I thought this question would be interesting to explore. If I didn't have any family nearby, and could work wherever I wanted, would I stay where I'm at now?

In this scenario, if I were a first time buyer, what factors would I consider before buying?

Here are some things I'd consider:

• Crime grades (I wouldn't go out much -introverted- but is it safe enough to take a walk if I want to?)
• Lowest price per square foot (cheapest house wins?)
• Projected growth (if I want to buy real estate, where might it increase in value, or boom?)
• Weather (If I don't want to hide inside all day)
• Taxes and cost of living (does the low house price come at a cost?)

The Cheapest

I’ll highlight a few areas here. High crime and rock bottom prices. (think Flint/Detroit Michigan)

Akron, OH

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/292-Lake-St-Akron-OH-44301/35481620_zpid

$20k list price with a tenant. (investment property) 

3 bed 2 bath 1,344 sq ft and 5,183 sq ft lot

Weather: Warm humid summers, cold snowy winters.
Crime: High crime
Median Price: $145k
Cost of living: Below average.
Taxes: Moderate state income tax. Lower property taxes
Projected growth: Moderate
Walkability: Car-dependent

Danville IL

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1439-Oakwood-Ave-Danville-IL-61832/80285307_zpid

Looks like a flipped home. $155k list price, 3 bed 2 bath 1,550 sq ft and .68 acre lot

Weather: Warm humid summers, cold snowy winters.
Crime: Higher crime
Median Price: $73k
Cost of living: Below average. 
Taxes: Moderate state income tax. Higher property taxes
Projected growth: Flat
Walkability: Very car-dependent

Here are some safer/cheaper areas

Teays Valley WV

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/5431-Teays-Valley-Rd-Scott-Depot-WV-25560/456790293_zpid

Weather: Full 4 seasons. Warm and humid summers. Cold winters, light to moderate snowfall.
Crime: Low crime (safe)
Median Price: $321,250
Cost of living: Average. 
Taxes: Moderate state income tax. Very low property taxes
Projected growth: Modest
Walkability: Very car-dependent

Within 30 minutes to Charleston

Brandon MS

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/101-Dogwood-Cir-Brandon-MS-39047/50836281_zpid

Weather: Hot and humid summers. Mild winters.
Crime: Low crime (safe)
Median Price: $282,600
Cost of living: Below average. 
Taxes: Moderate state income tax. Low property taxes
Projected growth: Modest
Walkability: Very car-dependent

Within 30 minutes to Jackson

Projected growth

Here are Zillow’s areas that have the highest projected growth rate:

1. Atlantic City, NJ  +5.4% 
2. Rockford, IL  +5.1% 
3. Concord, NH %5.1% 
4. Knoxville, TN +5.0%

These are pretty modest gains. But here are some thoughts on Atlantic City if you’re thinking of turning your home into an investment property in the future:

Some local sources predict up to 7% appreciation

Relatively affordable for a coastal market. Good entry price.

Vacancy rate is low.

There’s upside from redevelopment. 

Here are the worst-projected areas according to Zillow. Poor Louisiana…

1. Houma, LA  -7.4%
2. Lake Charles, LA  -6.9%
3. Lafayette, LA   -4.3%
4. New Orleans, LA  -4.0%
5. Shreveport, LA  -3.8%

“Perfect Weather”

If you don’t care about the home prices and seasons and want low 70s, maybe 80s, year round, then move to…

1. San Diego
2. Hawaii (any island, really)

If you’re looking to escape cold winters, then Florida and Arizona are good places.

If you’re looking to escape the summer heat, then anywhere on the Pacific Coast or high-elevation cities like Flagstaff AZ or Aspen CO.

The Most walkable cities

I’ll list the top 5 and their median home price

1. New York, NY $800k Median Price
2. San Francisco, CA $1.25m Median Price
3. Boston, MA $783k Median Price
4. Philadelphia, PA $279k median
5. Miami, FL $653k median