Best Places in the South to Buy an Old House

The Neighborhood
Murfreesboro ranks as one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., but its East Main Street Historic District stands as a reminder of its small-town past. Most of the city's parades and festivals still take place along its tree-canopied streets, which are dotted with majestic older homes, many affordably priced for entry-level buyers. A short walk away from the residential blocks, quaint cafes, locally owned restaurants, and venues featuring live country music are buzzing. Those who hanker for even more glitter head to Nashville, just 28 miles away.

The Houses
The most sought after are early-20th-century Colonial Revivals with massive columns and multipaned windows, though the district also features plenty of smaller Foursquares with wide front porches, as well as brick-and-stucco bungalows and Folk Victorians, complete with gingerbread details and gable-front wings.

The Prices
Prices for bungalows max out at about $250,000, while the larger Colonial Revivals command $400,000 and above. Smaller Victorian-era cottages run as low as $100,000.

Why Buy Now?
The past decade has seen Murfreesboro's population grow by almost 40,000, and property values have more than doubled—but homes here are still affordable.

Among the best for:
First-Time Buyers, The South