Making the numbers work to buy a home in today’s real estate market can be a challenge, especially in major metropolitan areas. That’s why many savvy homebuyers are looking in desirable areas on the outskirts.

The Modern Affordability Crunch

A root cause is the growing imbalance between home prices and people’s earnings. A trends report from the National Association of Home Builders found that home prices have risen 53% since 2019. Median household incomes, however, have increased by just 24%.

Broaden Your Search to Find Value

You don’t need to move far from major cities to find financial breathing room; pockets of affordability are in your backyard. By heading just a bit further into appealing edge communities, you can significantly lower your housing expenses.

DFW Suburbs Where Dollars Really Stretch

  • Wilmer: South of Downtown Dallas, Wilmer has a mix of new construction in master-planned subdivisions and a significant number of ranch-style homes built in the 1970s. The average home value is about $225,000, down around 3% over the past year. (as of June 2026)
  • Lancaster: Next door to Wilmer, Lancaster is home to many brick single-family houses with mature trees in established communities. The average home value is around $274,000, down about 3% over the past year.
  • Seagoville: With a distinct country feel, Seagoville has an abundance of established ranch homes on half-acre and full-acre lots, with fewer homes subject to homeowners’ associations than in other Dallas areas. The average home value is about $273,000, down nearly 4% over the past year.
  • Princeton: Set back from the shores of Lavon Lake, the Princeton market is dominated by new master-planned subdivisions. The average home value is about $293,000, down more than 10% over the past year.
  • Ferris: Offering a small-town atmosphere, Ferris has a mix of older homes with character alongside growing new developments. The average home value is around $295,000, down nearly 1% over the past year.
  • Forney: With a surge in master-planned communities, Forney is increasingly popular for offering large, new-construction homes at affordable prices. The average home value is about $310,000, down more than 5% over the past year.

If affordability has been standing in the way of your homeownership goal, we can help with a range of financing options to find the right home in the right place. Contact a member of the Decker Group at (214) 908-6792 or connect with us online.