Nine Cities Projected to Become Unaffordable by 2027

A new analysis from Finance Buzz flags nine U.S. metros that could become too pricey for most buyers by 2027. Out‑of‑town investors and a shortage of new homes are pushing prices faster than local wages. The list includes towns in the Northeast, the South, the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest, each facing its own pressure points.

Montclair, New Jersey stays attractive for retirees and young families. Its lively downtown, nearby hospitals and cultural spots keep competition fierce. In Tennessee, Nashville’s median sale price sits around $465,000, a slight dip that experts say won’t last. Nashua, New Hampshire draws buyers with no state income tax and easy access to Boston, plus a small‑town feel. Home values there now hover between $500,000 and $550,000, outpacing supply.

Phoenix, Arizona remains a top retirement spot, but fewer new builds mean demand outstrips inventory. Prices keep climbing as buyers from colder climates flock in. Buffalo, New York offers a lower median of about $261,000, yet values are rising thanks to jobs and affordability. Athens, Georgia, a college town with great food and mild weather, sees its median near $353,000, climbing each year as retirees and students compete.

Tampa, Florida faces high home costs and soaring insurance, making fixed‑income buyers struggle. Des Moines, Iowa sees growing interest in single‑family and ranch homes favored by aging buyers. Ontario, Oregon, on the Idaho border, also reports rapid price jumps as the Pacific Northwest market heats up. All nine areas warn that without more supply, the dream of ownership may slip away for many.