5 California Homes Priced Under $90,000

CALIFORNIA — Home prices are notoriously high in California, with the latest statistics released by the California Association of Realtors backing up that reality. In June 2019, the statewide median price of homes sold was well above the half-million dollar mark at $611,420. It was slightly lower in the Los Angeles metro area, where the median price was $545,000. The San Francisco Bay Area overall median price was $960,000. The truly crazy number is in San Francisco: $1,762,500.

With those statistics it would be easy to think that nowhere in California is affordable, but that's not true. Every community has its bargains, typically fixers, but home prices in general decline once you get away from the coast.

A search by Patch turned up dozens of homes, cabins and condos with an asking price of under $90,000. That figure is lower than the down payment required of most homes in the major cities, giving people who've been saving for a down payment a chance to pay cash, or make a small down payment and still have money available for renovations.

In addition to low prices, the homes are appealing to people seeking a slower pace of life away from big cities and traffic. Employees who work from home most days or all of the time have the ability to take their jobs with them, merely heading to the office as required for meetings. An overnight stay in a hotel or short-term rental close to work is cheap compared to monthly rent on an apartment or home in the cities and suburbs.

Take a look at these five homes in California all currently listed on realtor.com for under $90,000. Click on the links to see more photos of each home —

$50,000 in Westwood, Calif.

This four-bedroom, two-bath home in Lassen County is a fixer. Interior photos show that work will need to be completed before moving in. The listing reports, "This is a Fanniemae Home." As you can see from the exterior photo, this home has been on the market for months. You may be able to get an even sweeter deal.

$74,500 in Springville, Calif.

This little cabin is all about the outdoors. The one-bedroom, one-bath cabin is on nearly a half-acre of wooded land on Blue Ridge, above the town of Springville. Sit on your deck and savor the view at 5,000 feet in elevation. The Chamber of Commerce bills Springville as the Gateway to the Giant Sequoias. The town has free concerts in the park in summer, and a year-round farmers market featuring locally grown organic produce.

$75,000 in Maricopa, Calif.

This cute two-bedroom, one-bath home in Maricopa is move-in ready, with new stainless appliances in the kitchen. It has a low-maintenance yard, a nice deck and other outdoor spaces. The property even has its own creek! Located in the southern end of the Central Valley, Maricopa winters are mild.

$89,500 in Posey, Calif.

This home needs work, starting with an exterior paint job, but look at the view! This three-bedroom, one-bath home is located in an area named Panorama Heights. It's been on the market for more than a year, so there may be room for negotiation on that price. The extra money will come in handy to pay for upgrades.

$89,999 in Angelus Oaks, CA

A cabin the the San Bernardino National Forest? Yes, please! This 1926 cabin on wooded land has two bedrooms, one bath, and is on roughly a quarter-acre lot. The large stone fireplace will make chilly evenings cozy, while abundant windows in the kitchen welcome in the view of the forest. Vintage charm includes real knotty pine paneling and painted shiplap.