Best Cities for Real Estate in 2026

Atlanta, GA

• Population: 497,642
• Median Listing Price: $400,000
• Median Price/Sq Ft: $276
• Median Days on Market: 82

Despite being a bit more expensive than surrounding areas, Atlanta is considered a great place to live—especially for singles. As the national outlook remains uncertain, the Atlanta housing market is trending slightly in favor of buyers. Atlanta’s inventory greatly expanded in 2025, up 28% year-over-year—giving buyers far more options. You can also find several affordable neighborhoods in Atlanta and the city currently ranks third nationally for falling home prices—with median sales prices down 2.5% year-over-year. When you’re looking at homes for sale in Atlanta, expect to see some Colonial and Craftsman styles mixed in with bungalows and modern new construction. In addition to the Atlanta housing market, the capital of Georgia is an energetic hot spot for sports, food, and the arts!

Austin, TX

• Population: 965,872
• Median Listing Price: $539,872
• Median Price/Sq Ft: $302
• Median Days on Market: 89 days

Austin is one of the best big cities to live in the U.S. and one of the best places to live in the South, making it a great place to buy a home or invest in an Airbnb property! Attracting new residents every year with its live music experiences, bustling tech industry, and growing culinary scene, the capital of Texas is also squarely positioned as a buyer’s market. Despite the national market slowing down in recent years, the Austin real estate market is still relatively stable, with homes selling close to listing price and just 9.9% of homes closing above it. Homebuyers can find a wide range of housing options on the market throughout the Austin area—from traditional bungalows and Mid-Century Modern ranches to custom new constructions with Spanish or Mediterranean influences.

Buffalo, NY

• Population: 255,805
• Median Listing Price: $222,000
• Median Price/Sq Ft: $130
• Median Days on Market: 18 days

Buffalo may be quite a snowy city, but its affordable cost of living makes it one of the best cities for real estate. As one of the least expensive cities in one of the most expensive states, you’ll find the Buffalo housing market to be healthy and very competitive—meaning you’re likely to get a good return on your investment by buying in this area. Along with offering a balanced market, Buffalo also has home insurance rates that are significantly lower than the national average, creating long-term incentives for buyers. Buffalo homes for sale often come in ranch, Mid-Century Modern, and Modern styles. You can also find some Queen Anne, Neoclassical, Colonial Revival, and Craftsman-style homes!

Charlotte, NC

• Population: 873,570
• Median Listing Price: $423,488
• Median Price/Sq Ft: $239
• Median Days on Market: 61

Charlotte is one of the best places to live on the East Coast and in the Southeast U.S., making it a great place to invest in property! With a strong finance sector, this North Carolina metro is a great choice for singles and young professionals—especially considering the city’s low median age of 34. The Charlotte housing market is predicted to be among the hottest in the South in 2026, and the gradual increase in Charlotte home prices reflects that demand. While Queen City is a seller’s market at the moment, predictions of stabilization could lead to more inventory and affordability for buyers in 2026. If you’re searching for homes for sale in Charlotte, you’ll most often find Colonial styles, ranches, and bungalows.

Columbus, OH

• Population: 889,079
• Median Listing Price: $280,000
• Median Price/Sq Ft: $184
• Median Days on Market: 49

Recognized as one of the best places to live in the Midwest, Columbus is a hot spot that offers tons of jobs, big-city amenities, and a growing real estate market. With current housing prices 13% lower than the national average, Columbus’ real estate is very affordable for a major U.S. city—which might be why 72% of Columbus homebuyers searching for new housing choose to stay in the area. Whether you’re looking to buy your first house, spread out in a family home, or downsize to a budget-friendly home for retirement, the Columbus housing market has styles ranging from modern farmhouses to new construction that won’t break the bank!

Denver, CO

• Population: 715,878
• Median Listing Price: $614,000
• Median Price/Sq Ft: $349
• Median Days on Market: 45

Denver has seen population growth due to its strong entry-level job market and captivating scenery—making it attractive to young professionals and families alike! While the median home price in Denver is 132% higher than the national average, there are still affordable areas throughout the metro to buy a home—with housing styles like Bungalow, Colonial Revival, and Contemporary. And while sellers still hold a slight advantage in Denver, the broader Colorado market is rebalancing—offering buyers more hope heading into 2026 and reinforcing Denver’s status as one of the most appealing real estate markets in the U.S.

Indianapolis, IN

• Population: 869,387
• Median Listing Price: $240,500
• Median Price/Sq Ft: $138
• Median Days on Market: 27 days

Also an extremely desirable place to live, Indianapolis is another great place to buy real estate in 2026! Home prices in Indianapolis are 21% lower than the U.S. average, making it an affordable option for American homebuyers. The housing market in this Midwestern city is projected to see steady growth—with expected annual home appreciation rates between 4% to 6% through 2026. Plus, Indianapolis’ supply of homes has gradually improved in recent years—a welcome change that strengthens the city as a buyer’s market. Thanks to homebuying programs funded by the Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority, the Indianapolis housing market is primed for first-time homebuyers in particular.

Philadelphia, PA

• Population: 1,581,531
• Median Listing Price: $280,000
• Median Price/Sq Ft: $204
• Median Days on Market: 48

With a median home price that is 7% lower than the national average, it’s easy to see why Philadelphia is a top city for real estate in the U.S! One of the most affordable cities in the Northeast, the City of Brotherly Love is trending toward a buyer’s market—making 2026 a perfect time to buy a home in the area. The city’s market is also poised to grow in 2026, with predictions for lower mortgage rates. Potential homebuyers can expect to find a variety of affordable Philly neighborhoods to buy a home—as well as a wide selection of condos, high-rises, townhomes, and rowhouses throughout the city!

Phoenix, AZ

• Population: 1,658,422
• Median Listing Price: $449,990
• Median Price/Sq Ft: $271
• Median Days on Market: 64

The thriving Southwestern city of Phoenix has something to offer people of all lifestyles—from singles and young professionals and families to retirees! Aside from its year-round warm weather and abundant arts and culture, the Phoenix real estate market is another major draw for those thinking of moving to Arizona’s capital. The city has been experiencing an increase in home inventory, with steady and sustainable home value growth predicted for 2026. Phoenix’s real estate in 2026 remains a balanced market, with a slight advantage toward sellers. Available homes in Phoenix come in diverse styles like Contemporary, Ranch, Mediterranean, Spanish Mission, and more.

Raleigh, NC

• Population: 469,698
• Median Listing Price: $437,500
• Median Price/Sq Ft: $228
• Median Days on Market: 41 days

Thanks to its research and education opportunities, up-and-coming Raleigh frequently ranks as one of the best mid-sized U.S. cities to live, with a variety of places to buy a home! The city’s top-rated universities and major employers help make it particularly appealing for young professionals looking to work or continue their education—and Raleigh’s balanced housing market benefits both buyers and sellers. The recent increase in home inventory for the North Carolina housing market as a whole also supports this, helping buyers who have been waiting for more inventory in the capital of North Carolina. Plus, Raleigh homebuyers can choose from a variety of housing styles, including Colonial, Craftsman, and Victorian.

Salt Lake City, UT

• Population: 200,133
• Median Listing Price: $576,000
• Median Price/Sq Ft: $338
• Median Days on Market: 41

While Salt Lake City‘s real estate market is trending toward a buyer’s market ahead of 2026, the city has plenty to offer buyers and sellers alike! You’ll find a variety of budget-friendly housing options across the city, with some of the best places to buy a home also being some of the most affordable SLC neighborhoods. Despite the city’s median home price being 87% higher than the national average, it still remains more affordable than other major Mountain West cities, like Denver. Homeowners in SLC also benefit from insurance costs that are significantly lower than the national average. Residents can choose from a variety of housing options—including Tudor, Bungalow, and American Colonial. Plus, the area’s thriving job market and cultural amenities make it an ideal city for young professionals and families alike!

Tampa, FL

• Population: 395,912
• Median Listing Price: $420,000
• Median Price/Sq Ft: $280
• Median Days on Market: 58 days

The Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater metro—known for its beautiful year-round weather and gorgeous beaches—has become a popular housing market for homebuyers who want to live in Florida without the high price tags of West Palm Beach and Miami. Beyond its housing market, Tampa’s population growth has been consistently outpacing the national average—growing 1.5% per year between 2013 and 2023. This Florida city is part of the Sun Belt, which will continue to give it an edge in the 2026 real estate world, as continually increasing home values indicate a healthy housing market. If you’re looking for renovated homes in Mediterranean or cozy beach bungalow styles, the Tampa real estate market is worth checking out!

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The goal of Extra Space Storage’s Best Places to Live selections is to help diverse audiences at varying stages of life make informed decisions about where to live. To provide a well-rounded and accurate view of each metro area, we consider factors like cost of living, job market, local attractions, education, and more. Learn more about our methodology today.

Population statistics from AreaVibes. Housing statistics from Redfin.