Published on June 30, 2009, the Forbes Top 10 America’s Most Affordable Places to Live list ranked Dallas at number six based on affordable housing, cost of living, and a low unemployment rate. In fact, Dallas is one of four Texas metro areas to make the list (alongside Houston, San Antonio, and Austin). So, just how affordable are the resale and new homes in Dallas? 

 The Dallas Real Estate Blog reports that in June 2009, the average home price in Dallas was $214,200, with a median home price of $166,200. Although the market has dropped off a little (as in most areas of the country), when compared with these same areas, the market in Dallas is still regarded as healthy – at least from a buyer’s perspective. According to a Dallas-area agent, Dallas County reported a 8% drop in home prices this July, with a 23% drop in home sales volume year-over-year from July 2008. Nearby Collin County reported a 25% drop in sales volume and a 5% drop in home prices from the previous year.

Of course, more affluent areas may look different; for example, Tarrant County, which contains several upscale communities in its northeast corridor, reported a 6% increase in price with a 10% increase in activity from one year ago. However, Dallas is also known for providing high-quality living conditions; so, a securing an excellent deal within the city limits shouldn’t be a problem for the motivated buyer.