Markets with the cheapest homes aren’t necessarily the most affordable for every worker, as wages are often lower in these locales.
A recent analysis by Zillow of median incomes and budgets for various occupations shows that the most affordable housing markets aren’t located in the middle portion of the nation.
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“There’s a lot more to homebuying affordability than just the cost of the home. Incomes vary a lot across the country — even within the same occupation,” said Dr. Svenja Gudell, chief economist for Zillow, in a statement. “There’s also the question of how much of your paycheck you’re willing to put toward a house payment, and whether you can find a home in your price range.”
The best markets cited for teachers are Bakersfield, Modesto, Stockton and Riverside, California, along with Buffalo. In these markets, teachers can afford 76 percent to 86 percent of listed homes. Bakersfield leads the group at 86.4 percent affordability.
Construction workers in Buffalo, along with Toledo, Akron and Cleveland, Ohio, can afford 56 percent to 63 percent of these markets’ current housing inventory.
In Syracuse and Buffalo, New York; Dayton, Ohio; and Scranton, Pennsylvania, lawyers and judges can afford nearly every home — 93 percent to 95 percent.
Riverside, California; Cleveland; Sacramento, Toledo and Indianapolis are the most affordable housing markets for firefighters.
Buffalo stands as the city ranked as the most affordable housing market for construction workers and lawyers/judges. It also ranked in the top five for teachers.
