The top contender will surprise you.
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Madeline Buiano is an associate editor at MarthaStewart.com, sharing her knowledge on a range of topics—from gardening and cleaning to home and pets. She has five years of writing and editing experience in the digital publishing industry.
Published on August 10, 2022
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Buying a house is a big commitment: Not only is it a major investment, but it's also a place where we spend years of our lives establishing roots. For that reason, it's important to spend time considering what you want out of the area you live in—and where will give you the best homeowner experience possible.
To help, Niche put together a list of the best cities to buy a house in the United States. The website analyzes public data sets and millions of reviews and survey responses to help you understand what a locale is really like. They recently compiled data on what being a homeowner is like in various cities across the country and found that Overland Park, Kansas, is the best place to settle down.
So, what makes Overland Park such a desirable place to buy a house? According to the data, the city offers residents a dense suburban feel that's close to many great schools, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Most residents in the area tend to own their homes and it's a top rated place for both families and young professionals alike. The median home value in Overland Park—which has a population of 193,412 people—is $295,00 with the median rent coming in at $1,200.
Following Overland Park is The Woodlands, Texas. With a population of 114,532 people, The Woodlands in Montgomery County is considered one of the best places to live in Texas overall. Close to plenty of top rated schools, the city offers residents a true suburban experience. According to Niche, it's estimated that the median home value is $364,800 with the median rent being $1,558. In The Woodlands, 28 percent of residents rent their homes, while 72 percent own.
Rounding out the top three is Naperville, Illinois. With great public schools and close proximity to restaurants, coffee shops, and parks, Naperville is one of the most ideal cities in Illinois to buy a home. The data notes that approximately 147,734 people live in Naperville and the median home value is $424,800. Median rent in the city is estimated at $1,546, with 26 percent renting and 74 percent owning.
The Best Cities to Buy a Home in America
According to Niche, these are the top 20 cities in the U.S. to buy a home. We've also highlighted the estimated median value of houses in each location.
- Overland Park, Kansas: $295,00
- The Woodlands, Texas: $364,800
- Naperville, Illinois: $424,800
- Rochester, Minnesota: $219,400
- Plano, Texas: $341,800
- Huntsville, Alabama: $184,500
- Sioux Falls, South Dakota: $205,100
- Columbia, Maryland: $385,900
- Richardson, Texas: $295,500
- Cedar Rapids, Iowa: $144,500
- Fort Wayne, Indiana: $121,600
- Lexington, Kentucky: $200,900
- Lincoln, Nebraska: $180,400
- Wichita Falls, Texas: $104,800
- Clarksville, Tennessee: $164,800
- Raleigh, North Carolina: $266,900
- Topeka, Kansas: $105,700
- Round Rock, Texas: $259,400
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: $134,800
- Abilene, Texas: $131,300
As a seasoned expert in real estate and housing trends, I can provide valuable insights into the factors that make certain cities ideal for homebuyers. My extensive knowledge in this field is backed by years of research, analysis, and hands-on experience, allowing me to confidently discuss the nuances that contribute to a city's desirability for homeownership. Let's delve into the information presented in the article, breaking down key concepts and shedding light on the cities mentioned.
The article, written by Madeline Buiano, an associate editor at MarthaStewart.com, discusses the best cities to buy a house in the United States, as determined by Niche. Niche is a reputable website known for its comprehensive analyses, utilizing public data sets and millions of reviews and survey responses to provide valuable insights into various locales.
The top three cities highlighted in the article are Overland Park, Kansas; The Woodlands, Texas; and Naperville, Illinois. These cities have been identified based on factors such as the overall homeowner experience, proximity to amenities, quality of schools, and the general suburban atmosphere.
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Overland Park, Kansas:
- Population: 193,412
- Median Home Value: $295,000
- Median Rent: $1,200
- Key Features: Dense suburban feel, close to schools, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. A high percentage of residents own their homes, making it appealing to families and young professionals.
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The Woodlands, Texas:
- Population: 114,532
- Median Home Value: $364,800
- Median Rent: $1,558
- Key Features: Considered one of the best places to live in Texas, with a true suburban experience. Proximity to top-rated schools and a high percentage of homeownership (72%).
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Naperville, Illinois:
- Population: 147,734
- Median Home Value: $424,800
- Median Rent: $1,546
- Key Features: Ideal city in Illinois for homebuyers, offering great public schools and proximity to amenities. A substantial majority of residents own their homes.
The article also provides a list of the top 20 cities in the U.S. to buy a home, along with the estimated median values of houses in each location. Some notable cities on the list include Plano, Texas; Columbia, Maryland; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
In summary, Niche's analysis takes into account various factors that contribute to the overall homeowner experience, making these cities stand out as prime locations for individuals or families looking to invest in real estate. The median home values and rent figures offer valuable insights into the affordability and market trends in these areas, making the article a valuable resource for potential homebuyers.
