California

California home prices hit another record high. Here’s where to find houses as low as $230K

The median home sales price in California has reached a new high.

According to the California Association of Realtors’ May home sales and price report, the median price for an existing single-family home in the state climbed to $908,040. This marks a 0.4% increase from April’s previous record.

Overall, the statewide median home price has risen about 9% from $835,280 in May 2023.

“A persistent shortage of homes for sale, particularly in the more affordable market segments, continued to push up California’s median home price to new record highs over the past couple of months,” Jordan Levine, the association’s senior vice president, said in a news release.

With mortgage rates predicted to drop from their recent peaks, Levine said “the statewide median price may have more room to grow before the summer ends.”

As of Friday, the average interest rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage in California has gone down to 6.61%, according to Zillow.

In the release, association President Melanie Barker said there is an opportunity for interested buyers to enter the housing market with “a moderation in interest rates” and “recent improvements in housing inventory.”

If you’re looking to buy a new home, here’s where you can find the most affordable and the priciest housing options in California:

Newly built homes stand in El Dorado Hills on Thursday, March 28, 2024, near land owned by Angelo Tsakopoulos that is proposed for development.
Newly built homes stand in El Dorado Hills on Thursday, March 28, 2024, near land owned by Angelo Tsakopoulos that is proposed for development. Hector Amezcua hamezcua@sacbee.com

Where are the most affordable homes in California?

California’s cheapest home prices can largely be found in Northern California and the Central Valley, according to the report.

These 10 California counties had home prices below the state median of $908,040 in May:

1. Del Norte County

  • Median sold price of existing single-family homes: $230,000
  • Region: Northern California

2. Lassen County

  • Median sold price of existing single-family homes: $274,500
  • Region: Northern California
  • 3. Glenn County

  • Median sold price of existing single-family homes: $329,250
  • Region: Central Valley
  • 4. Siskiyou County

  • Median sold price of existing single-family homes: $334,500
  • Region: Northern California
  • 5. Tehama County

  • Median sold price of existing single-family homes: $350,000
  • Region: Northern California
  • 6. Lake County

  • Median sold price of existing single-family homes: $351,250
  • Region: Northern California
  • 7. Trinity County

  • Median sold price of existing single-family homes: $360,000
  • Region: Northern California
  • 8. Kings County

  • Median sold price of existing single-family homes: $361,000
  • Region: Central Valley
  • 9. Tulare County

  • Median sold price of existing single-family homes: $383,640
  • Region: Central Valley
  • 10. Shasta County

  • Median sold price of existing single-family homes: $390,000
  • Region: Northern California
  • New homes rise in the Delta Shores development near the shopping center in south Sacramento on Dec. 12, 2023.
    New homes rise in the Delta Shores development near the shopping center in south Sacramento on Dec. 12, 2023. Sara Nevis Sacramento Bee file

    Which California counties have the most expensive home prices?

    According to the California Association of Realtors, the most expensive home prices can be found in the Bay Area, where housing costs can top $2 million.

    Southern California’s housing costs are slightly less than those in the Bay Area, with the median sold price of existing single-family home at $880,000.

    These five counties had the most expensive single-family homes in May:

    1. San Mateo County - $2,400,000
    2. Santa Clara County - $2,100,000
    3. Marin County - $1,800,000
    4. San Francisco County - $1,690,000
    5. Orange County - $1,422,500
    New construction, finished homes and models in the Northlake planned community, located near Sacramento International Airport in the far northwest tip of the city, are seen by drone Friday, June 2, 2023.
    New construction, finished homes and models in the Northlake planned community, located near Sacramento International Airport in the far northwest tip of the city, are seen by drone Friday, June 2, 2023. Xavier Mascareñas Sacramento Bee file

    How much do homes cost in my California county?

    You can see the full list of home prices by county on the association’s website.

    Have a question about life in California?

    How to California — a guide to help you live, work and enjoy life in the Golden State, is here to help.

    We’ll answer your questions — big and small — about state laws, history, culture, recreation and travel.

    Ask your questions in the form below (can’t see it? Click here) or email howtocalifornia@mcclatchy.com.

    This story was originally published June 21, 2024 at 12:17 PM with the headline "California home prices hit another record high. Here’s where to find houses as low as $230K."

    Angela Rodriguez
    The Modesto Bee
    Angela Rodriguez is a service journalism reporter for The Bee. She is a graduate of Sacramento State with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. During her time there, she worked on the State Hornet covering arts and entertainment.
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