Southern Home Prices: What Kind of Home Can I Get in the South?
From Big Cities to Boutique Charm, Here’s What Your Budget Can Buy
Ever wondered what your current home budget could buy you somewhere else?
Could you live larger, with more space, better views, and a richer lifestyle for the same price, less or more?
In this post, we’re diving into five Southern cities from major metros like Atlanta to rising stars like Chattanooga — to explore what kind of home you can get, how far your money goes, and what kind of lifestyle each market delivers. Along the way, we’ll look at southern home prices and how they stack up across every level of living.
We’ll be looking at three levels of home ownership in each city:
- Entry-Level Homes – Perfect for first-time buyers or move-up homeowners
- Mid-Tier Urban Living – Stylish homes in desirable, central neighborhoods
- Luxury Estates – The best of the best, for those dreaming big
Tracking southern home prices in each market gives you a true comparison of lifestyle vs. cost and where your money really goes the distance.
We’ve ranked the cities from largest to smallest. (But let’s be honest: Chattanooga is always #1 in our hearts.)
Atlanta, GA — Southern Energy, City-Scale Living
Metro Population: ~6 million
Vibe: High-rise skyline meets Southern hospitality
Atlanta is the South’s largest city and it lives large, too. Known for its business hubs, cultural diversity, and international airport, Atlanta offers urban vibrance with sprawling suburban choices.
- 🏠 Entry-Level: In Marietta, just north of the city, you’ll find homes like this 3-bed, 2-bath charmer for $350,000
🔗 See Listing - 🏘️ Mid-Tier: For $675,000, you can live in a stylish downtown condo near Vinings
🔗 See Condo - 🏛️ Luxury: Atlanta’s priciest estate? A $25M mansion in Buckhead with timeless architecture and over 8 acres of manicured grounds
🔗 View Estate
Lifestyle Insight: Southern home prices in Atlanta vary widely, but there’s something for every lifestyle from sleek condos to stately estates.
Charlotte, NC — Growing Fast, Living Well
Metro Population: 2.3–2.9 million
Vibe: Clean, corporate, and green with family-friendly neighborhoods
Charlotte blends Southern charm with the buzz of a banking hub. It’s one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, and it shows in its thriving restaurant scene and modern housing.
- 🏡 Entry-Level: In Concord, a short drive from the city, a 3-bed, 2-bath home is listed for $360,000
🔗 See Listing - 🏘️ Mid-Tier: For $700,000, own a sleek urban townhouse near South End or Lower South End (LoSo)
🔗 View Townhome - 🏛️ Luxury: A show-stopping $7.95M estate in Carmel Park with modern architecture and manicured luxury
🔗 Explore Estate
Lifestyle Insight: Charlotte offers a stable economy, elegant neighborhoods, and southern home prices that still deliver strong value for upwardly mobile buyers.
Nashville, TN — Music, Culture, and Rising Real Estate
Metro Population: ~2.1 million
Vibe: Creative, lively, with a sophisticated Southern twist
The home of country music, Nashville has become one of the most desirable places to live in the South. With its creative economy, foodie culture, and strong design scene, it’s as dynamic as it is charming.
- 🏡 Entry-Level: In Mt. Juliet, 30 minutes west of the city, a 3BR/2BA home is available for $400,000
🔗 View Home - 🏘️ Mid-Tier: A charming Woodmont Blvd. home near 12South and Green Hills lists at $695,000
🔗 View Home - 🏛️ Luxury: This $25M riverfront estate offers 60+ acres of privacy and high-end finishes
🔗 View Estate
Lifestyle Insight: Southern home prices in Nashville are on the rise but so is the city’s design sophistication and cultural pull.
Birmingham, AL — Classic Southern Living with Room to Grow
Metro Population: ~1.3 million
Vibe: Relaxed pace, historic charm, and outdoor appeal
Often underrated, Birmingham has become a magnet for families and professionals seeking beautiful homes at more approachable price points.
- 🏠 Entry-Level: In Trussville, a 3BR/2BA home is available for $300,000
🔗 View Home - 🏘️ Mid-Tier: In Vestavia Hills, this updated home at $700,000 combines schools and sophistication
🔗 View Home - 🏛️ Luxury: This stunning $5M estate in Shoal Creek offers privacy, golf access, and grand living
🔗 Explore Estate
Lifestyle Insight: Birmingham might offer the best southern home prices for buyers who want space, community, and style without the sticker shock.
Chattanooga, TN — Where Outdoor Beauty Meets Boutique Luxury
Metro Population: ~600,000
Vibe: Scenic, creative, tech-forward and still a hidden gem
Welcome to our hometown: Chattanooga. Surrounded by mountains, blessed with the nation’s fastest internet, and buzzing with creative energy, it’s a dream for those seeking beauty, balance, and a refined lifestyle.
- 🏠 Entry-Level: In Red Bank, just minutes from downtown, you’ll find a 3-bed, 2-bath home for $299,000
🔗 View Home - 🏘️ Mid-Tier: In Ooltewah, you can buy new construction for $709,000 complete with designer touches and serene surroundings
🔗 View Listing - 🏛️ Luxury: The most exclusive home currently on the market? A breathtaking $6.9M historic estate with panoramic bluff views
🔗 Explore Estate
Lifestyle Insight: With competitive Southern home prices, Chattanooga offers luxury that’s accessible, grounded, and gracefully elevated.
So, What Kind of Home Can You Get in the South?
Southern home prices vary by city, but the value per dollar (and lifestyle) per square foot remains a Southern strength.
The South offers something for everyone:
✔️ More home for your money
✔️ More lifestyle value per square foot
✔️ More charm, history, and character
Whether you’re looking for a chic condo in a major city or a historic estate nestled in the hills of Chattanooga, your Southern dream home might be closer, and more affordable, than you think.
And when it comes to Southern home prices, the numbers don’t lie you get more life for your lifestyle here.
Ready to Move? We Can Help – Near or Far
At Jay Hudson Homes, we don’t just help you buy a house. We help you find a place that elevates your lifestyle.
🔑 Considering Chattanooga? We’d love to welcome you to our hometown.
🌎 Looking elsewhere in the South or beyond? We’ll connect you with our trusted network.
Reach out today and let’s explore Southern home prices together and find where your future truly feels like home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Southern home prices expected to rise or fall in 2025?
Most Southern markets are still experiencing steady growth, fueled by population increases and corporate relocations. While national markets may cool in places, Southern home prices are expected to remain strong thanks to lower cost of living and ongoing demand. Buyers who act now may avoid higher competition in the future.
Which Southern city offers the best value for luxury homes?
If you’re looking for true value, cities like Chattanooga and Birmingham deliver luxury homes at a fraction of the cost of Atlanta or Nashville. Buyers can enjoy expansive estates, breathtaking views, and custom features without the eight-figure price tags common in larger metros.
What hidden costs should I expect when buying in the South?
In addition to purchase price, consider property taxes, homeowners’ insurance, and possible HOA fees. The good news? Many Southern states have lower property taxes than the national average, making ownership more affordable long-term.
