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The 10 Best Cities to Buy a Home This Summer, According to New Data

These metro markets offer rare value in a tough housing season.

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Whether you’re buying or selling a home, the 2026 housing market has been anything but easy to navigate. Characterized by record-setting median prices, high inflation, and a raging struggle to balance demand with affordability, it's been an uphill battle regardless of your situation.

Metropolitan areas are among the hardest-hit in the market, with their high mortgage rates, low inventory, and rising costs of living. But if you’re looking to find the best bang for your buck without having to sacrifice the luxuries of metropolitan life, you’re in luck. New data from Realtor.com ranks the summer’s best housing metro markets based on median pricing, income, and stability.

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Ahead, here are the 10 cities across the U.S. where there is still affordable inventory this summer.

10

Akron, Ohio

Akron, Ohio, USA Downtown City Skyline
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A move to Akron means major cuts to your cost of living, as the city’s overall cost of living is around 10 percent lower than the national average. In line with affordability, the median home cost for the city is around $252,000. In addition to its financial perks, Akron also boasts national park access, a growing food and arts scene, and short commute times.

9

Rockford, Illinois

Aerial Morning View of Rockford and Rock River
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Known as “Forest City,” Rockford, in addition to affordable housing, highlights a slower, more wellness-focused lifestyle along the banks of the Rock River. The median home listing price here falls around $265,000.

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8

Lynchburg, Virginia

Lynchburg, Virginia, USA downtown city skyline
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If you’ve ever dreamed of mountain town living, Lynchburg might be for you. With an average listing price of $367,000, the city sits at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Range and boasts vibrant outdoor culture and an enviable small-town feel.

7

Manchester, New Hampshire

Scenic view of a city skyline with modern and historic buildings alongside a river under a cloudy sky
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Homes aren’t the only thing you’ll save on in Manchester. While the median asking price sits at $600,000, this city cuts costs through tax-friendly policies, opting out of both general sales tax and state income tax. Just about an hour away from Boston, Manchester also boasts a vibrant downtown scene with breweries, small shops, and restaurants lining the popular Elm Street.

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6

Reading, Pennsylvania

Autumn in Reading, Pennsylvania
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This historic city may sound familiar thanks to “Reading Railroad,” which has appeared on Monopoly boards for over a century. The town has a rich history, originally founded in 1748 by the sons of William Penn, for whom the state is named. The town eventually grew into a massive transport hub, cementing its railroad legacy. Sitting on the banks of the Schuylkill River, the median home cost here is around $355,000.

5

Springfield, Massachusetts

Springfield, Massachusetts
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Part of the Pioneer Valley, Springfield sits along the Connecticut River. The small city features a vibrant outdoor culture and some of the lowest housing and living costs in the entire state. The median listing price here is about $380,000.

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4

Canton, Ohio

Downtown of Canton
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Canton isn’t just a hub for savings. Football fans will recognize this city as the home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. While reviews of the area are mixed, there’s no arguing that the city boasts the lowest median asking price in the entire top 10 ranking, clocking in at $251,000.

3

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Lancaster, Pennsylvania
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Home to both a bustling arts community and the heart of Pennsylvania Amish Country, Lancaster sets residents right between city and rural life. Whether you’re chasing simpler living or just lower-cost groceries, the median asking price here is around $417,000.

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2

Appleton, Wisconsin

Appleton Wisconsin Fox river view
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This well-known city is a midwestern gem, often regarded as one of the best places for midsize living in the region. It features a bustling downtown district, a reputation for being ultra walkable, and access to Lake Winnebago for boating, fishing, and even lakeside living. The median home price in the metro area sits at
$400,000.

1

South Bend, Indiana

South Bend, Indiana
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Topping off the ranking is South Bend. Notre Dame’s small college town boasts scenes on the St. Joseph River, a short commute to Chicago, and a median listing price of $341,000.

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