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50 up-and-coming cities attracting residents & investors in 2019

Robin Young
Robin Young | 30 min. read

Published on December 14, 2018

Wondering which real estate markets investors are watching in 2022? Read our latest post: 60 Up-and-Coming Real Estate Markets Where Rental Investors & Property Managers Can Grow in 2022

In the throes of the Great Recession and the subsequent recovery, large metropolises like New York City and San Francisco saw an influx of new residents. Mega-cities with strong economies were the first to rebound from the downturn, making them attractive to those seeking well-paying jobs and vibrant surroundings.

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Since 2016, however, a new migration trend has emerged: Residents in expensive, overheated primary markets have their eye on thriving secondary markets—and some are making the move to these small cities and satellite towns. Over the next 5 years, PwC projects that the populations of New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles will grow at a rate of just 0.2%; while Phoenix, Charleston, and Boise will increase at the significantly faster rate of 1.6%. Much of the migration is from the coasts to the middle of the country, where job and population growth are booming, and a lower cost of living means that residents’ and investors’ dollars go significantly farther.

So, which secondary markets will attract residents’ interest in the year ahead—and how can investors and property managers stay a step ahead of this trend? We evaluated hundreds of cities across the country to form our list of 50 secondary markets to watch in 2019. We utilized a range of measures that reflect qualities that appeal to residents and investors, from growth in job opportunities and property values to cost of living indexes and rent-to-income ratios. The cities that we’ve selected are those that balance projected growth for investors with affordability for residents—a necessary combination for sustainable growth.

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Up-and-Coming Real Estate Markets to Watch in 2019

Tier I Cities

Atlanta, GA | Austin, TX | Boise, ID | Charlotte, NC
Clearwater, FL | Columbus, OH | Dallas, TX | Denver, CO
Fort Worth, TX | Las Vegas, NV | Nashville, TN | Orlando, FL
Phoenix, AZ | Sacramento, CA | Salt Lake City, UT | San Antonio, TX
San Diego, CA | San Jose, CA | St. Petersburg, FL | Tampa, FL

Compared to the rest of the country, the emerging real estate markets that we’ve named our best bets for growth in 2019 are:

  • Gaining residents twice as fast
  • Gaining jobs more than twice as fast
  • 4 years younger on average
  • Seeing home values grow 50% faster
  • Staying affordable for residents—the average cost of living index is on par with the national average
  • Seeing 20% faster rent growth than the rest of the country—enough to help property managers and owners turn a profit, but not enough to scare renters into moving or buying homes at a faster rate than usual
  • Located largely in the southern half of the country, particularly Florida and Texas

Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta, Georgia | 50 Up-and-Coming Real Estate Markets to Watch in 2019 | Buildium

Atlanta Real Estate Market Statistics

  • Metropolitan statistical area: Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA
  • Population: 486,290 – 38ᵗʰ largest U.S. city (Wikipedia – 2017 estimate)
  • 5-year projected population growth: 1.3% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.7%)
  • Median age: 33 years old (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median is 38)
  • Median household income: $53,843 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median was $57,617)
  • 5-year projected employment growth: 1.0% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.6%)
  • Cost of living index: 98.7 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. average is 100)
  • Rent-to-household-income ratio: 22.1% (PwC – less than 30% is ideal)
  • Median 1-bedroom rent: $1029 (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. median is $743)
  • Year-over-year rent growth: 1.5% (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. average is 1.5%)
  • Median single-family home sale price: $224,100 (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is $266,900)
  • Year-over-year home sale price growth: 9.7% (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is 4.8%)

Expert Opinions on the Atlanta Real Estate Market

Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas | 50 Up-and-Coming Real Estate Markets to Watch in 2019 | Buildium

Austin Real Estate Market Statistics

  • Metropolitan statistical area: Austin-Round Rock, TX
  • Population: 950,715 – 11ᵗʰ largest U.S. city (Wikipedia – 2017 estimate)
  • 5-year projected population growth: 2.3% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.7%)
  • Median age: 32.7 years old (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median is 38)
  • Median household income: $66,697 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median was $57,617)
  • 5-year projected employment growth: 2.0% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.6%)
  • Cost of living index: 95.6 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. average is 100)
  • Rent-to-household-income ratio: 19.4% (PwC, 2018 – less than 30% is ideal)
  • Median 1-bedroom rent: $1154 (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. median is $743)
  • Year-over-year rent growth: 2.3% (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. average is 1.5%)
  • Median single-family home sale price: $318,200 (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is $266,900)
  • Year-over-year home sale price growth: 7.4% (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is 4.8%)

Expert Opinions on the Austin Real Estate Market

For more insights on the Austin rental market, check out our in-depth blog post on South Central Real Estate Market Trends!

Boise, Idaho

Boise, Idaho | 50 Up-and-Coming Real Estate Markets to Watch in 2019 | Buildium

Boise Real Estate Market Statistics

  • Metropolitan statistical area: Boise City, ID
  • Population: 226,570 – 98ᵗʰ largest U.S. city (Wikipedia – 2017 estimate)
  • 5-year projected population growth: 1.6% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.7%)
  • Median age: 35.3 years old (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median is 38)
  • Median household income: $55,199 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median was $57,617)
  • 5-year projected employment growth: 1.3% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.6%)
  • Cost of living index: 92.1 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. average is 100)
  • Rent-to-household-income ratio: 16.9% (PwC, 2018 – less than 30% is ideal)
  • Median 1-bedroom rent: $715 (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. median is $743)
  • Year-over-year rent growth: 2.2% (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. average is 1.5%)
  • Median single-family home sale price: $274,700 (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is $266,900)
  • Year-over-year home sale price growth: 18.3% (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is 4.8%)

Expert Opinions on the Boise Real Estate Market

Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte, North Carolina | 50 Up-and-Coming Real Estate Markets to Watch in 2019 | Buildium

Charlotte Real Estate Market Statistics

  • Metropolitan statistical area: Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
  • Population: 859,035 – 17ᵗʰ largest U.S. city (Wikipedia – 2017 estimate)
  • 5-year projected population growth: 1.5% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.7%)
  • Median age: 34 years old (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median is 38)
  • Median household income: $61,017 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median was $57,617)
  • 5-year projected employment growth: 1.3% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.6%)
  • Cost of living index: 92.9 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. average is 100)
  • Rent-to-household-income ratio: 20.6% (PwC, 2018 – less than 30% is ideal)
  • Median 1-bedroom rent: $961 (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. median is $743)
  • Year-over-year rent growth: 1.4% (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. average is 1.5%)
  • Median single-family home sale price: $245,000 (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is $266,900)
  • Year-over-year home sale price growth: 5.1% (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is 4.8%)

Expert Opinions on the Charlotte Real Estate Market

Clearwater, Florida

Clearwater, Florida | 50 Up-and-Coming Real Estate Markets to Watch in 2019 | Buildium

Clearwater Real Estate Market Statistics

  • Metropolitan statistical area: Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
  • Population: 115,513 – 245ᵗʰ largest U.S. city (Wikipedia – 2017 estimate)
  • Median age: 44 years old (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median is 38)
  • Median household income: $41,844 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median was $57,617)
  • Cost of living index: 96.4 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. average is 100)
  • Median 1-bedroom rent: $954 (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. median is $743)
  • Year-over-year rent growth: 2.1% (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. average is 1.5%)
  • Median single-family home sale price: $236,000 (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is $266,900)
  • Year-over-year home sale price growth: 4.9% (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is 4.8%)

Expert Opinions on the Clearwater Real Estate Market

Columbus, Ohio

Columbus, Ohio | 50 Up-and-Coming Real Estate Markets to Watch in 2019 | Buildium

Columbus Real Estate Market Statistics

  • Metropolitan statistical area: Columbus, OH
  • Population: 879,170 – 14ᵗʰ largest U.S. city (Wikipedia – 2017 estimate)
  • 5-year projected population growth: 0.8% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.7%)
  • Median age: 32.3 years old (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median is 38)
  • Median household income: $49,062 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median was $57,617)
  • 5-year projected employment growth: 0.7% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.6%)
  • Cost of living index: 95.7 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. average is 100)
  • Rent-to-household-income ratio: 17.6% (PwC, 2018 – less than 30% is ideal)
  • Median 1-bedroom rent: $740 (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. median is $743)
  • Year-over-year rent growth: 0.8% (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. average is 1.5%)
  • Median single-family home sale price: $207,600 (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is $266,900)
  • Year-over-year home sale price growth: 7.1% (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is 4.8%)
  • Multifamily property buy/hold/sell recommendations: 50% of investors say buy, 25% say hold, 25% say sell (PwC/ULI)

Expert Opinions on the Columbus Real Estate Market

Dallas, Texas

Dallas, Texas | 50 Up-and-Coming Real Estate Markets to Watch in 2019 | Buildium

Dallas Real Estate Market Statistics

  • Metropolitan statistical area: Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX
  • Population: 1,341,075 – 9ᵗʰ largest U.S. city (Wikipedia – 2017 estimate)
  • 5-year projected population growth: 1.7% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.7%)
  • Median age: 32.7 years old (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median is 38)
  • Median household income: $47,243 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median was $57,617)
  • 5-year projected employment growth: 1.4% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.6%)
  • Cost of living index: 94.1 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. average is 100)
  • Rent-to-household-income ratio: 21.2% (PwC, 2018 – less than 30% is ideal)
  • Median 1-bedroom rent: $894 (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. median is $743)
  • Year-over-year rent growth: 0.6% (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. average is 1.5%)
  • Median single-family home sale price: $262,100 (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is $266,900)
  • Year-over-year home sale price growth: 5.3% (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is 4.8%)

Expert Opinions on the Dallas Real Estate Market

For more insights on the Dallas rental market, check out our in-depth blog post on South Central Real Estate Market Trends!

Denver, Colorado

Denver, Colorado | 50 Up-and-Coming Real Estate Markets to Watch in 2019 | Buildium

Denver Real Estate Market Statistics

  • Metropolitan statistical area: Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
  • Population: 704,621 – 19ᵗʰ largest U.S. city (Wikipedia – 2017 estimate)
  • 5-year projected population growth: 1.3% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.7%)
  • Median age: 34.4 years old (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median is 38)
  • Median household income: $61,105 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median was $57,617)
  • 5-year projected employment growth: 1.2% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.6%)
  • Cost of living index: 112.2 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. average is 100)
  • Rent-to-household-income ratio: 21.6% (PwC, 2018 – less than 30% is ideal)
  • Median 1-bedroom rent: $1063 (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. median is $743)
  • Year-over-year rent growth: 1.2% (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. average is 1.5%)
  • Median single-family home sale price: $450,100 (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is $266,900)
  • Year-over-year home sale price growth: 7.7% (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is 4.8%)

Expert Opinions on the Denver Real Estate Market

Fort Worth, Texas

Fort Worth, Texas | 50 Up-and-Coming Real Estate Markets to Watch in 2019 | Buildium

Fort Worth Real Estate Market Statistics

  • Metropolitan statistical area: Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX
  • Population: 874,168 – 15ᵗʰ largest U.S. city (Wikipedia – 2017 estimate)
  • 5-year projected population growth: 1.7% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.7%)
  • Median age: 32.4 years old (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median is 38)
  • Median household income: $56,428 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median was $57,617)
  • 5-year projected employment growth: 1.4% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.6%)
  • Cost of living index: 93.9 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. average is 100)
  • Rent-to-household-income ratio: 21.2% (PwC, 2018 – less than 30% is ideal)
  • Median 1-bedroom rent: $923 (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. median is $743)
  • Year-over-year rent growth: 1.0% (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. average is 1.5%)
  • Median single-family home sale price: $262,100 (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is $266,900)
  • Year-over-year home sale price growth: 5.3% (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is 4.8%)

Expert Opinions on the Fort Worth Real Estate Market

For more insights on the Fort Worth rental market, check out our in-depth blog post on South Central Real Estate Market Trends!

Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas, Nevada | 50 Up-and-Coming Real Estate Markets to Watch in 2019 | Buildium

Las Vegas Real Estate Market Statistics

  • Metropolitan statistical area: Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV
  • Population: 641,676 – 28ᵗʰ largest U.S. city (Wikipedia – 2017 estimate)
  • 5-year projected population growth: 1.4% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.7%)
  • Median age: 38.1 years old (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median is 38)
  • Median household income: $51,115 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median was $57,617)
  • 5-year projected employment growth: 1.7% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.6%)
  • Cost of living index: 96.4 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. average is 100)
  • Rent-to-household-income ratio: 22.4% (PwC, 2018 – less than 30% is ideal)
  • Median 1-bedroom rent: $927 (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. median is $743)
  • Year-over-year rent growth: 3.6% (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. average is 1.5%)
  • Median single-family home sale price: $294,600 (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is $266,900)
  • Year-over-year home sale price growth: 12.6% (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is 4.8%)
  • Multifamily property buy/hold/sell recommendations: 59% of investors say buy, 21% say hold, 21% say sell (PwC/ULI)

Expert Opinions on the Las Vegas Real Estate Market

Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville, Tennessee | 50 Up-and-Coming Real Estate Markets to Watch in 2019 | Buildium

Nashville Real Estate Market Statistics

  • Metropolitan statistical area: Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin, TN
  • Population: 667,560 – 24ᵗʰ largest U.S. city (Wikipedia – 2017 estimate)
  • 5-year projected population growth: 1.4% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.7%)
  • Median age: 34 years old (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median is 38)
  • Median household income: $54,310 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median was $57,617)
  • 5-year projected employment growth: 1.3% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.6%)
  • Cost of living index: 90 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. average is 100)
  • Rent-to-household-income ratio: 21.7% (PwC, 2018 – less than 30% is ideal)
  • Median 1-bedroom rent: $917 (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. median is $743)
  • Year-over-year rent growth: -0.2% (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. average is 1.5%)
  • Median single-family home sale price: $262,600 (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is $266,900)
  • Year-over-year home sale price growth: 12.1% (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is 4.8%)

Expert Opinions on the Nashville Real Estate Market

For more insights on the Nashville rental market, check out our in-depth blog post on South Central Real Estate Market Trends!

Orlando, Florida

Orlando, Florida | 50 Up-and-Coming Real Estate Markets to Watch in 2019 | Buildium

Orlando Real Estate Market Statistics

  • Metropolitan statistical area: Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL
  • Population: 280,257 – 72nd largest U.S. city (Wikipedia – 2017 estimate)
  • 5-year projected population growth: 1.7% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.7%)
  • Median age: 33.1 years old (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median is 38)
  • Median household income: $46,761 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median was $57,617)
  • 5-year projected employment growth: 1.6% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.6%)
  • Cost of living index: 93.3 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. average is 100)
  • Rent-to-household-income ratio: 26.7% (PwC, 2018 – less than 30% is ideal)
  • Median 1-bedroom rent: $1063 (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. median is $743)
  • Year-over-year rent growth: 4.4% (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. average is 1.5%)
  • Median single-family home sale price: $266,000 (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is $266,900)
  • Year-over-year home sale price growth: 7.3% (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is 4.8%)
  • Multifamily property buy/hold/sell recommendations: 58% of investors say buy, 24% say hold, 18% say sell (PwC/ULI)

Expert Opinions on the Orlando Real Estate Market

Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix, Arizona | 50 Up-and-Coming Real Estate Markets to Watch in 2019 | Buildium

Phoenix Real Estate Market Statistics

  • Metropolitan statistical area: Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ
  • Population: 1,626,078 – 3rd largest U.S. city (Wikipedia – 2017 estimate)
  • 5-year projected population growth: 1.6% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.7%)
  • Median age: 33.4 years old (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median is 38)
  • Median household income: $52,062 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median was $57,617)
  • 5-year projected employment growth: 1.6% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.6%)
  • Cost of living index: 93.7 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. average is 100)
  • Rent-to-household-income ratio: 20.2% (PwC, 2018 – less than 30% is ideal)
  • Median 1-bedroom rent: $846 (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. median is $743)
  • Year-over-year rent growth: 3.0% (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. average is 1.5%)
  • Median single-family home sale price: $272,700 (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is $266,900)
  • Year-over-year home sale price growth: 9.6% (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is 4.8%)

Expert Opinions on the Phoenix Real Estate Market

Sacramento, California

Sacramento, California | 50 Up-and-Coming Real Estate Markets to Watch in 2019 | Buildium

Sacramento Real Estate Market Statistics

  • Metropolitan statistical area: Sacramento-Roseville-Arden-Arcade, CA
  • Population: 501,901 – 35ᵗʰ largest U.S. city (Wikipedia – 2017 estimate)
  • 5-year projected population growth: 1.3% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.7%)
  • Median age: 34.7 years old (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median is 38)
  • Median household income: $55,187 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median was $57,617)
  • 5-year projected employment growth: 1.3% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.6%)
  • Cost of living index: 100.4 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. average is 100)
  • Rent-to-household-income ratio: 23.4% (PwC, 2018 – less than 30% is ideal)
  • Median 1-bedroom rent: $955 (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. median is $743)
  • Year-over-year rent growth: 1.8% (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. average is 1.5%)
  • Median single-family home sale price: $370,000 (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is $266,900)
  • Year-over-year home sale price growth: 5.7% (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is 4.8%)
  • Multifamily property buy/hold/sell recommendations: 58% of investors say buy, 27% say hold, 15% say sell (PwC/ULI)

Expert Opinions on the Sacramento Real Estate Market

Salt Lake City, Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah | 50 Up-and-Coming Real Estate Markets to Watch in 2019 | Buildium

Salt Lake City Real Estate Market Statistics

  • Metropolitan statistical area: Salt Lake City, UT
  • Population: 200,544 – 116ᵗʰ largest U.S. city (Wikipedia – 2017 estimate)
  • 5-year projected population growth: 1.4% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.7%)
  • Median age: 32.7 years old (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median is 38)
  • Median household income: $56,994 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median was $57,617)
  • 5-year projected employment growth: 1.4% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.6%)
  • Cost of living index: 92.4 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. average is 100)
  • Rent-to-household-income ratio: 17.2% (PwC, 2018 – less than 30% is ideal)
  • Median 1-bedroom rent: $860 (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. median is $743)
  • Year-over-year rent growth: 1.6% (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. average is 1.5%)
  • Median single-family home sale price: $322,300 (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is $266,900)
  • Year-over-year home sale price growth: 9.4% (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is 4.8%)
  • Multifamily property buy/hold/sell recommendations: 61% of investors say buy, 29% say hold, 11% say sell (PwC/ULI)

Expert Opinions on the Salt Lake City Real Estate Market

San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio, Texas | 50 Up-and-Coming Real Estate Markets to Watch in 2019 | Buildium

San Antonio Real Estate Market Statistics

  • Metropolitan statistical area: San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX
  • Population: 1,511,946 – 7ᵗʰ largest U.S. city (Wikipedia – 2017 estimate)
  • 5-year projected population growth: 1.7% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.7%)
  • Median age: 33.5 years old (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median is 38)
  • Median household income: $49,268 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median was $57,617)
  • 5-year projected employment growth: 1.3% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.6%)
  • Cost of living index: 87.5 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. average is 100)
  • Rent-to-household-income ratio: 19.3% (PwC, 2018 – less than 30% is ideal)
  • Median 1-bedroom rent: $845 (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. median is $743)
  • Year-over-year rent growth: 1.5% (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. average is 1.5%)
  • Median single-family home sale price: $231,800 (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is $266,900)
  • Year-over-year home sale price growth: 5.0% (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is 4.8%)

Expert Opinions on the San Antonio Real Estate Market

For more insights on the San Antonio rental market, check out our in-depth blog post on South Central Real Estate Market Trends!

San Diego, California

San Diego, California | 50 Up-and-Coming Real Estate Markets to Watch in 2019 | Buildium

San Diego Real Estate Market Statistics

  • Metropolitan statistical area: San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
  • Population: 1,419,516 – 8ᵗʰ largest U.S. city (Wikipedia – 2017 estimate)
  • 5-year projected population growth: 0.8% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.7%)
  • Median age: 34.6 years old (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median is 38)
  • Median household income: $71,481 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median was $57,617)
  • 5-year projected employment growth: 0.9% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.6%)
  • Cost of living index: 138 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. average is 100)
  • Rent-to-household-income ratio: 28.4% (PwC, 2018 – less than 30% is ideal)
  • Median 1-bedroom rent: $1566 (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. median is $743)
  • Year-over-year rent growth: 0.9% (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. average is 1.5%)
  • Median single-family home sale price: $650,000 (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is $266,900)
  • Year-over-year home sale price growth: 7.1% (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is 4.8%)
  • Multifamily property buy/hold/sell recommendations: 52% of investors say buy, 39% say hold, 9% say sell (PwC/ULI)

Expert Opinions on the San Diego Real Estate Market

San Jose, California

San Jose, California | 50 Up-and-Coming Real Estate Markets to Watch in 2019 | Buildium

San Jose Real Estate Market Statistics

  • Metropolitan statistical area: San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
  • Population: 1,035,317 – 10ᵗʰ largest U.S. city (Wikipedia – 2017 estimate)
  • 5-year projected population growth: 1.0% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.7%)
  • Median age: 36.3 years old (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median is 38)
  • Median household income: $101,940 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median was $57,617)
  • 5-year projected employment growth: 1.0% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.6%)
  • Cost of living index: 151.2 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. average is 100)
  • Rent-to-household-income ratio: 26.0% (PwC, 2018 – less than 30% is ideal)
  • Median 1-bedroom rent: $2102 (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. median is $743)
  • Year-over-year rent growth: 2.7% (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. average is 1.5%)
  • Median single-family home sale price: $1,300,000 (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is $266,900)
  • Year-over-year home sale price growth: 11.6% (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is 4.8%)

Expert Opinions on the San Jose Real Estate Market

St. Petersburg, Florida

St. Petersburg, Florida | 50 Up-and-Coming Real Estate Markets to Watch in 2019 | Buildium

St. Petersburg Real Estate Market Statistics

  • Metropolitan statistical area: Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
  • Population: 263,255 – 79ᵗʰ largest U.S. city (Wikipedia – 2017 estimate)
  • 5-year projected population growth: 1.1% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.7%)
  • Median age: 42.7 years old (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median is 38)
  • Median household income: $51,474 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median was $57,617)
  • 5-year projected employment growth: 1.1% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.6%)
  • Cost of living index: 95.9 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. average is 100)
  • Rent-to-household-income ratio: 25.1% (PwC, 2018 – less than 30% is ideal)
  • Median 1-bedroom rent: $948 (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. median is $743)
  • Year-over-year rent growth: 1.7% (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. average is 1.5%)
  • Median single-family home sale price: $236,000 (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is $266,900)
  • Year-over-year home sale price growth: 4.9% (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is 4.8%)
  • Multifamily property buy/hold/sell recommendations: 53% of investors say buy, 27% say hold, 20% say sell (PwC/ULI)

Expert Opinions on the St. Petersburg Real Estate Market

Tampa, Florida

Tampa, Florida | 50 Up-and-Coming Real Estate Markets to Watch in 2019 | Buildium

Tampa Real Estate Market Statistics

  • Metropolitan statistical area: Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
  • Population: 385,430 – 52nd largest U.S. city (Wikipedia – 2017 estimate)
  • 5-year projected population growth: 1.1% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.7%)
  • Median age: 36.2 years old (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median is 38)
  • Median household income: $50,405 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median was $57,617)
  • 5-year projected employment growth: 1.1% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.6%)
  • Cost of living index: 96.3 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. average is 100)
  • Rent-to-household-income ratio: 25.1% (PwC, 2018 – less than 30% is ideal)
  • Median 1-bedroom rent: $1011 (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. median is $743)
  • Year-over-year rent growth: 2.6% (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. average is 1.5%)
  • Median single-family home sale price: $236,000 (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is $266,900)
  • Year-over-year home sale price growth: 4.9% (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is 4.8%)
  • Multifamily property buy/hold/sell recommendations: 53% of investors say buy, 27% say hold, 20% say sell (PwC/ULI)

Expert Opinions on the Tampa Real Estate Market

Up-and-Coming Real Estate Markets to Watch in 2019

Tier II Cities

Anaheim, CA | Arlington, TX | Charleston, SC | Cincinnati, OH
Colorado Springs, CO | Detroit, MI | Durham, NC | Fort Lauderdale, FL
Grand Rapids, MI | Henderson, NV | Houston, TX | Indianapolis, IN
Jacksonville, FL | Kansas City, MO | Long Beach, CA | Louisville, KY
Madison, WI | Miami, FL | Minneapolis, MN | Oakland, CA
Pittsburgh, PA | Portland, OR | Raleigh, NC | Reno, NV | Richmond, VA
Riverside, CA | Scottsdale, AZ | Seattle, WA

Tier II cities are slightly less proven than Tier I cities, but they show highly promising signs of growth for the year ahead. These emerging real estate markets may present an excellent opportunity for investors and homebuyers to get in on the ground floor of next year’s Tier I picks.

In comparison with the rest of the U.S., the cities that we’ve named up-and-coming markets to watch in 2019 are:

  • Growing 41% faster than the rest of the country—slower than Tier I cities, but still ahead of the rest of the U.S.
  • 4 years younger than the rest of the U.S.—the same as Tier I cities
  • Gaining jobs 50% faster than the rest of the country—slower than Tier I cities, but still ahead of the rest of the U.S.
  • Seeing home prices grow 20% faster than the rest of the country
  • Staying affordable for residents—the average cost of living index is on par with the national average
  • Seeing 7% slower rent growth than the national average and 22% slower than Tier I cities, but rents will grow faster as these markets become more established
  • Located in the Great Lakes, Pacific Coast, South Atlantic, and Southwestern regions of the country

Anaheim, California

Anaheim, California | 50 Up-and-Coming Real Estate Markets to Watch in 2019 | Buildium

Anaheim Real Estate Market Statistics

  • Metropolitan statistical area: Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
  • Population: 352,497 – 55ᵗʰ largest U.S. city (Wikipedia – 2017 estimate)
  • Median age: 34.1 years old (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median is 38)
  • Median household income: $64,464 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median was $57,617)
  • Cost of living index: 129.3 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. average is 100)
  • Median 1-bedroom rent: $1651 (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. median is $743)
  • Year-over-year rent growth: 2.2% (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. average is 1.5%)
  • Median single-family home sale price: $628,900 (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is $266,900)
  • Year-over-year home sale price growth: 5.7% (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is 4.8%)

Expert Opinions on the Anaheim Real Estate Market

Arlington, Texas

Arlington, Texas | 50 Up-and-Coming Real Estate Markets to Watch in 2019 | Buildium

Arlington Real Estate Market Statistics

  • Metropolitan statistical area: Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX
  • Population: 396,394 – 48ᵗʰ largest U.S. city (Wikipedia – 2017 estimate)
  • Median age: 32.4 years old (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median is 38)
  • Median household income: $54,272 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median was $57,617)
  • Cost of living index: 93.8 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. average is 100)
  • Median 1-bedroom rent: $990 (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. median is $743)
  • Year-over-year rent growth: 2.8% (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. average is 1.5%)
  • Median single-family home sale price: $262,100 (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is $266,900)
  • Year-over-year home sale price growth: 5.3% (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is 4.8%)

Expert Opinions on the Arlington Real Estate Market

For more insights on the Arlington rental market, check out our in-depth blog post on South Central Real Estate Market Trends!

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina | 50 Up-and-Coming Real Estate Markets to Watch in 2019 | Buildium

Charleston Real Estate Market Statistics

  • Metropolitan statistical area: Charleston-North Charleston, SC
  • Population: 134,875 – 201st largest U.S. city (Wikipedia – 2017 estimate)
  • 5-year projected population growth: 1.6% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.7%)
  • Median age: 35.7 years old (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median is 38)
  • Median household income: $61,467 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median was $57,617)
  • 5-year projected employment growth: 1.5% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.6%)
  • Cost of living index: 94.5 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. average is 100)
  • Rent-to-household-income ratio: 22.4% (PwC, 2018 – less than 30% is ideal)
  • Median 1-bedroom rent: $942 (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. median is $743)
  • Year-over-year rent growth: 2.3% (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. average is 1.5%)
  • Median single-family home sale price: $286,300 (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is $266,900)
  • Year-over-year home sale price growth: 7.2% (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is 4.8%)
  • Multifamily property buy/hold/sell recommendations: 48% of investors say buy, 31% say hold, 20% say sell (PwC/ULI)

Expert Opinions on the Charleston Real Estate Market

Cincinnati, Ohio

Cincinnati, Ohio | 50 Up-and-Coming Real Estate Markets to Watch in 2019 | Buildium

Cincinnati Real Estate Market Statistics

  • Metropolitan statistical area: Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN
  • Population: 301,301 – 66ᵗʰ largest U.S. city (Wikipedia – 2017 estimate)
  • 5-year projected population growth: 0.3% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.7%)
  • Median age: 32.2 years old (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median is 38)
  • Median household income: $38,539 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median was $57,617)
  • 5-year projected employment growth: 0.2% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.6%)
  • Cost of living index: 90.2 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. average is 100)
  • Rent-to-household-income ratio: 16.7% (PwC, 2018 – less than 30% is ideal)
  • Median 1-bedroom rent: $641 (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. median is $743)
  • Year-over-year rent growth: 1.0% (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. average is 1.5%)
  • Median single-family home sale price: $179,100 (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is $266,900)
  • Year-over-year home sale price growth: 5.9% (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is 4.8%)

Expert Opinions on the Cincinnati Real Estate Market

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Colorado Springs, CO | 50 Up-and-Coming Real Estate Markets to Watch in 2019 | Buildium

Colorado Springs Real Estate Market Statistics

  • Metropolitan statistical area: Colorado Springs, CO
  • Population: 464,474 – 42nd largest U.S. city (Wikipedia – 2017 estimate)
  • Median age: 34.6 years old (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median is 38)
  • Median household income: $60,308 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median was $57,617)
  • Cost of living index: 97.6 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. average is 100)
  • Median 1-bedroom rent: $956 (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. median is $743)
  • Year-over-year rent growth: 1.2% (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. average is 1.5%)
  • Median single-family home sale price: $315,700 (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is $266,900)
  • Year-over-year home sale price growth: 11.2% (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is 4.8%)

Expert Opinions on the Colorado Springs Real Estate Market

Detroit, Michigan

Detroit, Michigan | 50 Up-and-Coming Real Estate Markets to Watch in 2019 | Buildium

Detroit Real Estate Market Statistics

  • Metropolitan statistical area: Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
  • Population: 673,104 – 23rd largest U.S. city (Wikipedia – 2017 estimate)
  • 5-year projected population growth: 0% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.7%)
  • Median age: 34 years old (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median is 38)
  • Median household income: $28,099 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median was $57,617)
  • 5-year projected employment growth: 0% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.6%)
  • Cost of living index: 87.1 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. average is 100)
  • Rent-to-household-income ratio: 20.1% (PwC, 2018 – less than 30% is ideal)
  • Median 1-bedroom rent: $686 (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. median is $743)
  • Year-over-year rent growth: 0.8% (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. average is 1.5%)
  • Multifamily property buy/hold/sell recommendations: 55% of investors say buy, 30% say hold, 15% say sell (PwC/ULI)

Expert Opinions on the Detroit Real Estate Market

For more insights on the Detroit rental market, check out our in-depth blog post on Great Lakes Real Estate Market Trends!

Durham, North Carolina

Durham, North Carolina | 50 Up-and-Coming Real Estate Markets to Watch in 2019 | Buildium

Durham Real Estate Market Statistics

  • Metropolitan statistical area: Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
  • Population: 267,743 – 77ᵗʰ largest U.S. city (Wikipedia – 2017 estimate)
  • 5-year projected population growth: 1.5% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.7%)
  • Median age: 33.3 years old (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median is 38)
  • Median household income: $52,208 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median was $57,617)
  • 5-year projected employment growth: 1.2% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.6%)
  • Cost of living index: 94 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. average is 100)
  • Rent-to-household-income ratio: 20.5% (PwC, 2018 – less than 30% is ideal)
  • Median 1-bedroom rent: $920 (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. median is $743)
  • Year-over-year rent growth: 0.9% (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. average is 1.5%)
  • Median single-family home sale price: $282,200 (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is $266,900)
  • Year-over-year home sale price growth: 7.6% (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is 4.8%)
  • Multifamily property buy/hold/sell recommendations: 50% of investors say buy, 30% say hold, 20% say sell (PwC/ULI)

Expert Opinions on the Durham Real Estate Market

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Fort Lauderdale, Florida | 50 Up-and-Coming Real Estate Markets to Watch in 2019 | Buildium

Fort Lauderdale Real Estate Market Statistics

  • Metropolitan statistical area: Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL
  • Population: 180,072 – 138ᵗʰ largest U.S. city (Wikipedia – 2017 estimate)
  • 5-year projected population growth: 1.1% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.7%)
  • Median age: 40.1 years old (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median is 38)
  • Median household income: $52,813 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median was $57,617)
  • 5-year projected employment growth: 1.2% (PwC, 2018 – U.S. average is 0.6%)
  • Cost of living index: 118.3 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. average is 100)
  • Rent-to-household-income ratio: 32.3% (PwC, 2018 – less than 30% is ideal)
  • Median 1-bedroom rent: $1143 (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. median is $743)
  • Year-over-year rent growth: 0.2% (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. average is 1.5%)
  • Median single-family home sale price: $355,000 (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is $266,900)
  • Year-over-year home sale price growth: 4.4% (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is 4.8%)

Expert Opinions on the Fort Lauderdale Real Estate Market

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Grand Rapids, Michigan | 50 Up-and-Coming Real Estate Markets to Watch in 2019 | Buildium

Grand Rapids Real Estate Market Statistics

  • Metropolitan statistical area: Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
  • Population: 198,829 – 119ᵗʰ largest U.S. city (Wikipedia – 2017 estimate)
  • Median age: 31.1 years old (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median is 38)
  • Median household income: $45,795 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. median was $57,617)
  • Cost of living index: 86 (City Data, 2016 – U.S. average is 100)
  • Median 1-bedroom rent: $760 (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. median is $743)
  • Year-over-year rent growth: 0.8% (Rentonomics, 2018 – U.S. average is 1.5%)
  • Median single-family home sale price: $199,500 (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is $266,900)
  • Year-over-year home sale price growth: 9.4% (NAR, Q3 2018 – U.S. median is 4.8%)

Expert Opinions on the Grand Rapids Real Estate Market

For more insights on the Grand Rapids rental market, check out our in-depth blog post on Great Lakes Real Estate Market Trends!

Henderson, Nevada

Henderson, Nevada | 50 Up-and-Coming Real Estate Markets to Watch in 2019 | Buildium