If you are looking for a three bedroom, two bath with granite counter tops on two acres yeah, those are very expensive.
If you look for a two bedroom, one bath on a postage sized lot, much more affordable.
The problem for many is they have already gone deep in debt for a degree. So taking on even rather modest debt for a house is not on the table.
You have to decide what you want to go into debt for and if it is worth it.
Unfortunately, affordable means crime-ridden neighborhood.