In Summer 2026, the housing market did not see the typical boost in sales, but some markets continue to outperform the rest of the nation. The Fall 2026 WSJ/Realtor.com Housing Market Ranking analyzed the top 200 most populous U.S. metros and ranked them based on their stability, livability, and long-term health. Overwhelmingly, the report found that Midwestern markets came out on top for their higher levels of affordability compared with the rest of the U.S.

Why did the Midwest rank so high?

According to the report, many Midwestern markets ranked highest because of their ability to withstand affordability pressures. Currently, the median home price in the U.S. is $419,250 and the median monthly payment is $2,863.

The top ranking market, Appleton, Wisc., however, has a median home price of $404,950 and a monthly payment of $2,7650, which is 3.5% lower than the nationwide median. Additionally, its unemployment rate is the lowest of the top 20 markets at just 2.8%.

Which other markets came out on top?

Following Appleton, Wisc., other Midwestern markets ranked second and third. Those were South Bend, Ind., with a median home price of $322,400 and Canton, Ohio, with a median home price set at $266,475. Several Northeastern markets rounded out the top five, including Nashua, N.H., with a median home price of $579,900, and Lancaster, Penn., with a median home price of $400,525.

While not all metros score high in their median home price, they hold strong in other metrics, such as their higher incomes or low unemployment rate. In both Nashua, N.H., and in Lancaster, Penn., for instance, the unemployment rate sits at just 2.9%.