Affordable Homeownership: 11 US Metro Areas Buck the Trend Amid Rising Prices
June 1, 2025
Home ownership has become increasingly unrealistic for many Americans, as rising home values and mortgage rates outpace income growth, making it difficult for families to afford homes.
Zillow's senior economist, Orphe Divounguy, highlights that affordability issues are particularly pronounced in major cities, where the dream of owning a home seems out of reach for many.
Despite these challenges, Zillow's analysis identifies 11 metro areas where a median family can still afford homes with a 10% down payment, including cities like Pittsburgh, Toledo, and St. Louis.
For those who can manage a 20% down payment, several metro areas remain affordable, although most individuals struggle to save that amount.
The most affordable locations are primarily found in the Midwest and South, where lenient zoning codes enable builders to respond quickly to housing demand.
During the pandemic, home values surged in the Midwest and Great Lakes regions, yet many of these areas still offer lower prices compared to the national average.
Buffalo, New York, once known for its affordability, is now experiencing rising prices and limited inventory due to strong job growth and a competitive housing market.
Detroit stands out with some of the lowest home prices in the country, featuring a median sale price of $180,000, making it appealing for buyers seeking homes under $300,000.
Zillow also provides detailed monthly payment estimates for various cities, allowing potential buyers to understand the cost of homeownership under different down payment scenarios.
Summary based on 18 sources
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Sources

WTNH.com • Jun 1, 2025
Here’s where normal people can still buy homes, according to real estate data
WPRI.com • Jun 1, 2025
Here’s where normal people can still buy homes, according to real estate data