10 Metros Where First-Time Homebuyers Are Thriving

From high housing costs to concerns over the economy, first-time homebuyers are navigating challenging housing market conditions. Still, some metros offer a more attainable path to homeownership. Looking at the nation’s 50 largest metros, real estate marketing platform Zillow ranked the top 10 markets for first-time homebuyers. Their ranking looked at renter conditions, the share of affordable home listings in each metro, and buyer competition, among other factors.

Which metros are best for first-time homebuyers?

Home to six of the top 10 metros identified in the report, first-time buyers should look toward Sun Belt states. Jacksonville, Fla., ranked first, followed by Birmingham, Ala.; San Antonio; Atlanta; Houston; St Louis; Detroit; Raleigh, N.C.; Baltimore; and Louisville, Ky.

What do these metros have in common?

Metros in Sun Belt and Midwestern states were ranked in the top 10 for their high levels of housing inventory, making them more affordable and also less competitive for first-time buyers. Additionally, these markets offer reasonable rental prices, which can be useful to first-time homebuyers as they save to purchase a home.