Overview
- Realtor.com's top 10 are Rochester, NY; Harrisburg, PA; Granite City, IL; Birmingham, AL; North Little Rock, AR; Syracuse, NY; Baltimore, MD; St. Louis Park, MN; Pittsburgh, PA; and Garfield Heights, OH.
- The analysis prioritized affordability for young buyers using payments under 30% of income with a 10% down 30‑year loan at 6.25%, along with inventory, commute times, amenities and local economic outlook.
- All highlighted markets are in the eastern half of the country, with no Western entries for a second year, and several Florida locales dropped from the list due to softer price and sales projections.
- Each market’s median listing price falls below its metro and the national median near $409k–$411k, with examples including Granite City at about $119,000, Rochester at $139,900 and Harrisburg at $151,999.
- Context from industry forecasts points to slightly lower mortgage rates and a 2026 sales rebound, yet overall affordability remains tight and the median age of first-time buyers reached 40 in 2025.