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Raleigh is not cheap anymore. Median home prices in many parts of the city are sitting well above $400,000, and if you are trying to buy in the $200s or low $300s, your options inside the city are shrinking fast.
But here's the good news — you don't have to give up on the Triangle. In his latest video, Jon Tennant breaks down the most affordable places to live near Raleigh that still give you access to everything the area has to offer.
The key word is near. By expanding your search just 15 to 30 minutes outside of Raleigh, you can dramatically increase what your money buys — bigger home, bigger yard, lower price tag, and in many cases still a reasonable commute.
Whether you're a first-time buyer who feels priced out of Raleigh, a growing family looking for more space, or someone relocating to the area trying to stretch your budget, this video is for you. Jon walks through specific towns and communities that still offer real value in 2026, what the housing market looks like in each one, what you can expect to pay, and what the trade-offs are.
The Triangle is still one of the most dynamic real estate markets in the country — but the smart move right now is knowing where to look. Towns like Garner, Clayton, Knightdale, Wendell, Zebulon, and even parts of Johnston and Franklin counties still offer homes in the $200s and low $300s. The trade-off is typically a slightly longer commute, but for many buyers, the extra space and lower payment are worth it.
The Triangle's growth isn't just pushing prices up inside Raleigh — it's also making the surrounding towns more desirable. Getting in now, before these areas see the same appreciation Raleigh has experienced, could be a smart financial move.
Jon covers the specific price ranges you can expect in each area, what the commute actually looks like during rush hour, and which communities offer the best combination of value and quality of life. Whether you're looking for a starter home under $300K or a larger family home in the $350-400K range, there are real options — you just need to know where to look.
Watch the full breakdown above, and if you want to talk through your specific situation, reach out to Jon directly. Whether you're a first-time buyer, looking to upgrade, or relocating to the area, Jon can help you find the right community at the right price.
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