The best places to buy a house in the USA

Purchasing property in the United States starts with an important decision: where are you looking to buy? This sprawling country is home to a breathtaking array of landscapes, climates and cultures.  

Where you choose to buy a home depends on what you want, whether that’s an investment opportunity in an up-and-coming market, an overseas rental property in a bustling tourist destination, or a new home in the family-friendly suburbs.

To help you get started, we’ve highlighted some of the best places to buy a house in the USA.

Florida

It’s hard to beat Florida when it comes to property appeal – it’s nicknamed the Sunshine State for a reason. If you want year-round sunshine, beaches, and properties that practically rent themselves out, then Florida is the place for you.

Whether you’re eyeing up a beachfront condo in Miami, a family-friendly house in Orlando, or a villa on the Gulf Coast, Florida offers huge variety.

It’s a dream spot for vacation homes, with Disney, Universal, and stunning beaches pulling in tourists all year round. Investors also love Florida for its short-term rental potential, while retirees are drawn to the warm weather and laid-back lifestyle.

As of May 2025, property prices average around $3,000 per square metre, though beachfront locations or luxury neighbourhoods can go much higher.

California

From the tech-fuelled buzz of Silicon Valley to the wine country retreats of Napa, California offers excellent variety.

However, California doesn’t come cheap. To buy a home in here, you’re looking at around $6,400 per square metre on average, though prices in prime areas like San Francisco, Malibu, and parts of Los Angeles can easily double that.

Despite these higher prices, investors are often drawn to California’s strong rental market and rising home values, while lifestyle buyers fall for the state’s mix of beaches, mountains, and vibrant cities. California is also increasingly popular with digital nomads and entrepreneurs, thanks to its world-leading tech industry.

Texas

Texas has been on a real estate hot streak for years now, and it’s easy to see why. The state combines affordable property prices with booming job markets and a low cost of living, drawing in both investors and families looking for a fresh start.

Austin, in particular, regularly tops the list for the best places to live in the USA, and has become a tech and cultural hotspot, while cities like Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio offer strong rental demand and steady growth.

Property prices in Texas currently average around $2,500 per square metre, making it far more affordable than many coastal states.

Hawaii

If your property dreams involve waking up to ocean views and sunsets over volcanic landscapes, Hawaii could be your paradise.

However, island living comes at a price. Average property prices sit at around $8,000 per square metre, making Hawaii one of the most expensive places to buy in the US. But for many, it’s worth every penny.

The islands offer jaw-dropping natural beauty, year-round warm weather, and a unique, laid-back culture that’s hard to resist.

Hawaii is popular with luxury homebuyers looking for a slice of tropical paradise, but it’s also a strong pick for short-term rental investors.

New York

Whether you’re picturing a chic Manhattan apartment, a charming brownstone in Brooklyn, or a serene lake house upstate, New York offers some of the most diverse property options in the country.

It’s a state that attracts everyone from investors to students, creatives, and digital nomads looking for that iconic New York lifestyle.

New York City itself is a goldmine for investors with enough cash to splash, thanks to its global appeal and constant rental demand. But head further north and you’ll find affordable homes surrounded by lakes, mountains, and quaint villages – perfect for weekend retreats or a relocation.

On average, property prices in New York work out at about $7,500 per square metre for a house. Apartments are much more expensive, at around $15,000 per square metre, as they tend to be in highly sought-after urban areas where development is already dense and demand for space is at a premium.

Colorado

If you’re drawn to outdoor adventure and year-round beauty, Colorado might be your perfect match. With the Rockies on your doorstep and vibrant cities like Denver and Boulder offering culture and career opportunities, Colorado blends lifestyle and investment effortlessly.

Property prices here currently average around $3,500 per square metre, though ski resort towns like Aspen come with much heftier price tags.

Colorado has also become a hotspot for digital nomads, families, and second-home buyers who want a base for skiing, hiking, and exploring the state’s natural wonders.

North Carolina

North Carolina has quietly been becoming one of the best places to buy property in America, especially for buyers looking for value. From the mountain beauty of Asheville to the lively city life in Charlotte, this state offers variety at prices that still feel reasonable.

It’s a hit with first-time buyers, retirees, and families, offering strong job markets, great schools, and a lower cost of living than many other east coast states. And if you love the beach, the Outer Banks has you covered.

Property in North Carolina currently averages around $3,000 per square metre, making it an appealing mix of affordability and opportunity.

Arizona

If endless sunshine and wide-open spaces are your thing, Arizona deserves a serious look.

Property prices in Arizona average around $2,900 per square metre, which feels like a bargain compared to California or New York.

Cities like Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tucson have all seen population growth, driven by affordable homes, warm weather, and strong job markets. Plus, the desert landscapes here are truly stunning!

Tennessee

Tennessee offers a mix of cultural charm, natural beauty, and affordability. Whether you’re drawn to Nashville’s music scene, the peaceful Great Smoky Mountains, or the historic streets of Memphis, Tennessee offers plenty of lifestyle appeal.

The state is also increasingly popular with families who appreciate the lower cost of living and friendly communities.

Average property prices sit at around $2,600 per square metre, making it one of the most affordable states on this list, although apartments are significantly higher.

Washington

Washington offers a brilliant combination of thriving cities, outdoor adventure, and strong property markets at fairly affordable prices.

On average, homes in Washington come in at around $5,000 per square metre, though places like Seattle can climb much higher.

Seattle itself has become the district’s obvious hotspot thanks to its booming tech industry. However, smaller cities like Tacoma and Spokane also offer strong value and lifestyle perks.

Washington’s blend of forests, coastline, and mountains attracts outdoor lovers, while its strong economy makes it a smart choice for long-term investment.

Making your dream purchase a reality

Whether you’re drawn to Florida’s sun-soaked beaches, California’s buzz, or Colorado’s mountain ranges, theUSA offers something for every kind of buyer. Of course, buying property in America can feel like a daunting process. But with the right research, and a little expert guidance, your dream home could be closer than you think!

If you need to send money to the USA as part of your property buying journey, we can help. We offer competitive exchange rates, no transfer fees, flexible transfer options and first-class customer service to help you get the most from your money.

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