Discover the Top 10 Hottest Real Estate Markets for First-Time Home Buyers! Don’t Miss Out on These Hidden Gems!

Affordable housing is becoming a rarity for many young professionals burdened with student loan debt. However, there is a glimmer of hope for those aspiring to own their first home and delve into real estate investing – house hacking. This innovative strategy involves renting out a portion of your primary residence to cover housing expenses, such as mortgage payments, making it an ideal option for budding investors with the flexibility to reside anywhere in the country.

To aid in this endeavor, let’s explore some promising entry markets where house hacking can pave the way for homeownership and income generation. These markets boast affordability, solid job growth, and price appreciation, making them prime targets for savvy investors. Without further ado, here are 10 cities that present exceptional investment opportunities for young professionals embarking on their house hacking journey:

Chattanooga, TN-GA

Chattanooga has revolutionized its tech infrastructure with a citywide fiber-optic network, earning the title of one of the fastest internet cities in the U.S. This innovation has attracted startups and venture capital firms, propelling the city’s economy forward. With a focus on manufacturing and logistics, Chattanooga offers steady job growth and price appreciation, making it a compelling choice for aspiring homeowners and investors.

1. 1-Year Job Growth: 2.33% (National: 1.48%)
2. Median Price: $309,819 (National: $420,800)
3. 1-Year Price Growth: 5.47% (National: 4.28%)
4. Median Rent: $1,596 (National: $1,462)
5. 1-Year Rent Growth: 4.80% (National: 4.49%)
6. Median Days on Market: 45 (National: 45)
7. Estimated Monthly PITI: $2,101

Columbia, SC

As the capital of South Carolina, Columbia boasts stability with its government-related workforce. While affordability is a key highlight, the city lags behind in economic growth compared to its neighboring cities. Nevertheless, for those prioritizing budget-friendly options, Columbia remains a viable choice for house hacking endeavors.

1. 1-Year Job Growth: 3.41% (National: 1.48%)
2. Median Price: $253,466 (National: $420,800)
3. 1-Year Price Growth: 4.06% (National: 4.28%)
4. Median Rent: $1,553 (National: $1,462)
5. 1-Year Rent Growth: 4.76% (National: 4.49%)
6. Median Days on Market: 51 (National: 45)
7. Estimated Monthly PITI: $1,733

Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO

With a robust presence of Fortune 500 companies like Walmart and Tyson Foods, Fayetteville, Arkansas, has witnessed substantial growth driven by these corporate giants. Despite the dependence on a couple of major employers, the city’s flourishing job market and strict work-from-office policies from Walmart bode well for future prospects, making it an attractive option for house hackers.

1. 1-Year Job Growth: 3.31% (National: 1.48%)
2. Median Price: $342,579 (National: $420,800)
3. 1-Year Price Growth: 4.74% (National: 4.28%)
4. Median Rent: $1,631 (National: $1,462)
5. 1-Year Rent Growth: 3.75% (National: 4.49%)
6. Median Days on Market: 57 (National: 45)
7. Estimated Monthly PITI: $2,333

Greenville–Anderson–Greer, SC

Greenville, with its strong manufacturing and healthcare industries, offers a promising landscape for growth. However, compared to its counterparts like Fayetteville and Chattanooga, the potential for outsized returns may be limited. For investors seeking stable yet moderate growth, Greenville presents a compelling choice for house hacking ventures.

1. 1-Year Job Growth: 2.80% (National: 1.48%)
2. Median Price: $299,908 (National: $420,800)
3. 1-Year Price Growth: 3.69% (National: 4.28%)
4. Median Rent: $1,585 (National: $1,462)
5. 1-Year Rent Growth: 4.38% (National: 4.49%)
6. Median Days on Market: 50 (National: 45)
7. Estimated Monthly PITI: $1,973

Indianapolis–Carmel–Greenwood, IN

Indianapolis emerges as an affordable yet steadily growing city, boasting a diverse economy with a significant emphasis on transportation and life sciences. With a low unemployment rate and a healthy job market, Indianapolis presents itself as a promising choice for aspiring investors to kickstart their real estate journey through house hacking.

1. 1-Year Job Growth: 2.49% (National: 1.48%)
2. Median Price: $284,630 (National: $420,800)
3. 1-Year Price Growth: 3.30% (National: 4.28%)
4. Median Rent: $1,588 (National: $1,462)
5. 1-Year Rent Growth: 4.13% (National: 4.49%)
6. Median Days on Market: 39 (National: 45)
7. Estimated Monthly PITI: $2,057

Lafayette–West Lafayette–Frankfort, IN

Nestled near Purdue University, Lafayette embodies innovation, boasting a thriving technology and health science sector. With significant price appreciation and affordability, Lafayette stands out as a promising investment hub, offering unparalleled potential for investors keen on house hacking.

1. 1-Year Job Growth: 3.23% (National: 1.48%)
2. Median Price: $266,785 (National: $420,800)
3. 1-Year Price Growth: 8.45% (National: 4.28%)
4. Median Rent: $1,429 (National: $1,462)
5. 1-Year Rent Growth: 7.22% (National: 4.49%)
6. Median Days on Market: 32 (National: 45)
7. Estimated Monthly PITI: $1,820

Lexington-Fayette, KY

The vibrant city of Lexington thrives on healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics industries, boasting healthy job growth and property value appreciation. With restrictions on home construction, the city maintains an upward pressure on home prices, making it a hub of opportunity for ambitious investors looking to venture into the world of real estate through house hacking.

1. 1-Year Job Growth: 2.26% (National: 1.48%)
2. Median Price: $299,845 (National: $420,800)
3. 1-Year Price Growth: 6.52% (National: 4.28%)
4. Median Rent: $1,415 (National: $1,462)
5. 1-Year Rent Growth: 5.50% (National: 4.49%)
6. Median Days on Market: 44 (National: 45)
7. Estimated Monthly PITI: $2,111

Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC-NC

As a thriving resort city, Myrtle Beach is a hotspot for tourists, driving substantial economic growth in the region. While the city’s job market flourishes, the median age poses a challenge for young professionals. Despite this potential roadblock, Myrtle Beach remains an attractive prospect for house hackers seeking to capitalize on the city’s burgeoning real estate market.

1. 1-Year Job Growth: 3.53% (National: 1.48%)
2. Median Price: $338,480 (National: $420,800)
3. 1-Year Price Growth: 1.80% (National: 4.28%)
4. Median Rent: $1,881 (National: $1,462)
5. 1-Year Rent Growth: 2.88% (National: 4.49%)
6. Median Days on Market: 75 (National: 45)
7. Estimated Monthly PITI: $2,130

Springfield, MO

Springfield, a vibrant city known for healthcare, manufacturing, and tourism, boasts a flourishing job market and a low cost of living. While Springfield holds promise for growth, neighboring cities like Fayetteville offer more substantial opportunities for investors. Nevertheless, with its affordability and quality of life, Springfield remains a viable option for house hacking ventures.

1. 1-Year Job Growth: 2.39% (National: 1.48%)
2. Median Price: $257,747 (National: $420,800)
3. 1-Year Price Growth: 3.53% (National: 4.28%)
4. Median Rent: $1,288 (National: $1,462)
5. 1-Year Rent Growth: 4.48% (National: 4.49%)
6. Median Days on Market: 44 (National: 45)
7. Estimated Monthly PITI: $1,843

Waco, TX

Centrally located between Austin and Dallas, Waco offers proximity to major cities and boasts employment gains in recent years. However, the city’s growth may not offset the burden of high property taxes and insurance rates, making it a less appealing option for house hacking in comparison to other markets on the list.

1. 1-Year Job Growth: 4.06% (National: 1.48%)
2. Median Price: $261,013 (National: $420,800)
3. 1-Year Price Growth: 0.81% (National: 4.28%)
4. Median Rent: $1,563 (National: $1,462)
5. 1-Year Rent Growth: 4.46% (National: 4.49%)
6. Median Days on Market: 34 (National: 45)
7. Estimated Monthly PITI: $2,010

In conclusion, house hacking presents a promising avenue for young professionals to embark on their real estate investment journey and achieve homeownership. By targeting lesser-known yet burgeoning markets, investors can unlock opportunities that align with their financial goals and aspirations. These markets, though not the most glamorous, provide a solid foundation for wealth-building through real estate. Embracing the underdog cities may well lead to long-term financial success for ambitious investors willing to explore the untapped potential of these markets.

So, take the plunge into house hacking, explore these promising markets, and pave the way for your journey towards financial prosperity and real estate investment success.

Step into the realm of real estate investing prepared and informed. Success awaits those who dare to dream and venture into the world of house hacking.

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Note By BiggerPockets: These are opinions written by the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions of BiggerPockets.