Livability, a research and rankings website that “explores what makes small-to-medium sized cities great places to live,” has released their list of the best American cities for first-time homebuyers.
“Breaking into the housing market for the first time is equal parts thrilling and terrifying, especially if you live in a pricey or highly competitive market,” Livability writes. “Luckily, there are still plenty of small and mid-sized cities around the country that are affordable and welcoming for first-time buyers.”
Number one? Yup. Pittsburgh. Here’s why:
“If you’re interested in buying a home in one of Steel City’s 90 neighborhoods, you’ll not only find a wide selection of architecture — from Victorian to arts and crafts to new construction — but you’ll also be pleasantly surprised that stylish design can come at such an affordable price, with the median price of homes sold currently at $171,100,” the site says.
Livability points out that “nearly all of Pittsburgh’s real estate transactions are affordable for the average family,” and touts the city’s many colleges and universities, as well as our “booming tech sector.”
“Beyond homeownership,” they write, “Pittsburgh is a great community to belong to, with three major-league sports teams to cheer for, a thriving arts scene, a beautifully restored downtown, and just enough of that Rust Belt grittiness that Pittsburghers proudly love.”
The top five also included Oklahoma City, Cincinnati, Winston-Salem, N.C., and Pueblo, Colorado.