Realtors Predict These 9 Cities Will Become Unaffordable in the Next 10 Years

If you're planning on buying a home in the next decade, keeping an eye on the housing market is a good idea. Unfortunately, in many cities, rising home prices could put homeownership out of reach for many in the coming years.

In this guide, realtors share which cities they expect to become unaffordable within the next 10 years.

Editor's note: All housing data comes from Zillow, unless otherwise stated.

Average home prices: $581,864

"Miami already has one of the widest gaps between home prices and local incomes in the country, and I don't see that changing," says Jon Brooks, co-founder of Momentum Realty.

A few potential reasons for the skyrocketing prices include strong demand and limited developable land.

Average home prices: $330,858

In recent years, new residents have flocked to Greenville, in part due to the city's affordability. But the relatively low costs might change in the near future.

"As more buyers relocate from higher-cost markets, they'll continue putting upward pressure on home prices that local incomes may struggle to match," says Brooks.

Average home prices: $374,802

"Knoxville has benefited from Tennessee's favorable tax environment and steady in-migration," says Brooks. But with inventory remaining flat, incoming households frommore expensive states are able to spend more than many local households can afford.

Unless housing supply is significantly increased, it's possible Knoxville won't be an affordable place to live within the next decade.

Average home prices: $596,033

The southern charm that permeates Charleston is hard to beat. Not surprisingly, this beautiful city attracts a crowd. But as people flood into the area, housing prices are climbing.

"Charleston continues to attract retirees, remote workers, and higher-income transplants, while geographic constraints limit how quickly housing supply can expand," says Brooks, "That imbalance is likely to keep upward pressure on home prices, causing affordability to worsen for buyers relying on local wage growth alone."

Average home prices: $536,407

Home to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor attracts lots of talented people to the area. But the swelling ranks of highly-paid workers have also led to rising home prices.

"The university and high tech companies keep pushing the price up," says Micheal Perna, leader of The Perna Team Realtors.

It's possible homeownership will feel out of reach for many Ann Arbor residents within the next decade.

Average home prices: $750,135

Situated north of Detroit, Birmingham's housing market is already rather expensive. "You'd be hard-pressed to find a home with updates below 1.1 million," says Perna.

With growing demand for homes in the city, it's likely home prices will rise in the coming years.

Average home prices: $436,519

In recent years, newcomers have been flooding into Music City. It's not surprising that people want to move here based on its fun reputation. But the influx may make the town unaffordable in the near future.

"As more money moves in from across state lines from affluent buyers, the people that live and work here won't be able to afford to stay," says Thomas O'Shaughnessy, vice president at Clever Real Estate.

Average home prices: $859,406

Sun seekers have long sought refuge in the endless sunshine of Scottsdale. But the continual influx puts pressure on the housing market.

"As rich and wealthy retired individuals, remote workers and investors pour into the city there isn't enough supply to meet the demand for those who want to live and breathe there," says O'Shaughnessy.

Average home prices: $732,988

Since the pandemic era, Bozeman has seen a major increase in housing demand.

"With its natural beauty and lifestyle drawing affluent remote workers and tech professionals, average workers like teachers or those working in health and education services, can't keep pace with outside buying power," says O'Shaughnessy.

Buying a home is a major financial milestone. While it might be tempting to jump into homeownership to beat the rising prices, it's usually not a good idea to make this significant financial commitment until you're ready.

If you're working with a tight budget, consider cleaning up your finances and building a safety net before you take on a mortgage.