10 Great Cities First-Time Buyers Can Still Afford a Home In

Buying a first home feels harder than ever for many families. Between high home prices, elevated mortgage rates, and the cost of everyday life, the idea of finding an affordable starter home can feel almost impossible in much of the country.

But homeownership has not disappeared everywhere. Some U.S. cities still offer first-time buyers a better shot at finding a reasonably priced house without stretching their budget to the breaking point. These places may not have the name recognition of the country’s biggest housing markets, but they stand out for giving new buyers something increasingly rare: a realistic path into their first home.

Rising home prices and mortgage rates have made buying a home more difficult for many families. Still, some cities across the country remain more affordable for people hoping to purchase their first house.

Researchers looked at affordability, housing availability, and local economic conditions to identify cities where first-time homebuyers may still find reasonably priced houses.

In Rochester, New York, the median listing price for homes is about $139,900. For families hoping to buy their first home, cities like this may offer more attainable housing compared with expensive coastal markets.

In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the median listing price for homes is about $151,999. For families hoping to buy their first home, cities like this may offer more attainable housing compared with expensive coastal markets.

In Granite City, Illinois, the median listing price for homes is about $119,000. For families hoping to buy their first home, cities like this may offer more attainable housing compared with expensive coastal markets.

In Birmingham, Alabama, the median listing price for homes is about $148,950. For families hoping to buy their first home, cities like this may offer more attainable housing compared with expensive coastal markets.

In North Little Rock, Arkansas, the median listing price for homes is about $170,000. For families hoping to buy their first home, cities like this may offer more attainable housing compared with expensive coastal markets.

In Syracuse, New York, the median listing price for homes is about $169,900. For families hoping to buy their first home, cities like this may offer more attainable housing compared with expensive coastal markets.

In Baltimore, Maryland, the median listing price for homes is about $223,900. For families hoping to buy their first home, cities like this may offer more attainable housing compared with expensive coastal markets.

In St. Louis Park, Minnesota, the median listing price for homes is about $375,000. For families hoping to buy their first home, cities like this may offer more attainable housing compared with expensive coastal markets.

In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the median listing price for homes is about $249,000. For families hoping to buy their first home, cities like this may offer more attainable housing compared with expensive coastal markets.

In Garfield Heights, Ohio, the median listing price for homes is about $140,000. For families hoping to buy their first home, cities like this may offer more attainable housing compared with expensive coastal markets.