Discovering Affordable California: Hidden Gems with Home Prices Under $150,000

California’s soaring home values and its affordability crisis show no signs of easing, but there are still a handful of hidden gems where the median price of a home is less than $150,000. These affordable communities may be far-flung and off the beaten path, but for those willing to make compromises and have some imagination, the trade-offs are worth it.

One such town is Trona, where Ann Epperly has lived for the last 30 years. Trona, built on the mining and production of borax, offers a quiet and peaceful lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Epperly, 80, volunteers at the local historical center and reminisces on the town’s history and changes over the decades.

Trona is just one of nine California cities, towns, and unincorporated areas with median home values under $150,000. Other towns with low median home values include Dorris, Macdoel, Tulelake, and Herlong, located near the Oregon border, as well as Boron, Yermo, Hinkley, and Johannesburg in Southern California.

Sonney Berri, a real estate agent in Trona, has seen an increase in prices since the COVID-19 pandemic, as homeowners from city centers seek more space and affordability in these small towns. Trona, once a thriving mining town, is now experiencing a revival as residents fix up abandoned homes and make the community better.

Despite the challenges of living in these remote towns, residents are rewarded with incredibly low home prices and a slower pace of life. The affordability rate in these communities is much lower than the state average, making them attractive to those looking for a more affordable lifestyle.

As more people discover these hidden gems, the question remains how long these affordable communities will remain undiscovered. With an influx of new residents and tourists, towns like Trona are experiencing a resurgence, offering a glimpse of small-town living in the midst of California’s housing crisis.