Ranking the Top States and Cities for Homebuyers

December 23, 2024

For prospective homebuyers seeking locations with a promising return on investment, the ConsumerAffairs research team analyzed data across 477 U.S. metropolitan areas and all states. Using factors like market stability, long-term growth, affordability, and market fluidity, this guide highlights housing markets expected to perform well in 2024.

The Best States for Homebuyers in 2024

ConsumerAffairs’ analysis ranks states with strong market resilience, potential for value appreciation, and affordability. The top states identified reflect a combination of favorable home price trends and affordability, making them appealing for both long-term homeowners and investors.

Top Cities With Strong Housing Markets in 2024

Data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow, and Redfin show metro areas with balanced housing markets. Key metrics include five-year home price trends, median sale prices relative to income, and median days homes spend on the market.

Top-ranked cities include:

Pottsville, Pennsylvania: Pottsville stands out for a 70.6% increase in home values over the past five years, with an affordability ratio that keeps housing accessible while driving growth.
Rockford, Illinois: Known for a balance of affordability and growth, Rockford has shown recent price increases, coupled with a favorable price-to-income ratio.
Binghamton, New York: Combining stability with steady price growth, Binghamton also maintains affordability, making it appealing to buyers focused on value and longevity.

Other cities like Syracuse, New York; Bay City, Michigan; and Auburn, New York also rank high in ConsumerAffairs’ research, reflecting moderate home prices with stable five-year growth rates. Cities such as Jamestown, New York, and Portsmouth, Ohio, feature low price-to-income ratios, along with shorter median days on the market, which points to favorable market fluidity for buyers and investors alike.

What This Means for Buyers

The 2024 housing market data highlights the importance of considering market stability, affordability, and growth potential when choosing where to buy a home. By selecting cities with strong stability and affordability indicators, homebuyers can make informed choices with potential for both market resilience and value appreciation over time.

Click here for more on ConsumerAffairs’ study on the nation’s top housing markets.

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Andy Beth Miller

Andy Beth Miller is a seasoned journalist, editor, and freelance writer with over 20 years of experience in magazine, newspaper, and editorial writing. She has contributed to a variety of journalistic publications, including DSNEWS, MReport, and FiveStar Institute, as well as luxury magazines such as Pasadena Magazine, Hawaii Home and Remodeling, HI Luxury, Waikiki Magazine, Big Island Traveler, Zicasso, Midweek Magazine, and more. Andy Beth has also written for Dining Out Hawaii and other regional outlets. Throughout her career, she has honed her skills in storytelling, consistently delivering compelling and insightful content across diverse topics. Her work has taken her around the globe, allowing her to cover an array of subjects spanning from procurement and pharmaceuticals to travel and lifestyle. She brings a wealth of experience and a passion for storytelling to every project she undertakes, and considers it a great joy to be able to see the world and write en route.