Remember when people complained about expensive rent being their biggest financial worry? Those days are starting to look quaint compared to what’s happening in today’s housing market. Certain metropolitan areas are experiencing such rapid price escalation that buying property could become almost impossible for most working residents. And real estate experts have analyzed that it might be the toughest in the following cities after 2027.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle’s housing market is moving fast and getting pricier. Houses in the metro area average $734,697 and sell within just 22 days. King County hit a median of $850,000 this June, continuing its upward climb. For most buyers, Seattle neighborhoods will stay out of reach through 2025.
Austin, Texas
Dell, Apple, Google, Tesla—these tech heavyweights have completely changed Austin’s game. Home prices now sit at $450,000, and that’s before South by Southwest (SXSW), the world-famous annual music and tech festival, hits town each year, which drives rental demand through the roof.
Miami, Florida
Miami attracts over 26 million visitors annually, drawn by its beaches and Art Deco architecture. The housing cost hit $620,000 in early 2025, up from $590,000 in 2024. International buyers, especially from Latin America, plus tourism pressure, make Miami among the least affordable U.S. cities, where housing costs outpace incomes.
Boise, Idaho
Remote work changed everything for Boise. What started as a quiet Idaho city became a magnet for families seeking outdoor adventures and affordable living. Since 2020, home prices have more than doubled, hitting $495,000 by mid-2025. With only 1.5 months of housing inventory available, buyers in Boise face intense competition for a limited number of homes.
Nashua, New Hampshire
Just 40 miles from Boston, Nashua provides the perfect compromise—until you see the prices. Median homes hit $480,000 by mid-2024 and kept climbing into 2025. Now, typical properties run $500,000 to $550,000. This priced out many hopeful buyers who thought they’d found their affordable Boston alternative.
Denver, Colorado
Denver’s housing market continues gaining altitude along with its famous elevation. Since 2020, housing costs have surged dramatically, reaching $595,000 as of May 2025. Meanwhile, average rent reached $2,000 with tight vacancy rates. This shows strong demand for living exactly one mile above sea level in Colorado’s capital.
Montclair, New Jersey
Direct trains to Manhattan make Montclair irresistible to NYC workers craving suburban life. The result? Median home prices are soaring past $900,000 in 2024, as bidding wars become the norm. Between city transplants and retirees all wanting the same charming downtown and cultural perks, competition is absolutely fierce.
Salt Lake City, Utah
From hosting the 2002 Olympics to bidding for 2034, Salt Lake City always stays in the spotlight. The recent tech boom pushed median home prices to $535,000 by mid-2025. Outdoor enthusiasts flock here for easy access to five national parks.
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville was once affordable, but those days are long gone. Now, you’re looking at homes priced at $465,000 and $1,700 monthly rent for one-bedroom places. The population grew last year, mostly due to the Grand Ole Opry, Nashville’s famous country music venue. With that, housing costs also took off.
Tampa, Florida
Tampa used to be way more affordable, but not anymore. Home prices hit $410,000 on average, and the city’s popularity keeps rising. With its mix of Gulf Coast beaches, booming job market, and no state income tax, Tampa has become a magnet for remote workers and retirees alike.
