.
4. College Heights – Baker Street
- 2025 Value: $233,723
- 2020 Value: $156,606
- 2015 Value: $103,743
- 2010 Value: $61,272
- % Change 2020-2025: 49.24%
- % Change 2015-2025: 125.29%
- % Change 2010-2025: 281.45%
Near Bakersfield College in northeast Bakersfield, College Heights – Baker Street provides you with affordable housing options in a student-friendly area. From a very affordable $61,272 in 2010, values increased to $103,743 by 2015 and $156,606 in 2020. The current average value of $233,723 represents an impressive 281% growth over the 15-year period, with steady appreciation continuing at 49% in the last five years as the neighborhood benefits from its proximity to educational institutions and relatively affordable housing stock.
3. East Bakersfield
- 2025 Value: $217,638
- 2020 Value: $130,159
- 2015 Value: $79,431
- 2010 Value: $50,845
- % Change 2020-2025: 67.21%
- % Change 2015-2025: 174.00%
- % Change 2010-2025: 328.04%
On the eastern side of Bakersfield, you’ll discover a neighborhood with deep historical roots dating back to the city’s formation. East Bakersfield has experienced remarkable growth from just $50,845 in 2010 to $79,431 by 2015 and $130,159 in 2020. The current average value of $217,638 represents a substantial 328% increase over the 15-year period, with a strong 67% growth in just the last five years as investors and homebuyers recognize the area’s potential and relative affordability.
2. Lakeview
- 2025 Value: $204,310
- 2020 Value: $131,516
- 2015 Value: $75,716
- 2010 Value: $46,069
- % Change 2020-2025: 55.35%
- % Change 2015-2025: 169.84%
- % Change 2010-2025: 343.49%
In southeast Bakersfield, the Lakeview neighborhood offers the second-most affordable housing option in our analysis. You’ll find this area has seen tremendous growth from an extremely accessible $46,069 in 2010 to $75,716 by 2015 and $131,516 in 2020. The current average value of $204,310 represents an extraordinary 343% increase over the 15-year period, with continued strong appreciation of 55% in just the last five years as Bakersfield’s housing market continues to provide relatively affordable options for homebuyers.
1. Homaker Park
- 2025 Value: $195,922
- 2020 Value: $110,363
- 2015 Value: $69,032
- 2010 Value: $72,974
- % Change 2020-2025: 77.53%
- % Change 2015-2025: 183.81%
- % Change 2010-2025: 168.48%
Located in southeast Bakersfield near Homaker Park, this neighborhood stands as the most affordable area in our entire California analysis. You’ll notice an interesting pattern in its value history—starting at $72,974 in 2010, values actually decreased to $69,032 by 2015 (likely reflecting lingering effects of the housing crisis), before beginning a strong recovery to $110,363 in 2020. The current average value of $195,922 represents a 168% increase over 2010 levels, with a remarkable 78% growth just in the last five years—the second highest recent growth rate among these neighborhoods, suggesting rapidly increasing demand for this affordable area.
