4 Cities With the Best Suburbs To Buy Property In, According to Real Estate Agents
America’s suburbs allow millions of commuters to earn big-city dollars while paying small-town housing and living costs. Suburbanites can own comfortable homes instead of renting small apartments in nearby urban centers, many of which priced out average earners years or decades ago.
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Not surprisingly, the suburbs have driven much of the big city metro area growth that has dominated post-pandemic real estate news — and rapid appreciation has helped countless suburbanites build wealth.
If you want to join the trend, look for growing suburbs near big cities with diverse economies that attract workers, builders and businesses — suburbs like these.
Phoenix
In May, Axios reported on a population and housing boom in the Phoenix suburbs. The ripple effects were so significant that new growth was rising fastest in the far outer suburbs known as “exurbs.” The Phoenix metro area gained 49,000 new residents between 2022 and 2023 alone — and that’s a slowdown from the post-pandemic Sunbelt boom.
But some nearby suburbs still have room to grow — like Chandler, for example.
“It’s growing fast and is one of the best places to buy a home right now,” said 13-year brokerage owner and realtor Andrew Fortune, founder of Great Colorado Homes. “It’s known for having great schools, a friendly community and lots of new job opportunities, especially in tech. Because it’s close to major job centers, it’s perfect for families and young professionals who want an affordable place to live without being too far from work.”
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Nashville, Tennessee
Two months before publishing its Phoenix data, Axios reported, “Nashville is in the midst of a suburban explosion.” Suburbs in Wilson, Rutherford and Williamson counties were driving the Nashville metro’s extraordinary growth in population and property values.
Towns like Franklin in Williamson County tell the tale.
“Franklin, near Nashville, is one of the best places to buy a home right now, because it’s growing fast and has a lot to offer,” said Fortune. “It’s a charming town with a rich history and friendly neighbors. People love living here because it’s close to Nashville’s great job opportunities in music, healthcare and tech, but still has that small-town feel. With beautiful homes, top-rated schools and a welcoming community, Franklin is perfect for families and anyone looking for a great place to live while property values continue to rise.”
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Dallas
In May, the Dallas Morning News reported, “A boom in housing development is affecting Dallas-Fort Worth’s growing workforce,” with giant “mega-builders” like Lennar, Island Homes and Bloomfield flooding the North Texas suburbs with new housing developments to support the boom.
Nearby towns like Frisco are among the benefactors.
“Just outside Dallas, it’s one of the fastest-growing places in the country and a great spot to buy a home,” said Fortune. “Lots of big companies are moving here, which means more jobs and growth in the area. Frisco has amazing schools, parks and plenty of fun things for families to do. Right now, you can still find homes at good prices, and with the area growing so quickly, it’s a smart choice for anyone looking for a great place to live and invest in for the future.”
Huntsville, Alabama
According to Zillow, the post-pandemic housing market in Huntsville, Alabama soared from an average home value of $172,000 in 2019 to around $277,000 today.
Even so, that’s still well below the national median of $361,000.
“I’m really excited about the housing market in Huntsville,” said Brandon Hardiman, owner of Yellowhammer Home Buyers. “It’s incredibly affordable for middle-class millennials like me, with great job opportunities in tech and aerospace.”
The relocation firm Armstrong Company says the defense and aerospace sectors are driving a “meteoric rise” in economic growth that’s pushing up prices metro-wide. For those able to invest a little more, several higher-end Huntsville suburbs in the $300,000 to $375,000 range offer excellent opportunities for equity appreciation.
“The suburbs, like Madison and Athens, are growing fast and offer a charming lifestyle while being close to the city,” said Hardiman. “Plus, the quality of life here is fantastic, with great schools and plenty of outdoor activities.”
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