Home prices in the U.S. have been on a steady rise since the pandemic, with the average price increasing by 47.1% since 2020. This surge has made it increasingly difficult for everyday Americans to afford a home, as the median sale price now stands at $394,000. Factors such as high interest rates and insurance costs are exacerbating the affordability crisis, pushing the cost of buying a home to record levels. Realtor.com conducted a study to identify the cities in the U.S. with the most affordable homes still available for under $200,000. Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, topped the list with 85% of listings falling within this price range. On the contrary, cities like Detroit and Rochester, New York, have become increasingly unaffordable, with a decreasing number of homes priced under $200,000. This data highlights the challenges many Americans face in finding affordable housing and sheds light on the ongoing struggle to enter the housing market.