The 15 Best Up-and-Coming U.S. Cities in 2025

Up-and-Coming Cities, Ranked | Top 15 Up-and-Coming Midsize Cities | Best of the Rest | Rankings by Category | Up-and-Coming Small Cities | Up-and-Coming Large Towns | Methodology

For generations, iconic urban centers such as New York and Los Angeles have lured countless Americans to their domain with promises of career opportunities and countless entertainment options. But as these cities become increasingly crowded and ridiculously expensive, Americans are rethinking what makes a great place to live. 

Cities that were once overlooked as too quiet are becoming new destinations for Americans who want more affordable living. Thanks to the influx of residents, these cities are now bustling with new businesses, jobs, and cultural opportunities.

To identify the up-and-coming cities most likely to attract Americans in 2025, we analyzed 150 U.S. metros — which rank 51st through 200th in population — based on housing prices, population age, educational attainment, unemployment, and more. 

After ranking the top 50 metros, we found that Madison, Wisconsin, is shaping up to be the best emerging city in 2025 — followed by Fargo, North Dakota, and Lincoln, Nebraska. 

Keep reading to find out which other midsize metros made our list of up-and-coming cities for 2025.

Up-and-Coming Cities, Ranked

Rank	City	Median Age of Residents	Median Household Income	Typical Home Price	Home-Price-to-Income Ratio*	Home Value Change, Last 12 Months	Home Value Change, Last 5 Years	Home Value Projection, Next 12 Months	% Adults With Bachelor's Degree	Walk Score**	Bike Score**	Unemployment Rate
–	National Avg.	39	$77,719	$359,892	4.6	2.7%	48.2%	1.1%	36.2%	40	45	4.4%
1	Madison, WI	37	$82,132	$410,758	5.0	5.45%	46.01%	0.2%	49.2%	50	66	2.1%
2	Fargo, ND	33	$72,889	$301,802	4.1	2.09%	23.76%	-2.6%	42.9%	45	49	2.3%
3	Lincoln, NE	35	$71,163	$285,609	4.0	1.60%	40.78%	-0.2%	42.0%	44	59	2.6%
4	Provo, UT	26	$100,791	$526,689	5.2	0.79%	48.06%	-0.2%	45.4%	45	63	4%
5	New Haven, CT	41	$80,733	$371,447	4.6	8.03%	63.64%	3%	42.4%	68	66	3.3%
6	Omaha, NE	37	$81,376	$286,917	3.5	2.52%	47.80%	0.4%	40.1%	48	42	2.9%
7	Ann Arbor, MI	36	$83,754	$401,888	4.8	3.30%	29.40%	-1.5%	60.2%	52	71	4.2%
8	Fayetteville, AR	35	$77,695	$341,267	4.4	3.47%	66.85%	2.8%	36.6%	32	50	2.6%
9	Portland, ME	44	$92,117	$517,768	5.6	3.81%	66.23%	3%	48.0%	62	68	2.2%
10	Hartford, CT	41	$92,176	$364,106	4.0	8.51%	58.39%	2.5%	42.5%	67	54	3.5%
11	Savannah, GA	37	$75,196	$340,561	4.5	6.37%	68.24%	2.8%	37.2%	44	52	3.8%
12	Gainesville, FL	35	$59,290	$303,193	5.1	2.07%	53.22%	0.9%	43.3%	37	69	3.9%
13	Boulder, CO	38	$95,363	$727,478	7.6	-0.03%	34.86%	-1.9%	65.4%	56	86	4.1%
14	Des Moines, IA	37	$82,728	$281,118	3.4	2.97%	34.45%	-1.2%	39.8%	45	39	3.4%
15	Ogden, UT	33	$100,461	$493,061	4.9	1.73%	55.38%	1.2%	35.3%	44	44	3.7%
16	Fort Collins, CO	37	$88,182	$551,486	6.3	1.22%	34.52%	-1.5%	52.9%	37	78	3.9%
17	Manchester, NH	41	$103,727	$483,913	4.7	6.92%	64.87%	2.9%	42.8%	51	42	3%
18	College Station, TX	29	$54,680	$299,406	5.5	1.12%	33.26%	-1.5%	39.7%	34	62	3.6%
19	Bridgeport, CT	41	$111,058	$624,506	5.6	7.19%	53.09%	1.4%	51.9%	66	49	3.6%
20	Lansing, MI	36	$70,007	$231,338	3.3	5.59%	43.71%	0.3%	37.9%	46	55	4.4%
21	Boise City, ID	38	$82,526	$471,628	5.7	3.01%	58.90%	0.3%	37.4%	38	62	3.6%
22	Albany, NY	41	$82,410	$335,347	4.1	6.08%	43.83%	0.3%	41.3%	65	55	3.7%
23	Huntsville, AL	38	$84,929	$304,778	3.6	-0.51%	55.84%	0.9%	44.6%	24	40	2.8%
24	Harrisburg, PA	40	$76,758	$284,637	3.7	3.72%	46.03%	0.7%	37.1%	68	57	3.8%
25	Lancaster, PA	39	$80,067	$352,096	4.4	4.04%	49.22%	1.3%	31.6%	81	58	3.6%
26	Rochester, NY	41	$73,294	$255,005	3.5	7.37%	62.21%	2.2%	38.5%	61	60	4%
27	Syracuse, NY	40	$73,268	$237,809	3.2	10.32%	63.06%	2.5%	36.4%	57	48	4%
28	Honolulu, HI	40	$103,131	$868,820	8.4	0.10%	28.71%	-1.6%	39.6%	66	51	3%
29	Kalamazoo, MI	35	$67,191	$263,202	3.9	3.49%	43.75%	0%	42.6%	47	50	4.7%
30	Anchorage, AK	36	$94,150	$379,362	4.0	1.29%	19.20%	-3.3%	36.2%	31	52	3.6%
31	Santa Maria, CA	35	$91,197	$974,812	10.7	5.30%	62.03%	1.3%	36.1%	52	54	4.6%
32	Appleton, WI	40	$83,966	$316,058	3.8	4.89%	51.95%	1.2%	31.6%	44	51	2.3%
33	Lexington, KY	37	$70,027	$295,237	4.2	5.13%	52.45%	1.1%	44.5%	34	46	4.3%
33	Trenton, NJ	40	$96,152	$421,181	4.4	8.32%	58.44%	2.1%	45.2%	68	56	4.9%
35	Tulsa, OK	38	$65,561	$234,998	3.6	3.95%	52.72%	1.5%	30.9%	39	47	3.5%
36	Durham, NC	38	$83,280	$409,402	4.9	2.32%	57.98%	1%	54.7%	30	38	3.8%
36	Green Bay, WI	40	$76,171	$313,691	4.1	6.53%	56.88%	1.9%	30.1%	42	47	2.4%
38	Tallahassee, FL	36	$63,993	$276,012	4.3	2.10%	45.67%	-0.2%	40.5%	30	45	3.9%
39	Springfield, MO	37	$62,921	$254,754	4.0	2.75%	58.76%	1.6%	29.3%	39	51	3.4%
40	Tucson, AZ	40	$69,758	$348,697	5.0	2.27%	55.58%	0.3%	36.8%	43	66	3.9%
41	Wichita, KS	37	$67,434	$213,841	3.2	5.78%	54.04%	1%	32.2%	35	44	4.1%
42	Colorado Springs, CO	36	$89,792	$455,717	5.1	0.58%	41.33%	-1.1%	44.2%	36	45	4.5%
43	Charleston, SC	39	$85,165	$437,115	5.1	4.34%	58.93%	1.1%	42.2%	40	50	4.6%
44	Lubbock, TX	33	$57,093	$204,414	3.6	-1.47%	35.85%	-1.6%	30.1%	39	43	3.7%
45	Sioux Falls, SD	37	$76,226	$331,606	4.4	2.81%	44.99%	0.5%	38.5%	38	46	4.4%**
46	Pensacola, FL	39	$78,315	$304,255	3.9	0.71%	59.24%	0.8%	32.2%	36	47	3.7%
47	Albuquerque, NM	40	$67,640	$334,439	4.9	3.95%	61.30%	2.2%	35.7%	43	61	4.3%
48	Binghamton, NY	40	$64,035	$183,900	2.9	9.05%	52.62%	1.5%	30.0%	55	51	4.3%
49	Amarillo, TX	36	$63,994	$206,039	3.2	1.82%	42.81%	-0.3%	26.5%	40	42	3.4%
50	Dayton, OH	39	$67,070	$230,250*	3.4	5.32%*	50.45%*	1.1%**	33.8%	45	47	4.4%

Top 15 Up-and-Coming Cities

1. Madison, WI

Mad City residents are known for their love of cheese, football, and the unconventional, but that's not all the city has to offer. Madison is home to a top-10 research institution in the University of Wisconsin, which has produced a highly educated populace. Nearly half of adults (49%) over 25 years old have a bachelor's degree, which is the sixth-highest percentage in our study. 

Madison retains and draws talented individuals to the city with its impressive food and arts scene, as well as its outdoor activities. The summers are worth enduring the brutal winters, with the city's lakes attracting boaters, swimmers, and stand-up paddleboarders. Walking and biking trails connect the city's attractions, and many residents opt to use this green transportation when possible. In fact, Madison has the ninth-highest bikeability score of 66, compared to 45 among all cities studied.

The cost of housing in Madison is slightly higher than the national average, with a home-price-to-income ratio of 5.0, compared to 4.6. But those who do own a home have experienced a big return on their investment. Home values have risen about 5.5% in the past year — double the national increase of 2.7%. 

» Read more about the real estate market in Wisconsin

2. Fargo, ND

The Oscar-winning movie may have made Fargo famous, but this hidden gem has always had a lot to offer residents.

Americans who put down roots on the Great Plains will find that their dollars stretch further. The typical home price in Fargo is roughly $301,800 — about 16% less than the national average of $359,892.

Affordable housing costs are a big draw for financially challenged young people. The average resident is 33 years old, making Fargo's population the second youngest among cities in the top 15.

Fargo is a great place to start a career, with thriving agricultural, health care, and technology industries. Plus, jobs are plentiful with an unemployment rate of just 2.3%. That's the third-lowest rate among the top 50 cities and about half the national rate of 4.4%.

» Read more about the real estate market in North Dakota

3. Lincoln, NE

This little town on the prairie has a bright future. As home to the University of Nebraska, the state's flagship educational institution, Lincoln equips the next generation of workers to succeed in the local job market and beyond.

Lincoln has a number of tech companies, and with 42% of the adult population 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree, CEOs are eager to hire from the local talent pool. The unemployment rate in Lincoln is the sixth lowest among the top 50 cities at just 2.6%, compared to 4.6% nationwide.

Students flock to the city to attend the University of Nebraska, but they stay for the low cost of living. The typical home costs about $285,600, which is nearly 21% less than the national average cost of $359,892.

» Read more about the real estate market in Nebraska

4. Provo, UT

Surrounded by mountains in the heart of the Utah Valley, Provo's natural beauty and vibrant city life have made it one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S.

Provo is a nature lover's dream with an abundance of outdoor activities, such as hiking, rafting, and skiing. There are also a number of mountain bike trails and city bike paths that have helped the city earn an above-average bikeability rating of 63 — the ninth-highest score among the top 50 cities.

Central to Provo's identity is Brigham Young University, which attracts a large population of young people. In fact, Provo has the youngest population among all cities studied, with the average resident coming in at just 26 years of age.

Residents are also highly educated, with 45% of adults 25 years and older holding at least a bachelor's degree. Meanwhile, just 36% of residents in the average city have achieved that level of education.

» Read more about the real estate market in Utah

5. New Haven, CT

New Haven is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, New York and Boston, but the city is emerging as a destination in its own right. 

Yale University fuels the city's vibrant cultural scene, providing residents with access to art, theater, music, and libraries. The university provides many of the city's jobs and makes the area attractive to employees with advanced degrees. About 42% of adults over 25 years old hold at least a bachelor's degree, compared to 36% nationwide.

What's more, New Haven has an unemployment rate of just 3.3%, which is about 25% lower than the national average of 4.4%.

For all its charm, New Haven remains relatively affordable despite home values growing by 8% over the past year. That's 3x faster than the national rate of 2.7%.

Homes in New Haven cost just 3% more than the national average at $371,447, and those who can buy now are poised to benefit from a big boost in equity. Over the next year, home values are projected to rise 3% — the highest rate of expected home appreciation during that time period.  

» Read more about the real estate market in Connecticut

6. Omaha, NE

If Warren Buffett made his fortune in Omaha, you can bet it's a pretty great place to live and work. 

In addition to Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway, Omaha is home to a number of Fortune 500 companies that provide plenty of jobs for the local population. Omaha's unemployment rate is just 2.9%, which is 34% lower than the national rate of 4.4%.

These well-paying jobs provide residents with higher-than-average salaries. The median household earns $81,376 a year — about 5% more than the median household income nationwide ($77,719).

Meanwhile, the typical home price of $286,917 is 20% lower than the national average — making Omaha one of the most affordable locales among all cities studied.

7. Ann Arbor, MI

Midwest magic comes to life in Ann Arbor, with an innovative culinary scene, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a thriving tech and business community.

The downtown area is a great place to shop and dine, made even better by its walkability. With an extensive network of sidewalks and trails, the entire city has an above-average walkability score of 52, compared to 40 nationwide.

Its bike score is even better at 71, which is the third-highest score among the top 50 cities. With more than 90 miles of bike lanes, cycling is a great way to discover all that Ann Arbor has to offer. 

The University of Michigan is an attraction in and of itself. The campus has museums, art galleries, and the largest stadium in the U.S. — and the third largest in the world. It's also home to some of the most driven students, with 60% of the adult population over 25 years old holding a bachelor's degree or higher. That's the second-highest academic achievement rate among the top 50 cities, only behind Boulder, Colorado. 

» Read more about the real estate market in Michigan

8. Fayetteville, AR

Fayetteville may seem like a funky little town nestled in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, but don't be fooled. This city is a national economic powerhouse. 

The Northwest Arkansas region is home to three Fortune 500 companies: Tyson Foods, J.B. Hunt Transportation, and Walmart — the world's largest retailer. Fueled by these major companies, Fayetteville's business scene is booming. Only 2.6% of the population is unemployed, compared to 4.4% nationwide.

Drawn to these jobs, new residents have flocked to the area, leading to a surge in home values. Homeowners received a boost to their net worth as property values rose 67% in the last five years. That's the second-fastest rate among the top 50 cities.

In the past year, Fayetteville home values have continued to rise at an above-average rate of 3.5%. Growth is projected to slow to 2.8% over the next 12 months, but that's still the fourth-fastest rate among the top 50 cities and 2.5x faster than the national rate of 1.1%.

» Read more about the real estate market in Arkansas

9. Portland, ME

Americans may be more familiar with Portland, Oregon, but if they set their sights to the east, they'll find another Portland that may be even better. 

From beaches to mountains to forests, Portland isn't lacking in nearby natural beauty, and it's easy to explore these landscapes by bicycle or on foot. Among the top 50 cities, Portland's bike score is the fifth highest at 68, and its walk score is the ninth highest at 62. Meanwhile, the average city scores just a 45 and 40, respectively. 

Americans drawn to all that Portland has to offer will find higher-than-average home prices, but the investment will be worth it as the city's popularity rises. In the next year, home values are projected to rise 3% — the fastest rate among the top 50 cities.

Those moving to Portland without a job shouldn't have trouble finding one. The unemployment rate is just 2.2%, which is half the national rate of 4.4%. That's the second-lowest rate among the top 50 cities behind Madison, Wisconsin.

» Read more about the real estate market in Maine

10. Hartford, CT

Hartford is one of the oldest cities in America, but it has plenty of new urban amenities. In addition to the historical attractions, Hartford has revamped its city with convention centers, entertainment venues, and galleries, with more development on the way. 

Home values are rising in the face of such positive momentum. In the past year, they've grown 8.5% — more than triple the national rate of 2.7%. What's more, a projected increase of 2.5% is expected over the next 12 months. That's nearly 2.3x more than the expected rate of 1.1% nationwide.

Although home prices are slightly higher than average at $364,106, workers enjoy high salaries, with the median household bringing home more than $92,000 a year — 19% more than the national average ($77,719).

The state government, as well as insurance and health care companies, are major employers that help keep the local economy humming. The unemployment rate of 3.5% is about 20% lower than the national average of 4.4%. 

11. Savannah, GA

Savannah is one of the oldest cities in the United States, but its historic exterior belies a modern city with growing economic opportunities. 

Major companies have been lured to the city, while others like Gulfstream Aerospace have expanded there, bringing new jobs to the city. The unemployment rate in Savannah is just 3.8%, compared to the studied-city average of 4.4%. 

Savannah's job opportunities and warm climate, as well as its thriving arts and culinary scene, have drawn thousands of new residents. Although the typical home price is still slightly below average at $340,561, the price has increased 6.4% in the past year — nearly 2.5x the national rate (2.7%). 

With Savannah's popularity on the rise, home values will likely continue to increase. In the next 12 months, they are projected to rise 2.8% — the fifth-highest rate among the top 50 cities.

» Read more about the real estate market in Georgia

12. Gainesville, FL

Swamps are usually characterized by slow-moving water, but this one is making waves. Gainesville is becoming an attractive economic hub to rival Florida's larger cities. 

The state's flagship education institution, the University of Florida, provides a steady supply of highly skilled workers and researchers, with 43% of adults over 25 years old holding at least a bachelor's degree, compared to 36% nationwide.

Many alumni stay in town to start their own businesses and provide jobs to the community, along with the university and its health care system. The unemployment rate in Gainesville is 3.9%, compared to 4.4% nationwide. 

Outside of the office, many of Gainesville's recreational opportunities revolve around nature. The 16-mile Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail is a favorite among cyclists and helps the city earn an above-average bike score of 62, compared to 45 among all cities studied.

» Read more about the real estate market in Florida

13. Boulder, CO

Boulder has plenty of reasons to brag. Not only do the surrounding mountains provide a beautiful backdrop for this city, Boulder also boasts a robust dining scene, a flourishing art community, and some of the best schools in the U.S. 

Boulder is home to the University of Colorado, leading to a highly educated populace. Of the adult population 25 years of age or older, 65% have at least a bachelor's degree. That's the highest percentage among the top 50 cities.

With a large pool of local talent, major companies — such as Google, Apple, and Lockheed Martin — have expanded to Boulder, offering well-paying salaries to their employees. The median household in Boulder earns about $95,363 a year, which is 23% more than the national average ($77,719).

Even though residents make good money in Boulder, their dollars don't stretch as far in the expensive housing market. With home prices nearing $727,500, Boulder has the third-highest home-price-to-income ratio at 7.6, which prevents this city from moving up in the ranking.

» Read more about the real estate market in Colorado

14. Des Moines, IA

Although the American Dream of homeownership is increasingly out of reach in many American cities, home buyers may face fewer challenges in Des Moines. 

The median household brings home an above-average salary of $82,728 a year, while the typical home price is below average at $281,118. That has led to a home-price-to-income ratio of 3.4 — the lowest among the top 15 cities and 26% lower than the national average (4.6).

While residents will find housing at more affordable prices than America's urban centers, they won't have to sacrifice amenities. The city is an arts-and-culture destination in the Midwest, with several festivals such as the Des Moines Art Festival and the Iowa State Fair.

Des Moines is also home to major employers and startups in the agricultural, finance, and insurance field — meaning residents can count on finding a job they love. The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 3.4%, compared to 4.4% nationwide. 

» Read more about the real estate market in Iowa

15. Ogden, UT

The next generation of residents has made Ogden a boomtown once more thanks to intentional efforts to support local art and culture, such as the development of the Nine Rails Creative District.

This environment has not only made Ogden an attractive place for Americans to live, it has also enhanced the city's desirability as a place to do business. Some experts predict a spike in tech growth as nearby companies look for more affordable markets. The unemployment rate in Ogden is already 3.7%, compared to 4.4% nationwide. But the influx of jobs could drive that percentage even lower. 

Although the percentage of adults with at least a bachelor's degree is below average in Ogden at just 35%, workers from around the country could be lured to the city for higher salaries. The median household in Ogden earns $100,461 a year — the fifth-highest amount among the top 50 cities.

Best of the Rest

The U.S. is full of great cities that fly under the radar. With so much competition, not every city can rank in the top 15. But that doesn't mean these cities lack potential, they just fell below average in a few metrics, which kept them from ranking higher.

16. Fort Collins, CO

Fort Collins' focus on education has made this city an attractive destination for new residents. Locals enjoy a top-notch public school system, with many graduates enrolling in the local university, Colorado State University. The school supplies the community with a large pool of talented employees. Nearly 53% of the population 25 years and older has a bachelor's degree or higher, which is the fourth-highest educational attainment level among the top 50 cities. 

However, Fort Collins is an expensive place to live, with home values topping $550,000. Based on local incomes, homes are even more out of reach in Fort Collins than in other parts of the country. The home-price-to-income ratio is the fourth-highest at 6.3, compared to 4.6 nationwide.

17. Manchester, NH

Manchester is becoming a popular choice for those looking to relocate because of its career opportunities. Textiles once made this city an industrial hub in New England, but the modern economy has diversified to include an array of businesses in technology, health care, education, and manufacturing. Local residents earn the second-highest salaries among the top 50 cities at $103,727 a year — 33% more than the national average ($77,719). The best part is New Hampshire doesn't have state income tax, allowing residents to keep more of their hard-earned cash.

Like many cities in New England, the population tends to skew older. Manchester has the fifth-oldest population among the top 50 cities, with the median age coming in at 41 years old — potentially impacting future growth.

» Read more about the real estate market in New Hampshire

18. College Station, TX

Finding a community can play a major role in making a city feel like home. For young singles, College Station is one of the best places to meet people of a similar age. The median resident is 29 years old, making the College Station population the second youngest behind Provo, Utah.

Residents in this energetic Texas city are often students or recent graduates from Texas A&M University, which provides a stream of well-educated employees. Despite plenty of research and technology jobs in the area, College Station residents bring home a median salary of $54,680, the lowest of any city on our list — preventing this city from ranking higher.

» Read more about the real estate market in Texas

19. Bridgeport, CT

Although Bridgeport has historically struggled economically, recent redevelopment projects have attracted new businesses and increased job prospects in the city. Health care, education, and manufacturing provide good, high-paying jobs for residents. The median household income is more than $111,000 annually — the highest among the top 50 cities.

Despite high salaries, living in Bridgeport isn't cheap. The typical home costs about $624,500 — nearly 2x more than the studied-city average of $359,892. Housing is so expensive in Bridgeport that the home-price-to-income ratio is 5.6, compared to 4.6 nationwide.

20. Lansing, MI

Michigan's capital city is home to fantastic cultural performances, college sporting events, and outdoor recreational opportunities that are easy to enjoy thanks to a cost of living that is significantly lower than in other parts of the United States. 

The typical home price in Lansing is $231,338, which is 36% lower than the national average of $359,892. That's led to a home-price-to-income ratio of 3.3, which is the fifth-lowest among the top 50 cities.

Lansing could have ranked higher, but at 4.4%, residents are unemployed at the sixth-highest rate among the top 50 cities.

21. Boise, ID

Americans seeking the perks of city living and easy access to the great outdoors won't find a better spot than Idaho's capital city. Not only does Boise boast a booming downtown, it's also home to more than 180 miles of public trails that crisscross rivers, mountains, canyons, deserts, and lakes. The trails are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who love to hike or bike. In fact, Boise's bike score is an above-average 62, compared to 45 nationwide.

Although Boise is cheaper than other major metros in the West, it's still quite pricey for most Americans. The home-price-to-income ratio of 5.7 is the fifth-highest among the top 50 cities. Meanwhile, the average ratio among all cities studied is 4.6.

» Read more about the real estate market in Idaho

22. Albany, NY

Located about halfway between the Adirondack Mountains in the north and New York City and the Hudson Valley in the south, living in Albany can be a springboard to these attractions without the crowds or the cost. Compared to other markets in New York, Albany has relatively affordable housing. The typical home costs $335,347 — slightly lower than the average cost of $359,892 among all cities studied.

Yet as the capital of New York, the city often has a transient population as new governments are voted in and out. The population also skews older. The median age of an Albany resident is about 41 years old, which could pose a problem for area business growth as the aging population considers retirement.

» Read more about the real estate market in New York

23. Huntsville, AL

Huntsville may not seem like an up-and-coming city, but it's appealing to new residents with one of the strongest job markets in the country. The unemployment rate is just 2.8%, compared to 4.6% nationwide.

Known for its aerospace industry, major employers in the area pay an above-average salary of $84,929. When combined with housing costs that are 15% below the national average, Huntsville is one of the most affordable up-and-coming cities. The home-price-to-income ratio is 3.6, compared to 4.6 nationwide.

Huntsville, however, is held back by its dependency on vehicles for transportation. Among the top 50 cities, Huntsville has the worst walkability score of 24 and the third-worst bikeability score of 40. For comparison, the average city scored a 40 and 45, respectively. 

» Read more about the real estate market in Alabama

24. Harrisburg, PA

Outdoor enthusiasts have many ways to explore Harrisburg's natural beauty. Thanks to the network of trails along the Susquehanna River, Pennsylvania's capital has some of the highest walking and biking scores among the top 50 cities. It boasts the third-best walkability rating with a score of 68, compared to 40 nationwide. Likewise, its bike score is a 57, compared to 45 nationwide.

The downtown area is also friendly to pedestrians, but with modest entertainment options, young adults may be drawn to more vibrant cities nearby, such as Philadelphia, Baltimore, or Washington, D.C. Harrisburg has one of the oldest populations among the top 50 cities, with the age of the average resident coming it 40 years old.

» Read more about the real estate market in Pennsylvania

25. Lancaster, PA

Lancaster may be small — just 7 square miles — but that makes exploring on foot even easier. Whether you're walking down Gallery Row, shopping on Queen Street, or attending an event downtown, many of the city's main attractions are just a few blocks away. In fact, Lancaster's walkability score of 81 is the highest among the top 50 cities.

Although the local economy is relatively strong thanks to the agriculture and manufacturing industries, the city is held back by a lack of skilled labor. Just 32% of the population 25 years of age or older have at least a bachelor's degree.

Rankings by Category

Up-and-Coming Small Cities

Rank	City	Median Age of Residents	Median Household Income	Typical Home Price	Home-Price-to-Income Ratio	Home Value Change, Last 12 Months	Home Value Change, Last 5 Years	Home Value Projections, Next 12 Months	% Adults With a Bachelor's Degree	Walk Score	Bike Score	Unemployment Rate
–	National Avg.	39	$77,719	$359,892	4.6	2.7%	48.2%	1.1%	36.2%	40	45	4.4%
1	Iowa City, IA	33	$71,905	$284,837	4	1.77%	27.76%	-2.10%	50.70%	45	66	2.50%
2	Burlington, VT	39	$95,497	$468,993	4.9	2.66%	48.88%	0.80%	48.50%	59	81	2.10%
3	Logan, UT	27	$85,111	$443,494	5.2	-0.70%	57.73%	1.60%	41.60%	40	51	3.50%
4	State College, PA	34	$69,101	$327,174	4.7	1.94%	29.47%	-1%	47.60%	68	78	3.60%
5	Midland, TX	33	$92,934	$302,514	3.3	3.94%	10.03%	-4.30%	33.70%	42	40	2.80%
6	Oshkosh, WI	39	$69,957	$274,941	3.9	5.08%	47.87%	0.60%	35.30%	43	51	2.50%
7	Idaho Falls, ID	34	$75,824	$391,596	5.2	1.51%	63.33%	1.30%	32.10%	42	49	3%
8	Charlottesville, VA	42	$92,265	$441,130	4.8	4.96%	42.72%	0.20%	55.50%	58	57	3.20%
9	Champaign, IL	33	$62,092	$208,544	3.4	5.49%	31.77%	-1.10%	45.30%	52	65	4.80%
10	La Crosse, WI	41	$71,312	$295,837	4.1	4.69%	45.01%	0.50%	35.40%	54	66	2.30%
11	Northampton, MA	37	$79,969	$627,596*	7.8	6.09%*	48.37%*	1.1%**	50.20%	44	63	4.4%**
12	Columbia, MO	34	$69,375	$296,010	4.3	3.39%	50.85%	1%	49.00%	30	40	3.20%
13	Athens, GA	33	$67,364	$348,039	5.2	4.96%	66.12%	2.80%	46.70%	45	39	4.20%
14	Rochester, MN	39	$85,213	$316,567	3.7	1.92%	35.83%	-0.90%	42.80%	30	57	3%
15	Blacksburg, VA	36	$61,309	$267,621	4.4	2.19%	42.55%	-0.40%	35.40%	43	65	3.90%
16	Lafayette, IN	31	$61,349	$264,893	4.3	6.71%	55.10%	1.80%	37.40%	38	43	4.10%
17	Bloomington, IN	34	$58,666	$291,680	5	3.06%	46.37%	0.80%	47.70%	43	58	4.50%
18	Eau Claire, WI	38	$75,183	$301,263	4	4.07%	50.33%	0.50%	30.70%	36	48	2.50%
19	Bloomington, IL	35	$77,200	$235,843	3.1	5.42%	40.64%	0%	49.60%	35	47	4.80%
20	Lexington Park, MD	39	$116,297	$420,854*	3.6	2.47%*	32.69%*	1.1%**	36.30%	40**	45**	3.40%
21	Hattiesburg, MS	37	$55,336	$200,726	3.6	2.61%	30.60%	-2%	33.70%	34	48	2.80%
22	Kingston, NY	44	$85,878	$420,922	4.9	8.17%	77.17%	4.60%	39.10%	54	50	3.90%
23	Racine, WI	41	$73,978	$277,288	3.7	5.66%	46.92%	0.70%	26.90%	56	54	3.30%
24	Waterloo, IA	37	$62,381	$190,599	3.1	3.37%	31.88%	-1.70%	30.60%	37	47	3.70%
25	Topeka, KS	41	$65,301	$205,285	3.1	6.08%	57.89%	2%	29.70%	37	54	3.50%

Up-and-Coming Large Towns

Rank	City	Median Age of Residents	Median Household Income	Typical Home Price	Home-Price-to-Income Ratio	Home Value Change, Last 12 Months	Home Value Change, Last 5 Years	Home Value Projections, Next 12 Months	% Adults With a Bachelor's Degree	Walk Score	Bike Score	Unemployment Rate
–	National Avg.	39	$77,719	$359,892	4.6	2.7%	48.2%	1.1%	36.2%	40	45	4.4%
1	Ames, IA	31	$72,007	$248,831	3.5	0.14%	30.71%	-1.50%	48.30%	42	69	2.30%
2	Ithaca, NY	32	$67,247	$338,671	5	6.13%	48.73%	0.70%	60.60%	72	58	3.90%
3	Grand Forks, ND	34	$71,529	$248,751	3.5	1.80%	20.24%	-2.90%	32.00%	47	62	2.60%
4	Lawrence, KS	33	$66,997	$311,120	4.6	3.74%	48.28%	1.30%	53.20%	41	61	3.90%
5	Missoula, MT	38	$73,324	$563,153	7.7	2.63%	73.63%	3.10%	46.80%	45	60	3.30%
6	Bozeman, MT	35	$91,158	$707,060	7.8	5.26%	61.52%	1.20%	51.00%	47	62	4.4%**
7	Manhattan, KS	27	$63,033	$241,201	3.8	3.96%	31.34%	-1.10%	38.90%	39	54	3.70%
8	Mankato, MN	34	$69,016	$294,006	4.3	2.30%	34.55%	-0.60%	34.30%	40	51	3.20%
9	Flagstaff, AZ	33	$71,738	$621,673	8.7	3.24%	67.15%	1.90%	39.80%	39	65	4.30%
10	Morgantown, WV	35	$59,045	$231,249	3.9	3.02%	27.44%	-1.90%	38.90%	59	40	3.60%
11	Harrisonburg, VA	35	$76,250	$321,228	4.2	2.58%	43.92%	0.20%	30.80%	45	40	3.80%
12	Wausau, WI	41	$74,141	$240,554	3.2	4.93%	42.01%	-0.30%	27.90%	43	49	2.30%
13	Watertown, NY	34	$61,512	$214,496	3.5	7.26%	42.74%	0.20%	26.00%	51	43	4.30%
14	Lebanon, PA	41	$78,824	$283,424	3.6	4.11%	46.64%	0.80%	25.30%	67	55	3.60%
15	Bismarck, ND	39	$83,440	$330,736	4	2.01%	25.60%	-1.90%	38.50%	35	38	2.20%
16	Cheyenne, WY	38	$75,112	$366,667	4.9	1.17%	23.61%	-2.30%	33.40%	36	49	3.40%
17	Sheboygan, WI	43	$72,902	$285,320	3.9	7.13%	54.27%	1.50%	26.80%	40**	45**	2.20%
18	Anderson Creek, NC	36	$70,664	$329,341*	4.7	2.67%*	60.81%*	1.1%**	28.00%	40**	45**	4.4%**
19	Holland, MI	41	$78,779	$315,323	4	5.96%	51.78%	1.40%	29.80%	47	60	4.4%**
20	Fond du Lac, WI	42	$71,285	$263,977	3.7	6.75%	53.84%	1%	23.90%	44	50	2.90%
21	Lawton, OK	34	$56,680	$136,479	2.4	3.74%	40.06%	-0.30%	25.70%	34	40	3.90%
22	Eureka, CA	40	$61,621	$440,869	7.2	-3.19%	11.22%	-5%	36.10%	69	71	4.4%**
23	Salisbury, MD	37	$70,528	$420,231	6	0.68%	49.90%	1.10%	25.60%	44	44	3.80%
24	Kalispell, MT	42	$74,274	$642,013	8.6	4.49%	88.74%	3.20%	37.40%	42	46	4.4%**
25	Glens Falls, NY	46	$73,247	$293,548	4	6.17%	50.83%	1%	30.80%	40**	45**	3.50%

Methodology

Clever Real Estate evaluated a wide array of data sets to determine the best up-and-coming cities in America. The combined weighted average of each score determined the overall ranking:

• Unemployment rate (20%)
• Percent of population with a bachelor's degree or higher (20%)
• Median age (20%)
• Walkability (10%)
• Bikeability (10%)
• Median household income (5%)
• Home-value-to-income ratio (5%)
• Home price (2.5%)
• Home value change, past 12 months (2.5%)
• Home value change, past five years (2.5%)
• Home value projection, next 12 months (2.5%)

Data sources for this study included the U.S. Census, the American Community Survey, Zillow, WalkScore, Redfin, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

About Real Estate Witch

You shouldn’t need a crystal ball or magical powers to understand real estate. Since 2016, Real Estate Witch has demystified real estate through in-depth guides, honest company reviews, and data-driven research. In 2020, Real Estate Witch was acquired by Clever Real Estate, a free agent-matching service that has helped consumers save more than $160 million on realtor fees. Real Estate Witch's research has been featured in CNBC, Yahoo! Finance, Chicago Tribune, Black Enterprise, and more.

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