Photo: nycshooter / iStock / Getty Images
FLORIDA - Despite rising housing costs, Florida remains an affordable option for middle-income buyers, with cities like Ocala, Lakeland, and Pensacola offering budget-friendly homes and alternative housing options under $400,000.
With a median household income of $70,036, middle-class Floridians can afford a mortgage of around $1,751 per month, based on standard lending guidelines.
That equates to a home priced at approximately $350,000, just under Florida’s current median home price of $399,900.
While that price point might seem tight in major metro areas, many communities throughout the state still offer homes within budget.
Realtor Cara Ameer, who works on both Florida coasts, says a typical $400K home might get buyers a 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath property around 1,500 to 1,800 square feet, particularly if they look inland.
Smaller cities like Ocala, Lakeland, and Port St. Lucie are emerging as affordability havens.
Lakeland’s location between Tampa and Orlando gives residents suburban peace with big-city access.
Ocala boasts spacious lots and a relaxed lifestyle, while Jacksonville offers value in older or revitalizing neighborhoods.
Even Florida’s beach markets have affordable options.
Ameer points to Pensacola and Panama City as coastal towns where buyers can still find deals compared to luxury areas like Destin or 30A.
For those open to alternatives, Florida’s manufactured and modular home communities provide lower-cost options, especially near the coast.
With modern upgrades and community perks, these homes offer style and affordability without the beachfront markup.
Florida’s real estate landscape proves that for the middle class, homeownership is still within reach.