The 50 Best Small Towns for First-Time Home Buyers in America

Ranked on The Town Files lifestyle rankings among 7,696 towns of 500–10,000 people in the U.S.. #1 is Westwood, MI.

1. 50Dover-Foxcroft, Maine

   Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

   Dover-Foxcroft is a community of 2,776 people in Piscataquis County, Maine. It also ranks hipper than 93% of Maine towns and better for retirees than 91% of Maine towns.

   2,776 people · Piscataquis County · median home $158,800 · income $56,250 · Jan low 3°F · 77 in snow

   Full Dover-Foxcroft, Maine profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

2. 49Lordship, Connecticut

   Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

   Lordship is a community of 2,954 people, Connecticut. It also ranks quieter than 95% of Connecticut towns and more seaside character than 95% of Connecticut towns.

   2,954 people · median home $465,200 · income $84,606 · Jan low 24°F · 34 in snow

   Full Lordship, Connecticut profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

3. 48Farmingdale, Maine

   Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

   Farmingdale is a town of 2,995 people in Kennebec County, Maine. It also ranks hipper than 98% of Maine towns and better for young professionals than 94% of Maine towns.

   2,995 people · Kennebec County · median home $249,700 · income $71,635 · Jan low 9°F · 69 in snow

   Full Farmingdale, Maine profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

4. 47Bowdoinham, Maine

   Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

   

   Bowdoinham is a town of 3,047 people in Sagadahoc County, Maine. It also ranks better for families than 96% of Maine towns and more upscale than 84% of Maine towns.

   3,047 people · Sagadahoc County · median home $405,500 · income $108,479 · Jan low 10°F · 72 in snow

   Full Bowdoinham, Maine profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

5. 46Oracle, Arizona

   Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

   Oracle is a community of 3,051 people in Pinal County, Arizona. It also ranks quieter than 97% of Arizona towns and hipper than 93% of Arizona towns.

   3,051 people · Pinal County · median home $239,900 · income $63,774 · Jan low 35°F · 11 in snow

   Full Oracle, Arizona profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

6. 45Woolwich, Maine

   Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

   

   Woolwich is a town of 3,068 people in Sagadahoc County, Maine. It also ranks more upscale than 91% of Maine towns and better for a vacation home than 89% of Maine towns.

   3,068 people · Sagadahoc County · median home $254,500 · income $102,175 · Jan low 12°F · 72 in snow

   Full Woolwich, Maine profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

7. 44Bowdoin, Maine

   Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

   Bowdoin is a town of 3,136 people in Sagadahoc County, Maine. It also ranks better for families than 96% of Maine towns and more upscale than 84% of Maine towns.

   3,136 people · Sagadahoc County · median home $292,800 · income $91,239 · Jan low 8°F · 78 in snow

   Full Bowdoin, Maine profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

8. 43Wilder, Kentucky

   Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

   Wilder is a city of 3,176 people in Campbell County, Kentucky. It also ranks better for young professionals than 99% of Kentucky towns and more of a college town than 96% of Kentucky towns.

   3,176 people · Campbell County · median home $159,900 · income $70,893 · Jan low 24°F · 18 in snow

   Full Wilder, Kentucky profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

9. 42Penbrook, Pennsylvania

   Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

   Penbrook is a borough of 3,274 people in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. It also ranks more walkable than 99% of Pennsylvania towns and hipper than 99% of Pennsylvania towns.

   3,274 people · Dauphin County · median home $168,100 · income $62,312 · Jan low 22°F · 24 in snow

   Full Penbrook, Pennsylvania profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

10. 41Campton, New Hampshire

    Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

    Campton is a town of 3,343 people in Grafton County, New Hampshire. It also ranks easier by car than 90% of New Hampshire towns and better for a vacation home than 81% of New Hampshire towns.

    3,343 people · Grafton County · median home $356,300 · income $118,870 · Jan low 7°F · 68 in snow

    Full Campton, New Hampshire profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

11. 40Shark River Hills, New Jersey

    Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

    Shark River Hills is a community of 3,583 people in Monmouth County, New Jersey. It also ranks better for cycling than 99% of New Jersey towns and hipper than 81% of New Jersey towns.

    3,583 people · Monmouth County · median home $523,400 · income $139,524 · Jan low 25°F

    Full Shark River Hills, New Jersey profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

12. 39Shaftsbury, Vermont

    Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

    Shaftsbury is a town of 3,598 people in Bennington County, Vermont. It also ranks more upscale than 91% of Vermont towns and better for families than 86% of Vermont towns.

    3,598 people · Bennington County · median home $267,300 · income $86,071 · Jan low 13°F · 75 in snow

    Full Shaftsbury, Vermont profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

13. 38Hazlehurst, Mississippi

    Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

    Hazlehurst is a city of 3,619 people in Copiah County, Mississippi. It also ranks more walkable than 89% of Mississippi towns and better transit than 86% of Mississippi towns.

    3,619 people · Copiah County · median home $110,500 · income $43,552 · Jan low 39°F · 0 in snow

    Full Hazlehurst, Mississippi profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

14. 37Green, New Jersey

    Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

    

    Green is a township of 3,627 people in Sussex County, New Jersey. It also ranks better for families than 100% of New Jersey towns and easier by car than 94% of New Jersey towns.

    3,627 people · Sussex County · median home $472,200 · income $141,875 · Jan low 19°F · 30 in snow

    Full Green, New Jersey profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

15. 36Casco, Maine

    Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

    Casco is a town of 3,646 people in Cumberland County, Maine. It also ranks hipper than 83% of Maine towns and more vibrant than 73% of Maine towns.

    3,646 people · Cumberland County · median home $355,500 · income $69,313 · Jan low 11°F · 70 in snow

    Full Casco, Maine profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

16. 35Loxley, Alabama

    Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

    Loxley is a city of 3,710 people in Baldwin County, Alabama. It also ranks more seaside character than 96% of Alabama towns and better for cycling than 92% of Alabama towns.

    3,710 people · Baldwin County · median home $398,500 · income $108,488 · Jan low 39°F · 0 in snow

    Full Loxley, Alabama profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

17. 34Greenhills, Ohio

    Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

    Greenhills is a village of 3,741 people in Hamilton County, Ohio. It also ranks hipper than 97% of Ohio towns and more walkable than 92% of Ohio towns.

    3,741 people · Hamilton County · median home $174,100 · income $70,250 · Jan low 21°F · 16 in snow

    Full Greenhills, Ohio profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

18. 33Edgecliff Village, Texas

    Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

    Edgecliff Village is a town of 3,788 people in Tarrant County, Texas. It also ranks more walkable than 94% of Texas towns and more upscale than 77% of Texas towns.

    3,788 people · Tarrant County · median home $280,000 · income $85,242 · Jan low 33°F · 0 in snow

    Full Edgecliff Village, Texas profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

19. 32Hardin, Montana

    Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

    Hardin is a city of 3,818 people in Big Horn County, Montana. It also ranks easier by car than 89% of Montana towns and better for young professionals than 86% of Montana towns.

    3,818 people · Big Horn County · median home $147,100 · income $60,423 · Jan low 11°F · 28 in snow

    Full Hardin, Montana profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

20. 31Dillon, Montana

    Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

    

    Dillon is a city of 3,880 people in Beaverhead County, Montana. It also ranks more of a college town than 100% of Montana towns and hipper than 99% of Montana towns.

    3,880 people · Beaverhead County · median home $256,700 · income $61,134 · Jan low 15°F · 11 in snow

    Full Dillon, Montana profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

21. 30Cisco, Texas

    Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

    

    Cisco is a city of 3,883 people in Eastland County, Texas. It also ranks more of a college town than 99% of Texas towns and more walkable than 93% of Texas towns.

    3,883 people · Eastland County · median home $104,300 · income $58,550 · Jan low 30°F · 2 in snow

    Full Cisco, Texas profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

22. 29Naples, Maine

    Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

    Naples is a town of 3,925 people in Cumberland County, Maine. It also ranks quieter than 78% of Maine towns.

    3,925 people · Cumberland County · median home $340,100 · income $78,188 · Jan low 7°F · 70 in snow

    Full Naples, Maine profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

23. 28Rossville, Georgia

    Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

    Rossville is a city of 3,980 people in Walker County, Georgia. It also ranks more walkable than 98% of Georgia towns and better for young professionals than 86% of Georgia towns.

    3,980 people · Walker County · median home $133,000 · income $59,191 · Jan low 29°F · 1 in snow

    Full Rossville, Georgia profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

24. 27Stepney, Connecticut

    Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

    Stepney is a community of 4,280 people, Connecticut. It also ranks more upscale than 75% of Connecticut towns and better for families than 74% of Connecticut towns.

    4,280 people · median home $475,800 · income $153,966 · Jan low 18°F · 44 in snow

    Full Stepney, Connecticut profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

25. 26Wanamassa, New Jersey

    Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

    Wanamassa is a community of 4,344 people in Monmouth County, New Jersey. It also ranks better for families than 93% of New Jersey towns and more upscale than 84% of New Jersey towns.

    4,344 people · Monmouth County · median home $570,100 · income $140,972 · Jan low 25°F · 25 in snow

    Full Wanamassa, New Jersey profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

26. 25Bonanza, Georgia

    Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

    Bonanza is a community of 4,406 people in Clayton County, Georgia. It also ranks more vibrant than 95% of Georgia towns and more walkable than 90% of Georgia towns.

    4,406 people · Clayton County · median home $204,200 · income $60,260 · Jan low 32°F · 1 in snow

    Full Bonanza, Georgia profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

27. 24Dover-Foxcroft, Maine

    Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

    Dover-Foxcroft is a town of 4,422 people in Piscataquis County, Maine. It also ranks hipper than 93% of Maine towns and better for retirees than 91% of Maine towns.

    4,422 people · Piscataquis County · median home $162,600 · income $63,344 · Jan low 3°F · 77 in snow

    Full Dover-Foxcroft, Maine profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

28. 23Lee, New Hampshire

    Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

    Lee is a town of 4,520 people in Strafford County, New Hampshire. It also ranks more upscale than 96% of New Hampshire towns and more seaside character than 96% of New Hampshire towns.

    4,520 people · Strafford County · median home $480,600 · income $131,579 · Jan low 14°F · 39 in snow

    Full Lee, New Hampshire profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

29. 22Penn Estates, Pennsylvania

    Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

    Penn Estates is a community of 4,546 people in Monroe County, Pennsylvania. It also ranks better for families than 92% of Pennsylvania towns and better for a vacation home than 89% of Pennsylvania towns.

    4,546 people · Monroe County · median home $283,100 · income $118,681 · Jan low 19°F · 42 in snow

    Full Penn Estates, Pennsylvania profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

30. 21West Reading, Pennsylvania

    Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

    

    West Reading is a borough of 4,553 people in Berks County, Pennsylvania. It also ranks more vibrant than 100% of Pennsylvania towns and more walkable than 99% of Pennsylvania towns.

    4,553 people · Berks County · median home $173,100 · income $65,885 · Jan low 23°F · 27 in snow

    Full West Reading, Pennsylvania profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

31. 20West Bay Shore, New York

    Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

    West Bay Shore is a community of 4,625 people in Suffolk County, New York. It also ranks more seaside character than 97% of New York towns and more of a college town than 94% of New York towns.

    4,625 people · Suffolk County · median home $584,400 · income $137,083 · Jan low 25°F · 28 in snow

    Full West Bay Shore, New York profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

32. 19Hollis, Maine

    Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

    Hollis is a town of 4,745 people in York County, Maine. It also ranks more of a college town than 91% of Maine towns and easier by car than 81% of Maine towns.

    4,745 people · York County · median home $338,900 · income $95,950 · Jan low 8°F · 81 in snow

    Full Hollis, Maine profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

33. 18Pleasant Run Farm, Ohio

    Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

    Pleasant Run Farm is a community of 4,779 people in Hamilton County, Ohio. It also ranks more vibrant than 92% of Ohio towns and more upscale than 72% of Ohio towns.

    4,779 people · Hamilton County · median home $229,400 · income $73,725 · Jan low 21°F · 14 in snow

    Full Pleasant Run Farm, Ohio profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

34. 17Silverton, Ohio

    Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

    

    Silverton is a village of 4,908 people in Hamilton County, Ohio. It also ranks hipper than 100% of Ohio towns and more walkable than 98% of Ohio towns.

    4,908 people · Hamilton County · median home $200,500 · income $72,143 · Jan low 24°F · 16 in snow

    Full Silverton, Ohio profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

35. 16Los Chaves, New Mexico

    Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

    Los Chaves is a community of 4,997 people in Valencia County, New Mexico. It also ranks better for a vacation home than 97% of New Mexico towns and more upscale than 84% of New Mexico towns.

    4,997 people · Valencia County · median home $285,700 · income $79,662 · Jan low 19°F · 5 in snow

    Full Los Chaves, New Mexico profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

36. 15Bridgeport, Pennsylvania

    Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

    Bridgeport is a borough of 5,015 people in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. It also ranks more vibrant than 100% of Pennsylvania towns and hipper than 100% of Pennsylvania towns.

    5,015 people · Montgomery County · median home $341,100 · income $82,705 · Jan low 23°F · 25 in snow

    Full Bridgeport, Pennsylvania profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

37. 14Delhi Hills, Ohio

    Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

    Delhi Hills is a community of 5,022 people in Hamilton County, Ohio. It also ranks more vibrant than 93% of Ohio towns and more walkable than 90% of Ohio towns.

    5,022 people · Hamilton County · median home $226,600 · income $99,049 · Jan low 23°F · 23 in snow

    Full Delhi Hills, Ohio profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

38. 13The Meadows, Florida

    Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

    The Meadows is a community of 5,037 people in Sarasota County, Florida. It also ranks hipper than 97% of Florida towns and better for retirees than 94% of Florida towns.

    5,037 people · Sarasota County · median home $382,400 · income $69,774 · Jan low 52°F · 0 in snow

    Full The Meadows, Florida profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

39. 12Timber Pines, Florida

    Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

    Timber Pines is a community of 5,163 people in Hernando County, Florida. It also ranks quieter than 90% of Florida towns and better for retirees than 82% of Florida towns.

    5,163 people · Hernando County · median home $278,200 · income $59,185 · Jan low 44°F · 0 in snow

    Full Timber Pines, Florida profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

40. 11Chester, New Hampshire

    Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

    Chester is a town of 5,232 people in Rockingham County, New Hampshire. It also ranks better for families than 91% of New Hampshire towns and better transit than 91% of New Hampshire towns.

    5,232 people · Rockingham County · median home $552,300 · income $142,212 · Jan low 15°F · 76 in snow

    Full Chester, New Hampshire profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

41. 10Thiells, New York

    Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

    Thiells is a community of 5,240 people in Rockland County, New York. It also ranks better for families than 89% of New York towns and more upscale than 86% of New York towns.

    5,240 people · Rockland County · median home $579,700 · income $133,623 · Jan low 17°F · 36 in snow

    Full Thiells, New York profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

42. 9New Gloucester, Maine

    Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

    New Gloucester is a town of 5,676 people in Cumberland County, Maine. It also ranks better for families than 91% of Maine towns and more upscale than 85% of Maine towns.

    5,676 people · Cumberland County · median home $357,100 · income $108,797 · Jan low 11°F · 80 in snow

    Full New Gloucester, Maine profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

43. 8Newmarket, New Hampshire

    Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

    Newmarket is a community of 5,797 people in Rockingham County, New Hampshire. It also ranks better for young professionals than 99% of New Hampshire towns and more seaside character than 96% of New Hampshire towns.

    5,797 people · Rockingham County · median home $423,500 · income $87,196 · Jan low 14°F · 39 in snow

    Full Newmarket, New Hampshire profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

44. 7Orangetree, Florida

    Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

    Orangetree is a community of 5,896 people in Collier County, Florida. It also ranks better for families than 99% of Florida towns and more upscale than 79% of Florida towns.

    5,896 people · Collier County · median home $498,600 · income $112,857 · Jan low 52°F · 0 in snow

    Full Orangetree, Florida profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

45. 6Ave Maria, Florida

    Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

    Ave Maria is a community of 6,242 people in Collier County, Florida. It also ranks more of a college town than 93% of Florida towns and better for retirees than 92% of Florida towns.

    6,242 people · Collier County · median home $459,200 · income $102,949 · Jan low 52°F · 0 in snow

    Full Ave Maria, Florida profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

46. 5Hapeville, Georgia

    Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

    Hapeville is a city of 6,553 people in Fulton County, Georgia. It also ranks hipper than 100% of Georgia towns and more walkable than 99% of Georgia towns.

    6,553 people · Fulton County · median home $312,100 · income $95,714 · Jan low 36°F · 2 in snow

    Full Hapeville, Georgia profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

47. 4Berwick, Maine

    Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

    

    Berwick is a town of 7,950 people in York County, Maine. It also ranks more upscale than 78% of Maine towns and more walkable than 75% of Maine towns.

    7,950 people · York County · median home $369,100 · income $94,771 · Jan low 15°F · 55 in snow

    Full Berwick, Maine profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

48. 3Bath, Maine

    Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

    Bath is a city of 8,766 people in Sagadahoc County, Maine. It also ranks hipper than 100% of Maine towns and more walkable than 99% of Maine towns.

    8,766 people · Sagadahoc County · median home $310,900 · income $69,390 · Jan low 10°F · 72 in snow

    Full Bath, Maine profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

49. 2Topsham, Maine

    Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

    Topsham is a town of 9,560 people in Sagadahoc County, Maine. It also ranks better for cycling than 93% of Maine towns and more vibrant than 89% of Maine towns.

    9,560 people · Sagadahoc County · median home $360,800 · income $91,028 · Jan low 12°F · 67 in snow

    Full Topsham, Maine profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

50. 1Westwood, Michigan

    Better for first-time buyers than 100% of U.S. towns

    Westwood is a community of 9,621 people in Kalamazoo County, Michigan. It also ranks better for young professionals than 100% of Michigan towns and hipper than 100% of Michigan towns.

    9,621 people · Kalamazoo County · median home $193,400 · income $58,205 · Jan low 18°F · 88 in snow

    Full Westwood, Michigan profile: weather, storms, schools, jobs →

Price vs ranking

More U.S. rankings

• The 50 Best Small Towns to Retire in America
• The 50 Quietest Small Towns in America
• The 50 Most Affordable Small Towns in America
• The 50 Best Small Towns for Families in America
• The 50 Best Quiet, Affordable Small Towns to Retire in America
• The 50 Best Places to Retire in America
• The 50 Quietest Places in America
• The 50 Most Affordable Places in America
• The 50 Best Places for Families in America
• The 50 Best Quiet, Affordable Places to Retire in America

Same ranking, other places

• The 25 Best Small Towns for First-Time Home Buyers in Pennsylvania
• The 25 Best Small Towns for First-Time Home Buyers in New York
• The 25 Best Small Towns for First-Time Home Buyers in Michigan
• The 25 Best Small Towns for First-Time Home Buyers in Texas
• The 25 Best Small Towns for First-Time Home Buyers in California
• The 25 Best Small Towns for First-Time Home Buyers in New Jersey
• The 25 Best Small Towns for First-Time Home Buyers in Florida
• The 25 Best Small Towns for First-Time Home Buyers in Wisconsin
• The 25 Best Small Towns for First-Time Home Buyers in Ohio
• The 25 Best Small Towns for First-Time Home Buyers in Illinois