10 Best Cities To Buy a House in 2024

Joe Hendrickson / Shutterstock.com

Commitment to Our Readers

GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.

20 Years
Helping You Live Richer

Reviewed
by Experts

Trusted by
Millions of Readers

Despite high interest rates and steep home prices, it may still be a good time to buy a house. Rates will eventually drop, and when they do, homebuyers will come out of hibernation in full force to snag a deal. This burst of activity could lead to bidding wars — especially in areas with a low inventory of homes — reducing or erasing any potential savings from the lower rate.

We’ll share some of the best places to live in America today, explain precisely what makes a housing market attractive and offer some alternative locations to consider if you’re on a tight budget. That way, you can jump into homeownership when it’s right for you.

Best Places To Live In America

According to Niche, the top 10 cities to live in America currently include (in alphabetical order by state):

• Irvine, California
• Naperville, Illinois
• Overland Park, Kansas
• Columbia, Maryland
• Cambridge, Massachusetts
• Ann Arbor, Michigan
• Plano, Texas
• The Woodlands, Texas
• Arlington, Virginia
• Bellevue, Washington

Digging deeper into the list, cities in Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, North Carolina and Wisconsin also cracked the top 25 locales.

“The Southeast continues to be a strong performer in terms of housing market strength, even as prices fall in other areas. The warmer climate and strong job growth, coupled with a lower cost of living, will make it a popular destination for those who want to make a location change or can work from anywhere,” said Lauren Bowling, Atlanta-based Realtor® and creator of Financial Best Life.

What Makes a City Ideal for Homeowners?

“The best places to buy homes, from a financial perspective, are those with projected growth. When you can buy in these cities before prices start to really increase, not only are you simply getting a better deal in a hot area, but you set yourself up for great resale opportunities. Cities like Toledo and Dayton, Ohio, are two that fit this description,” said Seamus Nally, CEO of TurboTenant.

So, how can you tell if a city is on the rise? A promising sign is if the local government invests heavily in the area’s infrastructure.

Mark Severino, real estate investor and owner of Best Texas House Buyers, LLC, said, “Construction is constant in Dallas, and the residents get the benefits of improvement from it. For example, in my current home, the city water line and the electrical lines have been replaced within the past three years. Roads and highways are being built to improve traffic flow. Older properties are being knocked down for new builds. The City of Dallas is funding infrastructure for future success and Dallas residents are benefiting from it.”

Severino also said a welcoming community drives a city’s popularity.

“If you have an interest in it, we have a restaurant, museum, or event that caters to it. As one of the largest cities in the United States, we have diverse people from all walks of life, and you are sure to find an inclusive group, friends, or even a romantic partner.”

Don’t forget about other key criteria you should review before buying a home, such as:

• School quality
• Employment prospects
• Weather patterns
• Property tax and homeowners insurance rates

“With insurers pulling out of locations with extreme weather, it makes sense to avoid those locations unless you can financially afford to self-insure,” Bowling cautioned.

Buying on a Tight Budget

If some of the desirable locations we’ve discussed are financially out of reach right now, consider exploring the best places to buy a home for under $250,000. The list features 50 cities in 18 states, so you’re sure to find your ideal location whether you like a warmer climate or wintertime snow.

Share This Article: