America’s Top 10 Suburbs for Homebuyers

For many families, big cities are too expensive to live in. Suburbs often provide a better balance of cost and quality of life — but they aren’t all created equal.

Niche, a housing and school data platform, has released a list of the best suburbs to buy a house, using federal and local government data plus its own.

Following are the best suburbs in America to buy a home.

10. Granger, Indiana

Nearest major city to this suburb: South Bend, Indiana

Overall grade for this suburb: A+

Public schools grade for this suburb: A

This suburb is close to the Michigan border and has a population of more than 30,000 — more than a quarter of whom are under age 18, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

9. Sorrento, Louisiana

Nearest major city to this suburb: Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Overall grade for this suburb: A-

Public schools grade for this suburb: A

The Baton Rouge area is one of few where rent hasn’t surged dramatically in recent years and was one of few areas where rental prices actually fell in 2022. This suburb between Baton Rouge and New Orleans is kind to homebuyers too.

8. Northlake, South Carolina

Nearest major city to this suburb: Anderson, South Carolina

Overall grade for this suburb: A

Public schools grade for this suburb: A-

The metro area that Northlake sits in was named one of the top housing markets for 2023.

7. Level Green, Pennsylvania

Nearest major city to this suburb: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Overall grade for this suburb: A

Public schools grade for this suburb: A

Pittsburgh is one of the best housing markets for first-time homebuyers. Level Green is a quiet corner of it, according to Niche, with a population of around 4,000 and “a rural feel.”

6. McMurray, Pennsylvania

Nearest major city to this suburb: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Overall grade for this suburb: A+

Public schools grade for this suburb: A+

Another burb of the ‘burgh, McMurray has a cost of living about 8% higher than the U.S. in general. That’s reflected in the median income of just over $89,000.

5. Grandview, Ohio

Nearest major city to this suburb: Cincinnati, Ohio

Overall grade for this suburb: A-

Public schools grade for this suburb: B

In 2022, Cincy was named one of the best cities to own a vacation rental. It stands to reason its suburbs would be a good place to buy a home of your own.

4. Avonia, Pennsylvania

Nearest major city to this suburb: Erie, Pennsylvania

Overall grade for this suburb: A

Public schools grade for this suburb: A+

Erie is named for the Great Lake it borders, but this suburb shares a name with a type of succulent plant. It has a population of about 1,700, and Niche considers it the best suburb in Pennsylvania to buy a home.

3. Salem, Arkansas

Nearest major city to this suburb: Little Rock, Arkansas

Overall grade for this suburb: A-

Public schools grade for this suburb: A

Little Rock is one of the year’s best cities for first-time homebuyers, and this suburb is considered a great one for families. It has a population of about 2,200.

2. Meadowbrook, Alabama

Nearest major city to this suburb: Birmingham, Alabama

Overall grade for this suburb: A+

Public schools grade for this suburb: A

Meadowbrook is larger than several suburbs on this list, with a population approaching 10,000. Its parent city Birmingham is among the most affordable in the country for retirees.

1. Larkin Charter Township, Michigan

Nearest major city to this suburb: Midland, Michigan

Overall grade for this suburb: A+

Public schools grade for this suburb: A

Niche considers this the best suburb in the country for homebuyers. And if you find anything lacking, just speak up. “If you have any suggestions for making our Township more desirable, we would like to hear from you,” the township website says.