25 best places for affordable homes

Want to retire near the water, but without paying premium prices for a home? Residents who buy real estate in these towns see their incomes go the furthest.

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2. Des Moines, IA
Des Moines, IA
Median home price (2007): $105,000
Median family income: $59,724

Iowa's capital city, the second-largest on our list, is for folks who crave a city lifestyle. Catch a ballgame, explore the zoo, stroll through an art museum, or see your favorite band perform at the Wells Fargo Arena. Originally founded as Fort Des Moines in the 1800s, the city has ballooned into a thriving metropolis.

Stroll down the picturesque riverwalk to nearby shops and restaurants, or head to Principal Park, home of the Iowa Cubs, for a ballgame. A small downtown condo overlooking the river costs around $130,000.

See complete data on Des Moines from Best Places to Live

Homes for sale in Des Moines

NEXT: Janesville, WI

Last updated September 22 2008: 11:09 AM ET
Source: Home prices, income stats from Onboard Informatics
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