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The 10 Most Expensive Cities in the U.S. in 2026

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Key takeaways San Francisco, Anaheim, and Los Angeles are the most expensive cities in the U.S., where median earners need to spend 70% or more of their income on housing. The majority of the most expensive places to live are located on the coasts—led by California, which accounts for seven of the top ten priciest cities. House prices skyrocketed during the pandemic and have only recently started to level out, straining budgets and putting a lid on demand in many places. Buying a house today is a pipe dream for many Americans. Monthly housing payments have hovered near record highs for years as mortgage rates and house prices remain elevated following the pandemic surge. The typical homebuyer today spends nearly 40% of their income on housing, according to Redfin data —well above the recommended threshold. To adapt, many people are instead choosing to rent long-term or leaning on family for help with down payments.  Nearly all of the country’s most expensive major housing mar...
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The 10 Most Affordable Cities in the U.S. in 2026

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Key takeaways Little Rock, AR, Oklahoma City, and Indianapolis are the most affordable cities in the U.S. , where locals need to spend around 26% of their income on housing. The Midwest and East Coast are home to a majority of the cheapest places to live, although they’re also becoming increasingly competitive. Home prices are still rising in many parts of the country, but slower price growth is helping affordability improve in most markets. Housing affordability is one of the biggest challenges for Americans in 2026. Home prices grew exponentially during the pandemic housing boom, and while growth has slowed in the last year, a majority of people are still spending an outsized share of their income on housing. The typical homebuyer today spends nearly 40% of their income on monthly housing payments, according to Redfin data — well above the traditional affordability benchmark.  Still, some cities are more affordable than others. In many Midwest and Northeast metros, lower hom...
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Where Is Housing Affordability Improving?

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Key Takeaways Housing affordability is improving in most U.S. cities, led by San Jose, Seattle, and Oxnard, CA. Costs are falling the fastest in pricey coastal metros, as well as some Sun Belt markets that overheated during the pandemic. Nationwide, affordability has been slowly increasing since 2023 as wages climb faster than house prices and supply and demand level out. Housing costs have hovered near all-time highs since the pandemic, straining budgets and slowing the market to a crawl. The median sale price recently reached $407,730 , the typical monthly payment has topped $2,600 , and homebuyers need to spend 37% of their income to comfortably afford a median-priced home.  Given this, it might be surprising to hear that housing affordability has actually improved since 2025, according to a recent Redfin report . That’s because incomes have been growing faster than housing costs as inflation has settled down, helping affordability slowly improve.  So, where is housing affo...
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Where Should I Move To? How to Find the Best Place to Live

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You know you’re ready for a change. The harder question is: Where should I move to? You could look at a ranking of the best cities or states in America, but someone else’s No. 1 destination may be completely wrong for you. Housing costs, job opportunities, family, healthcare, schools, weather, and lifestyle can all influence where you’ll be happiest. And Americans move for very different reasons. According to United Van Lines’ 2025 National Movers Study , being closer to family was the leading reason for interstate moves at 29%, followed by a new job or company transfer at 26% and retirement at 14%. Rather than simply giving you a list of popular destinations, this guide will help you identify your priorities, research potential places to live, and narrow down where you might want to put down new roots. Start Making Offers Without Waiting to Sell Your Home Through our ...
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Common Reasons People Move to Retirement Communities

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Retirement looks different for everyone, and so does the ideal place to call home. While some people stay in their current home for decades, others choose to move to a retirement community that better fits their lifestyle, priorities, and future plans. From PNW coastal cities like Seaside, OR to warmer Southern regions like Jacksonville, FL , today’s retirement communities offer much more than age-qualified housing. Residents could find new opportunities to connect with neighbors, enjoy shared amenities, simplify home maintenance, or downsize into a home that better matches their needs. Understanding the different types of retirement communities – and why people choose them – can help you decide if this type of move is right for you or even someone you love. What are the different types of retirement communities? Retirement communities come in several forms, each offering a different living experience. As SeniorGuidance.org explains, “There are many different types of retir...
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12 Expert Tips for Showing Your House to Potential Buyers

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A showing is your home’s chance to make a first impression in person. Whether buyers visit through a private showing, a lockbox tour with their agent, or an open house , they’re deciding if the home feels right for them, not just on paper but in real life. That’s why showings matter. Listing photos may get buyers through the door, but an in-person visit is where they notice the layout, natural light, storage space, and overall condition. As Joe DePauw , a top-performing real estate agent in Illinois, says, “Sometimes, in this market, we can’t wait 24 hours to plan out a showing; people want to see the listing the same day — and, as a seller, you have to be in tune with that.” Fortunately, getting your home ready doesn’t have to be complicated. These tips for showing your house will help you create a clean, comfortable, and welcoming space so buyers can focus on the home and picture themselves living there. ...
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How Much Value Does Central Air Add to Your Home?

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When homeowners think about upgrades that add value , they often picture a remodeled kitchen , a new bathroom , or fresh landscaping . But some of the best improvements are the ones that make a home more comfortable day after day. Central air may not be the first upgrade that comes to mind, but it can be a feature that buyers appreciate when they’re searching for a home. So, how much value does central air add to your home? Let’s take a closer look at how this upgrade can impact comfort, buyer appeal, and resale value. Partner With a Top Local Agent Who Knows What Buyers Want If you’re selling a house without central air, consulting with a top agent who knows what buyers want in your market can help ensure that the improvements you make are worth the investment. Find a Top Agent Does central air add value to a home? ...
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