9 Cities Predicted to Become Unaffordable by 2027 | Real Estate Insights

Staying aware of local real estate trends is often touted as one of the top smart homeowner moves. For retirees, or those nearing retirement, relocating often means keeping an eye on hot markets where home prices are expected to spike.

To help you plan, we consulted real estate experts around the country for predictions on nine cities that are likely to become unaffordable by 2027.

Montclair, New Jersey

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Areas in northern New Jersey that are popular for people relocating out of New York City (but hoping to stay nearby), such as Montclair, are expected to stay in high demand and continue commanding higher home prices, according to Daniel Smith, team lead at Smith Realty Team.

"Retirees and pre-retirees are also targeting these towns because of their vibrant downtowns, access to health care, and cultural amenities, which makes competition even stronger," he says.

Nashville, Tennessee

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Nashville attracted numerous new residents during the pandemic years, offering a lively city experience with plenty to do, alongside lower taxes and a more affordable cost of living compared to many other major metro areas.

While home prices have come down slightly over the past year, the average home value still sits around $443,000, and real estate experts don't expect supply to meet the demand, or a reduction in those inflated home prices, any time soon.

Nashua, New Hampshire

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Nashua is a desirable place to buy for many reasons. Realtor Carla Gericke, with Porcupine Real Estate, attributes this to "no income tax, easy access to Boston, and that elusive small-town feel with real community bones."

"But today, Nashua's median home price has soared to the $500,000 to $550,000 range, and demand keeps outpacing supply," she says.

Gericke urges retirees looking to buy in the state to act quickly or venture outside the bigger cities to find better deals.

Phoenix, Arizona

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Arizona has long been a top destination for retirees hoping to escape the cold and bask in the dry heat and beauty of the desert skies. Yet Fred Loguidice, a real estate expert and founder of several home-buying companies, says that home demand is outpacing supply, making it a market that is likely to stay competitive in the future.

"In markets like Phoenix, fewer homes are being built while demand persists, so prices consistently escalate," he says.

Buffalo, New York

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Loguidice also points to Northeast hubs like the Buffalo metro area. While Zillow puts the average home price at a moderate $245,000, home values in the area have been increasing.

"That momentum is a hard habit to break," he says, noting its affordability and surging job opportunities make it a top choice for relocation for people in the region, and beyond.

Athens, Georgia

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Athens is about 60 miles northeast of Atlanta and attracts many buyers and visitors alike with its lively college town atmosphere, excellent dining scene, and more.

While Georgia is often cited as a top spot to retire, thanks to the weather and lower cost of living, real estate trends indicate home prices will continue to climb throughout the next year or so. Prices have gone up over the past year, with the average currently sitting at $338,000.

Tampa, Florida

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Florida boasts many affordable cities and tax incentives for retirees, but those considering Tampa may want to reassess.

Omer Reiner, realtor and president of Florida Cash Home Buyers, says home prices in the city are already high, and rising insurance costs are putting many popular areas out of reach.

"This is especially true for those nearing or at retirement, as higher costs of living when you are on any type of fixed income means you are spending more for less," he says.

Des Moines, Iowa

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Iowa isn't particularly known for its excessive home prices, but demand has been on the rise in Des Moines, according to real estate investor Jacob Naig, particularly for homes popular with retirees.

"Single-family homes, as well as small multi-family properties and single-level ranch-style homes that are particularly desirable to aging buyers, have seen a substantial rise in demand," he says.

Ontario, Oregon

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Many cities in the Pacific Northwest have seen rapidly rising home prices, and Ontario, which sits on the border of Oregon and Idaho, is no different. With stunning desert views, mountain ranges, and more, it's a haven for outdoorsy types.

But recent real estate trends indicate it could be unaffordable in the coming years. Average home prices have risen steadily over the past year and currently sit at $305,000.

Bottom line

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Choosing the best and most cost-efficient area to spend your golden years plays a key role in setting yourself up for a stress-free retirement. In some of the above cities, the right move might be to buy now before prices skyrocket over the next year or so.

"For anyone considering relocating, especially retirees looking to lock in long-term housing, now is the window before prices move further out of reach," Smith says of the north Jersey markets he works in.

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