10 Sleepy Towns Where Gen Z Is Snapping up Homes

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New Generation Z homeowners
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Members of Generation Z may soon move to a town near you.

This group of young Americans — the oldest of whom are now between the ages of 18 and 27 — are moving to more affordable cities and towns in hopes of scoring a good deal on a home, according to new Realtor.com analysis.

Nationwide, the median list price for a home was a hefty $424,900 in March. However, Gen Zers can find much better deals if they are willing to pick up stakes and move to more affordable areas.

Realtor.com says members of Gen Z are snapping up homes in the following surprisingly quiet places.

1. Jacksonville, North Carolina

Birds flying over Pier Topsail Island Beach in Jacksonville, North Carolina.
Anya Douglas / Shutterstock.com

Share of homebuyers from Generation Z: 17.91%

Median home list price: $330,000 as of March

Estimated population: 70,000

Jacksonville is home to three major beaches, but you won’t pay the premium prices that you often encounter in other waterfront towns. The weather is mild, and you will find plenty of restaurants and shops.

2. Elkhart, Indiana

RV/MH Hall of Fame Museum in Elkhart, Indiana.
Cheri Alguire / Shutterstock.com

Share of homebuyers from Generation Z: 17.86%

Median home list price: $295,000 as of March

Estimated population: 54,000

Elkhart is an ideal location for those who want affordable living while maintaining access to bigger cities. Chicago is just two hours away, while Indianapolis is a little closer to a three-hour drive. Local college and universities also dot the region.

3. Lima, Ohio

Allen County Courthouse in Lima, Ohio
Jonathan Weiss / Shutterstock.com

Share of homebuyers from Generation Z: 17.44%

Median home list price: $212,500 as of March

Estimated population: 35,000

Located between Toledo and Dayton, Ohio, Lima has an exceptionally low cost of living. Once a thriving manufacturing center, it has fallen on harder times in recent years. However, its location is central to many other markets and the future looks brighter.

The rest of the top 10

Bridge over the Cedar River in Waterloo, Iowa
Sam Wagner / Shutterstock.com

Generation Z is also flocking to the following cities with low median home prices:

  • Waterloo, Iowa: $280,450
  • Cumberland, Maryland: $158,000
  • Watertown, New York: $235,000
  • St. Joseph, Missouri: $169,900
  • Hinesville, Georgia: $282,000
  • Dubuque, Iowa: $308,750
  • St. Cloud, Minnesota: $350,000

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