Finding a reasonably priced home in the U.S. is often a challenge. However, recent data from Zillow suggests that some significant markets are more favorable than others. They highlight areas where homes are more affordable compared to the rest of the country.
The term “affordable” can vary greatly—national mortgage payments have, well, more than doubled over the last five years. Yet, there is a trend emerging where more homes are coming into reach for those earning a median income in the U.S.
This trend appears particularly strong in many cities located east of the Mississippi River. In several major markets, over half of the homes are classified as affordable for households with central incomes.
For instance, Buffalo stands out, with about 55% of homes listed being deemed affordable. St. Louis closely follows at 54.5% according to Zillow.
On the flip side, those living on the West Coast, especially in California, are facing a more difficult reality when it comes to affordable housing.
Zillow reports that only 3% of homes in the Los Angeles area are considered affordable for median-income residents. San Diego lags slightly behind with just 6.4% of listings falling into that category.
While many areas in the eastern U.S. have made strides in offering affordable options, residents in New England aren’t faring as well. For example, a mere 9.1% of homes near Providence, Rhode Island, meet the criteria for middle-income buyers, with Boston not too far ahead at 11.9%.
Here’s a summary of the cities where affordable homes appear at a higher rate:
| Rank | City | Percentage of homes considered affordable |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Buffalo, New York | 55.1% |
| 2. | St. Louis, Missouri | 54.5% |
| 3. | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | 54.3% |
| 4. | Detroit, Michigan | 52.8% |
| 5. | Cincinnati, Ohio | 50.1% |
| 6. | Indianapolis, Indiana | 48.5% |
| 7. | Baltimore, Maryland | 48.1% |
| 8. | Cincinnati, Ohio | 46.1% |
| 9. | Birmingham, Alabama | 45.1% |
| 10. | Minneapolis, Minnesota | 43.2% |
Meanwhile, the western part of the country still struggles to present viable options for affordable housing.
In this context, Zillow highlights that just 3% of homes in Los Angeles are deemed affordable, with San Diego trailing at 6.4% as well.
Turning to New England, prospects look bleak for residents trying to find affordable housing. Providence showcases only 9.1% of homes within reach of median-income buyers, while Boston isn’t much better at 11.9%.
For those curious about finding affordable housing in their area, more data can be explored in the full report by Zillow.
