10 best markets for first-time homebuyers
National Mortgage
Mortgage Finance
3 months ago
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For those looking to buy homes for the first time this year, some markets might be better for starting the homeownership journey than others. 

Realtor.com recently ranked the best markets for first-time homebuyers based on factors including housing inventory, median home price and average travel time to work. 

Read more: Say what? Homebuyers' unusual property search terms 

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is the top market for first-time homebuyers with a median home price of $140,000 between November 2023 and November 2024, and a forecast of 20.6% of homes going to 25-34 year-olds in 2025.

Other top markets include Rochester, New York, and Villas, Florida. Rochester had a median home price of $129,900 from November 2023 to November 2024. Villas had 85.6 homes available to buy per 1,000 houses from November 2023 to November 2024.

"Last year saw historically low activity for first-timers, with the group accounting for only 24% of successful homebuyers," said Danielle Hale, chief economist of Realtor.com. "While home prices remain high and mortgage rates are forecasted to stay above 6% throughout 2025, the year is expected to see more inventory hit the market — a silver lining for shoppers who will see more or less choice depending on where they are."

Read more about the 10 best markets for first-time homebuyers.

Best markets for first-time homebuyers

Rank Market 2025 forecasted25-34 year oldhomeowner shareof households Inventory per 1000households(Nov. 23- Nov. 24) Median listingprice (Nov. 23- Nov. 24)
10 Wilmington, DE 18.4 % 41.3 $222,000
9 Tonawanda, NY 14.2 % 30.2 $229,900
8 Baltimore, MD 19.9 % 51.6 $210,000
7 North Little Rock, AR 17.6 % 38.5 $160,000
6 Lansing, MI 21.4 % 42.3 $135,000
5 Altamonte Springs, FL 19.4 % 46.8 $229,400
4 Lauderdale Lakes, FL 11.2 % 72.4 $154,850
3 Villas, FL 14.1 % 85.6 $236,950
2 Rochester, NY 22.3 % 21.2 $129,900
1 Harrisburg, PA 20.6 % 34.8 $140,000

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