When it comes to finding the perfect place to call home, affordability and sunshine are two priorities many people value most. Using the Zillow Home Value Index (ZVHI) as of November 2024, we identified the most affordable towns and cities across the United States and cross-referenced them with locations that average 300 or more sunny days per year. The result is a list of 18 towns where clear skies meet budget-friendly living, offering residents a rare combination of low housing costs and abundant sunshine.
From the sun-drenched deserts of Arizona and Nevada to hidden gems in Texas and California, these towns showcase home values that have remained impressively affordable over the past decade. We highlight home prices for June 2015, June 2020, and November 2024, along with the percentage increase in value, helping you see where markets are growing while staying accessible. If you’ve ever dreamed of living somewhere sunny without breaking the bank, this list reveals some of the best opportunities in the country. The order is most expensive to least expensive.
#18. Flagstaff
The priciest city on our list still beats the hell out of California prices. At 300 sunny days per year, you’re paying for that perfect high-altitude climate. Home values: $370,008 (2015) to $616,680 (2024) – a 66.7% jump. The outdoor paradise tag comes free.
#17. Sacramento
Think you can’t afford California? Think again. With 300 days of sun and homes going from $346,578 (2015) to $577,630 (2024) – a 66.7% rise – Sacramento laughs at Bay Area prices while delivering similar perks. No fog here, folks.
#16. Reno
Forget the casinos – Reno’s real jackpot is 300 sunny days and no state income tax. Housing shot from $325,769 (2015) to $542,948 (2024) – a 66.7% gain. Tesla’s here for a reason, and it’s not just the tax breaks.
#15. Phoenix
300 days of sun and you can still afford a pool. Values climbed from $272,401 (2015) to $454,001 (2024) – a 66.7% increase. America’s fastest-growing city isn’t slowing down, but prices are still sane.
#14. Las Vegas
Hit the jackpot with 310 sunny days and zero state income tax. Houses up from $257,235 (2015) to $428,725 (2024) – a 66.7% winning streak. The entertainment’s world-class, but the housing costs aren’t.
#13. Grand Junction
Colorado without the Denver price tag. 300 sunny days and prices from $244,596 (2015) to $407,660 (2024) – a 66.7% climb. Where else can you afford mountain views and wine country in one shot?
#12. Fresno
California’s best-kept secret: 300 sunny days and houses from $238,253 (2015) to $397,088 (2024) – a 66.7% rise. Two hours to the beach, two hours to Yosemite, half the price of both.
#11. Bakersfield
Oil city turned solar powerhouse with 300 sunny days. Values pumped from $213,122 (2015) to $355,203 (2024) – a 66.7% gusher. The cheapest California living you’ll find that’s not in the middle of nowhere.
#10. Tucson
Desert living done right with 310 sunny days. Prices rose from $207,791 (2015) to $346,318 (2024) – a 66.7% jump. All the Arizona perks at 70% of Phoenix prices.
#9. Albuquerque
Breaking good deals with 300 sunny days and homes up from $199,842 (2015) to $333,071 (2024) – a 66.7% gain. Where else can you watch hot air balloons from your affordable backyard?
#8. Midland
300 sunny days in Texas oil country. Values surged from $186,099 (2015) to $310,165 (2024) – a 66.7% boom. High wages, low costs, and enough sunshine to power a small country.
#7. Pueblo
Colorado’s bargain basement with 300 sunny days. Prices heated from $171,450 (2015) to $285,751 (2024) – a 66.7% rise. The cheapest Rocky Mountain high you’ll ever find.
#6. Yuma
America’s undisputed sunshine king at 308 sunny days. Values brightened from $165,899 (2015) to $276,499 (2024) – a 66.7% shine. More sun than Phoenix, half the housing costs.
#5. El Paso
302 sunny days on the border. Prices climbed from $131,712 (2015) to $219,521 (2024) – a 66.7% rise. Texas-sized value with a Mexican twist.
#4. Las Cruces
New Mexico’s sweet spot with 310 sunny days. Values jumped from $130,803 (2015) to $218,005 (2024) – a 66.7% boost. College town prices without the college town chaos.
#3. Amarillo
Texas panhandle paradise with 300 sunny days. Houses up from $122,534 (2015) to $204,223 (2024) – a 66.7% gain. Where else can you buy a house for the price of a luxury car?
#2. Lubbock
Texas Tech town delivering 300 sunny days and values rising from $120,373 (2015) to $200,622 (2024) – a 66.7% education in affordable living. Big city amenities, small town prices.
#1. Roswell
The truth is out there: 300 sunny days and the cheapest prices in the solar system. Values abducted from $87,404 (2015) to $145,674 (2024) – a 66.7% probe into affordable territory. Who needs Area 51 when you can afford Area Everything?
