The five metros below have the lowest typical home values in this dataset, with Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) readings between roughly $147,000 and $183,000. A low price tag is only part of the story, so this guide also examines appreciation rates, how quickly homes sell, how often sellers cut prices, and how much new inventory is reaching the market. Read together, these numbers show where buyers have leverage and where they will need to move quickly.
How to Read These Numbers
ZHVI estimates the typical value of homes across a metro, including homes that are not for sale. Median list price reflects only what is currently being marketed, so a large gap between the two usually means the homes on the market skew newer, larger, or more optimistically priced than the overall housing stock. Days on market measures how long listings take to go under contract. The share of listings with a price cut shows how often sellers have had to adjust their expectations. In all five metros, at least 25% of listings have taken a cut, which is a meaningful signal that asking prices are negotiable.
Charleston, WV: Lowest Entry Point, Slow Appreciation
Charleston has the lowest typical home value in the group at $147,375, and values rose just 1.1% over the past year. The median list price of $197,717 sits about $50,000, or roughly 34%, above the ZHVI. That is the widest percentage gap in this set, which suggests that the homes currently listed are priced well above what a typical Charleston home is worth.
Homes still go under contract in a median of 15 days, so well-priced listings do not linger. With 25.0% of listings carrying a price cut and only 198 new listings, buyers face a thin inventory. The practical approach here is to compare any asking price against recent sales, because the list-to-value gap indicates that many sellers are starting high and adjusting later.
Huntington, WV: Similar Pattern With More Inventory
The Huntington metro, which the data codes to Ohio because the metro crosses state lines, has a typical value of $166,211 and annual growth of 1.5%. Its median list price of $217,967 runs about $51,800 above the ZHVI, a gap of roughly 31%.
Huntington offers more choice than Charleston, with 323 new listings, and 26.8% of listings have had a price reduction. Homes sell in a median of 19 days. Slow appreciation combined with frequent price cuts gives buyers room to negotiate, although the low growth rate also means owners should not count on rapid equity gains.
Peoria, IL: The Fastest and Most Competitive Market
Peoria is the outlier in this group. Its median list price of $164,150 is actually about $10,700 below its ZHVI of $174,845, which is the only case here where listings come in under typical value. Values climbed 6.4% year over year, the strongest gain of the five, and homes go under contract in a median of 10 days.
At the same time, Peoria has the highest share of price cuts at 28.2%, along with a healthy 513 new listings. This combination points to a two-tier market in which correctly priced homes sell almost immediately while overpriced ones get marked down. Buyers should have financing approved before touring, since the 10-day pace leaves little time to deliberate. Sellers should price close to recent comparable sales from the start.
Youngstown, OH: The Deepest Inventory
Youngstown has a typical value of $175,230 and grew 4.8% over the year. Its median list price of $199,900 sits about $24,700, or 14%, above the ZHVI, which is a modest gap compared with the West Virginia metros.
The defining feature is supply. Youngstown posted 622 new listings, the most in this dataset, and 27.8% of listings have taken a price cut. Homes sell in a median of 23 days. For buyers who want to compare several options before committing, Youngstown offers the broadest selection and a reasonable amount of time to decide, paired with appreciation that is solid without being overheated.
Shreveport, LA: The Most Time to Negotiate
Shreveport has the highest typical value of the five at $183,475, with 3.8% annual growth. Its median list price of $229,333 runs about $45,900, or 25%, above the ZHVI.
Homes here take a median of 33 days to go under contract, the slowest pace in the group by a wide margin. With 382 new listings and 25.2% of listings reduced, Shreveport gives buyers the most breathing room. A listing that has passed the one-month mark is a reasonable candidate for a below-asking offer, since it has already exceeded the typical time to sell.
What This Means for Your Search
If your priority is the lowest purchase price, Charleston and Huntington lead, but their slow appreciation and wide list-to-value gaps mean you should negotiate firmly and plan to hold for the long term. If you want price growth and are prepared to act quickly, Peoria offers the strongest momentum and listings that start below typical value. If you value selection and time, Youngstown and Shreveport give you the most inventory and the longest decision windows.
Across all five metros, at least one in four listings has already had its price cut. Before making an offer anywhere on this list, ask the listing agent for the property's price history and days on market, and use any prior reduction as a starting point for your negotiation.