Realtors Predict House Prices Will Soon Skyrocket in These 8 Currently Affordable Towns

As of Q4 2024, the national median home sale price was around $410,000, reflecting the ongoing price growth seen across the country. While affordability remains a challenge in many areas, there are markets where homebuyers can find relative deals and keep more cash in their wallets.

But, the clock is ticking on just how much they can save, since many believe that prices are about to climb. We spoke with REALTORS® and local experts to uncover the markets where prices are expected to rise so homebuyers can make informed decisions about where to plant roots.

Buffalo is one of the top markets to watch this year. High demand and limited inventory are causing homes to sell quickly, with prices steadily increasing year over year.

Amidst this growth, Buffalo remains more affordable than other major cities in the Northeast, offering buyers a chance to get in before prices climb further. The median sale price in March was around $240,000, according to Zillow. For those looking for value in a market with strong economic fundamentals and continued job growth, Buffalo is an appealing choice.

Although Philadelphia remains one of the more affordable East Coast cities, its surrounding suburbs are becoming increasingly competitive. 

"Historically budget-friendly areas are seeing rising prices, driven by low inventory, multiple offers, and demand from out-of-state buyers seeking good schools and easier commutes," says Bonnie Pappas, a REALTOR® with Realty One Group Restore in Collegeville.

Today, homes are off the market within a week. A shortage of developable land is constraining new construction, and high interest rates are creating "golden handcuff" scenarios where homeowners with low rates are reluctant to sell. Still, the region offers access to rich history, strong job prospects, and proximity to city amenities.

Similarly, the Queen City continues to attract homebuyers, especially in the suburbs. The city's growing economy in finance, technology, and healthcare is fueling job and population growth, contributing to a competitive housing market. 

"In March, pending sales went up 17% year over year, and the average sale price went up 7%," says Lara Bucci, REALTOR® with Savvy & Company in North Carolina and South Carolina.

Despite being a seller's market, inventory has reached a three-month high, giving buyers more options. Homes spend an average of about 53 days on the market, according to Redfin. While demand is high, sellers' lofty expectations are causing some listings to sit longer.

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Indianapolis is gaining momentum as a market to watch, thanks to its affordability, job growth, and expanding economic base. Home prices have risen 120% over the past decade, according to Nadia Evangelou, Senior Economist and Director of Real Estate Research at the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), yet the median price still sits $92,000 below the national median.

"Indianapolis has become attractive for young professionals due to its growing tech sector," says Evangelou. As the city continues to develop economically, it's expected to see faster home value appreciation, especially as more buyers look for alternatives to higher-priced markets.

Job opportunities, quality schools, outdoor recreation, and vibrant city culture are driving strong housing demand in Knoxville. The city's population grew almost 4% between 2020 and 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, fueling a real estate market where most homes sell in under a month.

While housing prices have surged 145% over the past decade, according to Evangelou, they still remain about 10% below the national median. As of February 2025, Redfin says the median sale price in Knoxville was around $338,000. Now is a good time to secure a home in this growing Southern city before prices climb higher.

St. Louis is an increasingly attractive market for value-conscious homebuyers, thanks to its robust job market and expanding economy. 

The city is firmly in a seller's market, with single-family homes averaging 40 days on the market in March. Inventory has dropped 11.4% year over year, while the median sale price has climbed 8.1%, according to NAR data.

With a cost of living that Redfin says is 11% below the national average and solid job opportunities in healthcare, education, logistics, and manufacturing, St. Louis offers a compelling combination of value and long-term potential.

Richmond is experiencing steady growth in its housing market, driven by economic and educational opportunities, as well as its rich cultural appeal. 

The city's low inventory has kept competition high, with the median sale price sitting around $387,00, according to Redfin. Following an influx of buyers during the low-rate years, many homeowners are now choosing to stay put.

"People want to live here because of the job opportunities, rich history, and amazing arts and cultural scene," says Lizzy Pass, a REALTOR® with The Pace of Richmond. 

Pass expects home prices to continue rising at a steady pace and advises buyers to research specific neighborhoods closely, as Richmond's market is highly localized and varies greatly by area.

Corpus Christi offers an appealing mix of coastal living and economic opportunity. Despite a 57% increase in median home sale prices from 2014 to 2024, the median price remains under $300,000 — about 34% below the national median.

The city plays a key role in the Texas economy, with major industries including aerospace, aviation, petroleum manufacturing, and healthcare. Major employers like Valero and H-E-B contribute to a strong economy with projected job growth. For buyers seeking affordability with long-term potential, Corpus Christi might be a prime choice.

While home prices are rising nationwide, experts say it's still possible to find good value in many markets if buyers act strategically and make smart money moves.

But this isn't a market for hesitation. With limited inventory, quick turnaround times, and increasing competition, homes are selling faster than before. 

"Be patient," advises Pappas. "And when you see a house you want, you've got to move fast and go for it."