18 Best Places to Buy Rental Property in 2020

Real Wealth Network, 06/24/2020

Summary: In this article you’ll learn about 18 of the best places to buy rental property in 2020. Discover why each of these markets is a great place to invest, read rental market statistics and more.

Introduction: How Do We Know the Best Places To Buy Rental Property for 2020?

Wondering where to buy real estate in 2020? The truth is, the best real estate market for you may not be best one for your neighbor or your coworker. Where you end up investing will depend largely on your personal investment goals.

The best places to buy rental property for cash flow and equity growth (for example) often three things in common: job growth, population growth and affordability. When you find a market that has all three of these factors, you’ll probably be able to find good investment opportunities.

There are several cities across the United States where these factors exist today — places where you can buy high cash flow rental property while prices are still low (around $100,000 in many cases), and watch your equity grow.

In this article you’ll learn about 18 of these “best-buy” real estate markets for the year 2020. Find out what makes them great places to invest and why.

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Where To Buy Real Estate: 18 Cities To Consider in 2020

Please Note: These markets are not listed in any particular order.

#1 – Orlando, Florida

The demand for single family homes has been on the rise in the Sunshine State for quite some time. Still, it’s possible to acquire fully renovated properties in good Florida neighborhoods for under $193,000.

What’s even more interesting is that, despite these incredibly low housing prices statewide, many home seekers are choosing to rent instead of buy. As you can imagine, this is causing rental rates to rise (over 6% in just a year) and is expected to keep increasing in 2020.

On top of great cash flow, values are on an upswing in these areas with no sign of slowing down. They are nowhere near their 2006 highs and inventory levels are still way down because builders just can’t make a profit at these price points.

Property taxes and insurance are low, plus there’s no state income tax. Add warm weather and exceptional health care, and you can see why many of the 10,000 baby boomers retiring every day are moving to Florida.

Orlando is one of the best places to buy rental property and real estate in the state of Florida in 2020. Located in Florida’s “sun belt” region, the area is known for its warm climate, beautiful beaches, world famous amusement parks, entertainment, and attractions.

With a growing population of over 2.5 million residents, the Orlando real estate market is fueled by job seekers, baby boomer retirees, and students who want to live in a “cheap and cheerful” area that offers a high quality of living at a reasonable cost.

Housing Market Statistics

• Median Sales Price: $231,000
• Median Rent Per Month: $1,486
• Median Household Income: $42,418
• Population: 2.6 M
• 1-Year Job Growth Rate: 3.44%
• 7-Year Equity Growth Rate: 110%
• 8-Year Population Growth: 30%
• Unemployment Rate: 2.9%

Housing Market Quick Facts

1. Orlando is listed as the #1 Best Places to Buy a House by Forbes for the third year in a row. Projections suggest up to a 35% increase in house prices by 2021.
2. Metro Orlando is the 4th largest metro area in the country, and it’s also the fastest growing metro in the nation.
3. Over 68 million people visited the Orlando area in 2019, making it the most visited tourism destination in the country.
4. The population in Orlando has grown over 20% since the year 2010. To date Metro Orlando houses over 2.6 million residents.
5. Rents grew by 3.44% in the last 12 months, which is 134% higher than the national levels.
6. Orlando’s projected job growth for the next ten years is the highest in the United States among the 200 largest metros, Forbes reports.
7. Orlando Medical City boasts a $7.6 billion economic impact and will create over 45,000 jobs.

Conclusion: Top 3 Reasons to Invest in the Orlando Real Estate Market in 2020

As mentioned, most of the best places to invest in real estate have three factors in common: job growth, population growth and affordability. Orlando is no exception…

Job Growth: Orlando’s employment growth is among the best in the U.S. with more than 45,000 new jobs created in just a year  and a projected growth rate of 3.44% annually for the next ten years.

Population Growth: Orlando’s population has grown 252% faster than the national average over the last 8 years, and with all the new jobs coming to the area, it’s very likely this trend will continue in 2020.  (This means the demand for housing is likely to increase.)

Affordability: In Orlando it is still possible to purchase fully renovated 3-bedroom properties in good neighborhoods for as little as $193,000.

Data Sources:

• https://www.zillow.com
• https://factfinder.census.gov
• https://www.deptofnumbers.com
• RealWealth Property Team Data

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#2 – Tampa, Florida

Located on the west coast of Florida, Tampa Bay is a densely populated metropolitan area (second only to Miami), with a population of more than 3 million people. Major cities in this area include St. Petersburg, Largo, Clearwater, New Port Richey, Holiday and Tampa.

Why is Tampa on our list of best places to buy real estate in 2020? For starters, the local economy is worth over $130 billion and the metro area has been ranked as one of the fastest growing in the country. Tampa also places a strong focus on job growth in areas such as financial services and healthcare.

The Greater Tampa Bay area has created more than 34,300 new jobs in just 12 months, with a job growth rate 71% above the national average. More than 19 firms with annual revenues of more than $1 billion are headquartered here and it is home to four Fortune 500 companies. Tampa and surrounding areas continue to be some of the best real estate markets in the country.

Housing Market Statistics

• Median Sales Price: $225,250
• Median Rent Per Month: $1,485
• Median Household Income: $65,196
• Metro Population: 3.1 M
• 1-Year Job Growth Rate: 2.52%
• 7-Year Equity Growth Rate: 106%
• 8-Year Population Growth: 12.69%
• Unemployment Rate: 3.4%

Housing Market Quick Facts

1. Tampa area has a population of over 3 million, a local economy worth over $130 billion, and is one of the fasted growing metros in the United States.
2. An area with mostly high-priced homes, Tampa still has pockets where investors can find homes at affordable prices (even as low as $150,000) and turn around to rent them for around $1,485 a month.
3. New jobs from Amazon and a talent pipeline from the University of South Florida helped push the Tampa metropolitan area to the No. 15 spot on the Milken Institute’s 2018 index of best-performing cities in the United States.
4. The area has numerous strong Fortune 500 companies including Publix Super Markets Inc., Jabil Circuit Inc., and WellCare Health Plans, Inc.
5. Tampa remains a fantastic tourism market and one of the best cities to buy real estate. It’s a popular option for retirees as well, providing for many short-term rental opportunities.

Conclusion: Top 3 Reasons to Invest in the Tampa Real Estate Market in 2020

As you’ve learned, when a real estate market has job growth, population growth and affordability, you’ll likely be able to find good investment opportunities. We believe Tampa is one of the best places to buy rental property in 2020 because it has all three.

Job Growth: The Tampa metro area is ranked #15 on the Milken Institute’s 2018 index of best-performing cities in the United States

Population Growth: Tampa has a population of 3.1 million, a local economy worth over $130 billion, and is one of the fastest growing metros in the United States.

Affordability: An area with mostly high-priced homes, Tampa still has pockets where investors can find homes at affordable prices, even as low as $150,000 and turn around to rent them for around $1,485 a month, above the national average.

Data Sources:

• https://www.zillow.com
• https://factfinder.census.gov
• https://www.deptofnumbers.com
• RealWealth Property Team Data

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#3 – Jacksonville, Florida

Located on the eastern coast of Florida, Jacksonville lines both banks of the St. Johns River – the longest river in Florida and also one of only two rivers in North America that flows north instead of south.

In the past 10 years, the Jacksonville metro area has grown by almost 14%. To date there are over 1.5 million people living in this area, and more continue to come every year. In fact, Jacksonville’s population has been steadily increasing at a rate of about 2% per year, and their workforce is growing at a consistent rate as well.

There are many reasons for this growth. For starters, Jacksonville is also the only Florida city that is home to four Fortune 500 companies. The region also has a world-class health care system, with more than 20 hospitals and a growing bioscience community. Additionally, 13 of Forbes Global 500 have operations in Jacksonville.

With a cost of living below the national average, a wonderful climate and a business-friendly environment, we believe Jacksonville is one of the best real estate investment markets in the country right now.

Housing Market Statistics

• Median Sales Price: $189,000
• Median Monthly Rent: $1,409
• Median Household Income: $58,709
• Metro Population: 1.5 M
• 1-Year Job Growth Rate: 3.11%
• 7-Year Equity Growth Rate: 75%
• 8-Year Population Growth: 14.75%
• Unemployment Rate: 3.0%

Housing Market Quick Facts

1. The population in Jacksonville has grown almost 14% in population since 2000, which is higher than Miami’s and Tampa’s.
2. Future job growth in Jacksonville is predicted to be 39.21% over the next 10 years.
3. In Jacksonville, the median home price is about $189,000, which is 15% less than the national average.
4. A typical 3 bedroom home can rent for around or more than the national average.
5. The expansion of the Panama Canal is helping to bring jobs into the Jacksonville area ports. This is likely to lead to even more population growth.
6. The Jacksonville metro also has a world-class health care system, with more than 20 hospitals and a growing bioscience community.

Conclusion: Top 3 Reasons to Invest in Jacksonville Real Estate Market in 2020

There are three main reasons that Jacksonville made our list of the best places to invest in property: job growth, population growth and affordability.

Job Growth: Forbes also ranked Jacksonville #3 on their list of best cities in the U.S. for jobs with a growth rate of 3.11% this year, which is 111% faster than the national average. The region also has a world-class health care system, with more than 20 hospitals and a growing bioscience community.

Population Growth: The population in Jacksonville has grown almost 15% since the year 2000, and continues to grow by an average 2% annually. Future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 39.21%.

Affordability: In Jacksonville, the median home price is about $189,000, which is 15% less than the national average. A typical 3 bedroom home can rent for more or around the national average. These factors show us that there’s a strong opportunity for cash flow in the Jacksonville metro.

Data Sources:

• https://www.zillow.com
• https://factfinder.census.gov
• https://www.deptofnumbers.com
• RealWealth Property Team Data

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#4 – Huntsville, Alabama

The fourth-largest city in Alabama, Huntsville is just a 90-mile drive on the I-65 heading north from Birmingham. Founded in 1811, Huntsville is known for its rich Southern heritage and a legacy of space missions. Huntsville actually earned the nickname “The Rocket City” during the 1960s when the Saturn V rocket was developed at Marshall Space Flight Center, which later made it possible for Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin to walk on the moon.

Today, Huntsville is one of the most well known cities in the Southeast part of the country. USA Today touted Huntsville as “one of the top communities leading the economic recovery,” while Money magazine named it “one of the nation’s most affordable cities.”

Huntsville is also well known for its technology, space, and defense industries. The top employer is the military with over 31,000 jobs at Redstone Arsenal. NASA Marshall Space Flight Center is the next largest employer. The city is also home to several Fortune 500 companies, which provide a broad base of manufacturing, retail, and service industries to the area.

We believe that Huntsville is another one of the best places to buy rental property in 2020, because the real estate market offers great opportunities for investors today. It’s one of the nation’s most affordable investment markets, it has a steady job market that offers STEM workers higher than average salaries, and a growing population (38% of whom are renters). These are good signs for investors interested in generating passive monthly income.

Housing Market Statistics

• Current Median Home Price: $158,750
• Median Rent Per Month: $1,075
• Median Household Income: $49,060
• Population: 462,693
• 1-Year Job Growth Rate: 2.76%
• 7-Year Equity Growth Rate: 34.53%
• 8-Year Population Growth: 10.35%
• Unemployment Rate: 2.3%

Housing Market Quick Facts

1. Huntsville is home to several prestigious Southern universities, including Alabama A&M University, Oakwood University and the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
2. The U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Alabama’s top paid tourist attraction and the earth’s largest space museum, is also located in Huntsville.
3. Huntsville is well known for it’s technology, space, and defense industries. The top employer is the military with over 31,000 jobs at Redstone Arsenal. NASA Marshall Space Flight Center are the next largest employers.
4. Both cities are also home to several Fortune 500 companies, which provide a broad base of manufacturing, retail and service industries to the area.
5. Huntsville continues to lead the growth in Alabama. In the last eight years the population has grown over 10%, which is 80% faster than the national average.
6. Huntsville enjoys lower tax rates and high rents, which increase ROI. And since the average home price is approximately $158,750, these areas won’t break your bank account either.

Conclusion: Top 3 Reasons to Invest in the Huntsville Real Estate Market in 2020

To recap, here are the three primary factors that make Huntsville one of the best cities to invest in real estate in 2020.

Job Growth: Huntsville is well known for it’s technology, space, and defense industries. The top employer is the military with over 31,000 jobs at Redstone Arsenal. NASA Marshall Space Flight Center are the next largest employers. The city is also home to several Fortune 500 companies, which provide a broad base of manufacturing, retail and service industries to the area.

Population Growth: Over the last 8 years, Huntsville’s population has increased 10.35%. During the same period, the national population grew by only 5.76. This shows us that people are moving to Huntsville at a higher rate than most other cities across the United States. This type of population growth, when coupled with affordable real estate prices and job growth, is a positive indicator that the Huntsville real estate market is strong. Learn more about job growth in the next section.

Affordability: Huntsville also enjoys lower tax rates and competitive rents, in some neighborhoods as high as 0.97% of the purchase-to-rent ratio, which increases ROI. And the average 3 bedroom single family home price is approximately $158,750, 28% lower than the national average. This makes Huntsville an excellent place to buy rental property in 2020.

Data Sources:

• https://www.zillow.com
• https://factfinder.census.gov
• https://www.deptofnumbers.com
• RealWealth Property Team Data

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#5 – Dallas, Texas

Located in Northern Texas, Dallas is the fourth most populous metropolitan area in the nation. Historically, Dallas was one of the most important centers for the oil and cotton industries due to its strategic position along numerous railroad lines.

In the last five years, many companies from cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles have started exploring the nation to find the best cities for relocation, and many of them have targeted Dallas as a prime spot to relocate. There are a variety of reasons for this, including Texas’ business-friendly environment (ie: lower cost of doing business, lower taxes, and fewer business regulations) and also the lower cost of living for employees.

Housing Market Statistics

• Current Median Home Price: $215,000
• Median Rent Per Month: $1,624
• Median Household Income: $79,893
• Metro Population: 7.5 M
• 1-Year Job Growth Rate: 2.70%
• 7-Year Equity Growth Rate: 80.67%
• 8-Year Population Growth: 17.33%
• Unemployment Rate: 3.1%

Housing Market Quick Facts

1. Dallas is slightly more affordable than the average home nationwide. In 2019, the median purchase price of 3 bedroom single family homes in the Dallas metro area was $215,000. This is 3.5% lower than the national average of $222,000.
2. Dallas offers investors an opportunity to generate passive monthly income. In 2019, the median monthly rent for 3 bedroom homes in Dallas was $1,654, which is 0.77% of the purchase price of $215,000. This is higher than the national average of 0.75%.
3. Dallas home values are rising faster than other real estate markets. Over the last 7 years (Jan 2012 to Dec 2019), 3 bedroom homes in Dallas have appreciated by 81%. During the same period, 3 bedroom home values appreciated by 55% nationwide.
4. Dallas is the ninth most-populous city in the U.S. and is a huge commercial and cultural hub in Texas.

Conclusion: Top 3 Reasons to Invest in the Dallas Real Estate Market in 2020

Job Growth: Dallas has significant job growth. In the last year, Dallas added 100,200 new jobs to their economy, with an annual growth rate of 2.70%, which is significantly higher than the national average of 1.47%. This shows us that there are more jobs being created in the Dallas area than most other U.S. cities today.

Population Growth: Dallas’ population is growing rapidly. The population in Dallas has increased by 17% over the past 8 years, which is 201% faster than the national average. This shows us that people are moving to Dallas at a higher rate than most other cities across the nation today.

Affordability: In the neighborhoods where RealWealth members invest, the median price of 3 bedroom homes was $145,000 in 2019. This is 35% lower than the national average of $222,000. This shows us that home values and monthly rents are rising more quickly than most other cities across the nation.

Data Sources:

• https://factfinder.census.gov
• https://www.zillow.com
• https://www.deptofnumbers.com
• RealWealth Property Team Data

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#6 – Houston, Texas

When then-President of the Republic of Texas, Sam Houston, incorporated the City of Houston in 1837, the prevailing industry was railroad construction. A lot has changed since then, but the city’s passion for modes of transportation has not. Hint: Houston is the home of NASA’s Mission Control and a lot of oil money.

What makes this city one of the best places to buy rental property in 2020? It has job growth, population growth, AND it’s still pretty darn affordable!

Houston is home to 49 Fortune 1000 companies, which is the second largest concentration of any other city in the country, behind only New York with 72. In addition, the largest medical center in the world, The Texas Medical Center, is located in Houston and gets an average of 7.2 million visitors per year. To date, there have been more heart surgeries performed here than anywhere else in the world.

Houston is a stable, landlord friendly market that offers both cash flow and equity growth. And you can STILL acquire properties well below their replacement value.

Housing Market Statistics

• Current Median Home Price: $175,000
• Median Rent Per Month: $1,517
• Median Household Income: $75,377
• Metro Population: 6.9 M
• 1-Year Job Growth Rate: 2.59%
• 7-Year Equity Growth Rate: 60.55%
• 8-Year Population Growth: 17.64%
• Unemployment Rate: 3.5%

Housing Market Quick Facts

1. Houston is more affordable than many U.S. real estate markets today. In 2019, the median price of three bedroom homes in Houston was $175,000. This is 21% lower than the national average of $222,000
2. Houston offers investors a strong opportunity to generate passive monthly income. In 2019, the median monthly rent for three bedroom homes in Houston was $1,517, which is 0.87% of the purchase price of $175,000. This is higher than the national price-to-rent ratio of 0.75%.
3. Houston home values have been rising faster than other U.S. real estate markets. In 2012, the median price of three bedroom homes in Houston was $104,000. Over the next 7 years (Jan. 2012 to Dec. 2019), three bedroom homes in Houston appreciated by 61%.
4. Houston was ranked the #10 best city for young entrepreneurs by Forbes and the #2 best place to live in the world by Business Insider.

Conclusion: Top 3 Reasons to Invest in the Houston Real Estate Market in 2020

Job Growth: It’s currently at, or near the top for job growth in the U.S and the cost of living is well below the national average.

Population Growth: Since 2010, Houston’s population has increased 18%. During the same period, the national population grew by only 2.35%. The population in Houston is growing 206% faster than the national average. This shows us that people are moving to Houston in greater number than most other American cities, which is a positive indicator of a strong real estate market.

Affordability: In 2019, the median price of three bedroom homes in Houston was $175,000. This is 21% lower than the national average of $222,000. Houston also offers investors a strong opportunity to generate passive monthly income. In 2019, the median monthly rent for three bedroom homes in Houston was $1,517, which is 0.87% of the purchase price of $175,000. This is higher than the national price-to-rent ratio of 0.75%.

Data Sources:

• https://factfinder.census.gov
• https://www.zillow.com
• https://www.deptofnumbers.com
• RealWealth Property Team Data

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#7 – Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland, Ohio is one of the strongest real estate markets in the nation, offering investors high cash flow and future growth. With a workforce of over 2 million people, Cleveland has the 12th largest economic region in the nation.Cleveland, Ohio is located on the southern shore of Lake Erie, about 60 miles west of the Pennsylvania border.

And the pace is picking up, with an all time high of 15,000 moving downtown just last summer, mostly comprised of the coveted Millennials (ages 18-34). This demographic shift is referred to as the “brain gain,” since there’s been a 139% rise in the number of young residents with bachelor’s degrees.

Why? Downtown Cleveland has experienced a renaissance over the past several years, with an estimated $19 billion in development completed or planned since 2010. Just in the last three years, a 10-acre green space downtown was redesigned and has quickly become a gathering place for locals and tourists. The $50-million project is just one of many, including commercial and residential real estate developments.

Housing Market Statistics

• Current Median Home Price: $138,000
• Median Rent Per Month: $1,143
• Median Household Income: $71,582
• Metro Population: 2.1 M
• 1-Year Job Growth Rate: 0.94%
• 7-Year Equity Growth Rate: 31.43%
• 8-Year Population Growth: -0.90%
• Unemployment Rate: 4.2%

Housing Market Quick Facts

1. Fastest growing healthcare economy in U.S. (and home to world renowned Cleveland Clinic).
2. Nation’s first Global Center for Health and Innovation as well as a new medical convention center.
3. 10 Fortune 500 company headquarters (Goodyear Tire, Cliffs, Natural Resources, Firstenergy, Sherwin Williams, Eaton Corporation, Travel Centers of America, Aleris, Parker Hannifin, Progressive Insurance, KeyCorp).
4. Home to three major sport teams that bring billions of dollars to the area every year.
5. Job growth continues to steadily rise at 0.94%.
6. In 2019, the median price of 3 bedroom homes in Cleveland was $138,000. This is 38% lower than the national average.

Conclusion: Top 3 Reasons to Invest in the Cleveland Real Estate Market in 2020

Here’s a recap of the top three factors that make Cleveland one of the best cities to buy rental property in for 2020:

Job Growth: Cleveland has a fast-growing healthcare and tech sector. Millennials are moving into the area at a rapid pace to take advantage of the job opportunities available at Cleveland companies, including The Cleveland Clinic, Eaton Corporation, and Key Corp.

Population Growth: While Cleveland’s population has declined over the last 8 years, the number of people moving to downtown Cleveland has increased from around 6,000 residents to 20,000 residents. And the pace is picking up, with an all time high of 12,500 moving downtown last year, mostly comprised of the coveted Millennials (ages 18-34).

Affordability: In the neighborhoods where RealWealth members invest, the median price is only $105,000. This is 53% less than the average 3 bedroom home nationwide. This means there’s a good opportunity for cash flow and appreciation in this market. And that’s great news for real estate investors in 2020.

Data Sources:

• https://www.zillow.com
• https://factfinder.census.gov
• https://www.deptofnumbers.com
• RealWealth Property Team Data

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#8 – Cincinnati, Ohio

Cincinnati is a unique and historic city located on the Ohio River. Winston Churchill once said that “Cincinnati is the most beautiful of the inland cities of the union.” It seems like a lot of people today agree with Mr. Churchill… This is one reason why Cincinnati is one of the best places to buy rental property in 2020.

With a population of 2.2 million, Cincinnati is part of the 24th largest U.S. metropolitan area and it is growing fast! Both Cincinnati and neighboring city, Dayton, are rapidly coming together in a rush of housing, retail and commercial development across Warren and Butler counties. According to CNBC, a recent study ranked Cincinnati as one of 15 city’s attracting the most millennials in 2018 with over 12,000 new residents.

According to the Brookings institution, the Cincinnati/Dayton area is among the nations 25 fastest developing regions. Yet the cost of living and the cost of housing are still well below the national average, making this an affordable and attractive place to live.  In 2019, the median monthly rent for three bedroom homes in Cincinnati was $1,232 which is 0.75% of the purchase price of $165,000. This is right on par with the national price-to-rent ratio of 0.75%.

Cincinnati has also become a popular destination for new and relocating corporate headquarters, including 10 Fortune 500 companies and 17 Fortune 1000 companies.

All of these are good signs for investors that are looking to invest in cash flow property with a strong chance of appreciation, which is why it’s made our list of best cities to buy rental property in 2020.

Housing Market Statistics

• Metro Population: 2.2 M
• Median Household Income: $80,277
• Current Median Home Price: $165,000
• Median Rent Per Month: $1,232
• 1-Year Job Growth Rate: 2.06%
• 7-Year Equity Growth Rate: 35.25%
• 8-Year Population Growth: 3.58%
• Unemployment Rate: 3.8%

Housing Market Quick Facts

1. The area is among the nation’s 25 fastest developing regions with a growing population every year.
2. A $350 million retail complex opened in 2018.
3. Cincinnati/Dayton is the country’s 4th largest inland hub.
4. The area is 4th in the US in new facilities – including GE Aviation’s new 420,000 square-foot Class A office campus and a new 80,000 sq ft Proton Therapy Center for cancer research.
5. Cincinnati has also completed a $160 Million dollar campus expansion.
6. In 2019, the median monthly rent for three bedroom homes in Cincinnati was $1,232, which is 0.75% of the purchase price of $165,000. This is right in line with the national price-to-rent ratio of 0.75%.
7. Cincinnati was just named as one of the best markets for real estate investments in 2020 by Forbes.

Conclusion: Top 3 Reasons To Invest in the Cincinnati Real Estate Market in 2020

Job Growth: The Cincinnati metro area has the 4th largest number of new facilities in the U.S. – including GE Aviation’s new 420,000 square-foot Class A office campus and a new 80,000 sq ft Proton Therapy Center for cancer research. Job growth in Cincinnati is growing 40% faster than the national average.

Population Growth: The Cincinnati metro population has grown 3.58% over the past eight years. Although this is below the national average, it’s still growing. And with a cost of living that is below the national average, this trend will likely continue.

Affordability: In Cincinnati, it’s still possible to purchase fully renovated cash flow properties in good neighborhoods for $123,000 to $150,000.

Data Sources:

• https://www.zillow.com
• https://factfinder.census.gov
• https://www.deptofnumbers.com
• RealWealth Property Team Data

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9# – Chicago, Illinois

Known for its towering skyscrapers and Fortune 500 companies, the Windy City is one of the few remaining U.S. markets where you can still find great investment opportunities.

With higher real estate prices and lower-than-average job and population growth, Chicago may not seem like a “good” place to invest in real estate. That said, it is one of the few cities in the nation where housing prices still haven’t risen above their 2006 levels. When focusing on finding the highest capital growth and cash flow, you’ll find some neighborhoods offer homes at $128,000 to $210,000 with rents as high as 1.13% (above national average) of the purchase price every month. !

All of this is good news for investors lookin for under market value properties, with tremendous monthly cash flow, and poised for steady appreciation.

Housing Market Statistics

• Metro Population: 9.5 M
• Median Household Income: $84,000
• Current Median Home Price: $210,000
• Median Rent Per Month: $1,679
• 1-Year Job Growth Rate: 0.80%
• 7-Year Equity Growth Rate: 41%
• 8-Year Population Growth: 0.29%
• Unemployment Rate: 3.6%

Housing Market Quick Facts

1. Chicago is the 3rd largest city in the United States and among the top 5 most economically powerful cities in the world.
2. The median sale price of the average 3 bedroom home in the Chicago metro area was $210,000.
3. This is 5% less than the national average of $222,000 for 3 bedroom homes.
4. In the neighborhoods where RealWealth members invest, the median purchase price was only $128,000 in 2019, which is 42% more affordable than the national average.
5. The median rent in the Chicago metro area is over $1,679 per month, with over half of the population renting.
6. 83% of Chicagoans live in a home for 1 year or more.
7. Chicago is home to 30 Fortune 500 companies and boasts a $500 billion GDP, which is more than that of Norway and Belgium combined!

Conclusion: Top 3 Reasons to Invest in the Chicago Real Estate Market in 2020

Job Growth: Chicago is the 3rd largest city in the United States and among the top 5 most economically powerful cities in the world. There are 30 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in the metro area, which boast a $500 billion GDP. In the past year, Chicago added 37,900 new jobs to their economy.

Population Growth: Real estate prices have soared within Chicago’s city limits, causing people to move out of the city and into the suburbs. As a result, prices in some of these neighborhoods continue to increase. While Chicago’s population growth is well below the national average, it’s important to note that it’s still consistently growing, which his a good sign for those looking to invest in more stable markets.

Affordability: Chicago is one of the last markets where housing prices have not yet risen past their 2006 levels, simply due to the state’s tough foreclosure laws. The median sale price for a home in Chicago is $210,000, but it’s still possible to find homes for sale in mid-level neighborhoods between $128,000 and $210,000. In the neighborhoods where RealWealth members invest, 3 bedroom homes rent for $1,450 per month, which is 1.13% of the $128,000 median purchase price. This is 51% higher than the national average. This means there are great opportunities for cash flow in Chicago, and a strong chance of appreciation too.

Data Sources:

• https://www.zillow.com
• https://factfinder.census.gov
• https://www.deptofnumbers.com
• RealWealth Property Team Data

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#10 – Indianapolis, Indiana

With a metro area of over 2.1 million people, Indianapolis is the 2nd largest city in the Midwest and 14th largest in the U.S. The city has poured billions of dollars into revitalization and now ranks among the best downtowns and most livable cities, according to Forbes.

Housing costs and the annual cost of living in Indianapolis are also well under the national average. Indy also has a strong, diverse job market, great schools and universities, and plenty of sports attractions. In 2019, the median monthly rent for three bedroom homes in Indianapolis was $1,172, which is 0.71% of the purchase price of $164,400. This is slightly lower than the national price-to-rent ratio of 0.75%. What do all of these factors tell us about the real estate market potential in Indianapolis? Let’s just say it’s a good time to become a landlord in Indianapolis.

Bonus: you can purchase like-new properties for only $80,000 – $350,000.

Housing Market Statistics

• Metro Population: 2.1M
• Median Household Income: $68,000
• Current Median Home Price: $164,400
• Median Rent Per Month: $1,172
• 1-Year Job Growth Rate: 0.81%
• 7-Year Equity Growth Rate: 45.00%
• 8-Year Population Growth: 8.25%
• Unemployment Rate: 3.1%

Housing Market Quick Facts

1. 3 Fortune 500 Companies have their headquarters in Indianapolis.
2. 7 high-tech “Certified Technology Parks” with tax incentives to start-ups.
3. Major distribution hub including Fedex, Celadon Trucking, Amazon, Target.
4. Indy is the ONLY U.S. metropolitan area to have specialized employment concentrations in all five bioscience sectors evaluated in the study: agricultural feedstock and chemicals; bioscience-related distribution; drugs and pharmaceuticals; medical devices and equipment; and research, testing, and medical laboratories.

Conclusion: Top 3 Reasons to Invest in the Indianapolis Real Estate Market in 2020

Like most of the markets on this list, Indianapolis has job growth, population growth and affordability. This is why it’s made our list of the best places to buy rental property in 2020. Here’s a recap:

Job Growth: Indianapolis is one of the fastest growing hubs for technology, bioscience and Fortune 500 companies in the nation. In fact, Indy is the ONLY U.S. metropolitan area to have specialized employment concentrations in all five bioscience sectors evaluated in the study: agricultural feedstock and chemicals; bioscience-related distribution; drugs and pharmaceuticals; medical devices and equipment; and research, testing, and medical laboratories.

Population Growth: With a metro area of over 2.1 million people, Indianapolis is the 2nd largest city in the Midwest and 14th largest in the U.S. Since 1989 Indy’s population has grown over 36%, and continues to grow at a rate of nearly 1% annually.

Affordability: Indianapolis is among the few U.S. cities where you can purchase like-new, rental ready properties for only $80,000 to $135,000. In 2019, the median monthly rent for three bedroom homes in Indianapolis was $1,172, which is 0.71% of the purchase price of $164,400. This is higher slightly lower than the national price-to-rent ratio of 0.75%. This shows that Indianapolis is affordable with an opportunity to earn passive rental income.

Data Sources:

• https://www.zillow.com
• https://factfinder.census.gov
• https://www.deptofnumbers.com
• RealWealth Property Team Data

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#11 – Detroit, Michigan

Why is Detroit one of the best cities to buy rental property in this year? It’s the largest city in the state of Michigan AND it’s recognized as the automotive capital of the world. This is why many people know it by the nickname “Motor City.” The metro area is home to General Motors, Ford Motor Company, Chrysler (“The Big 3” major automotive companies in the U.S. and Canada), which offer a wide-range of jobs and invest billions of dollars into the city’s infrastructure.

Detroit is also home to 100 Fortune 500 companies, including Penske Automotive, Quicken Loans, Kellogg, Whirlpool, and Walmart.

Despite its longstanding nickname, several of Detroit’s fastest growing industries are in sectors as diverse as healthcare, defense, aerospace, IT and logistics.

Billionaire Dan Gilbert (the chairman and founder of Rock Ventures and Quicken Loans Inc, as well as the majority owner of the National Basketball Association’s Cleveland Cavaliers, the American Hockey League’s Cleveland Monsters, the Arena Football League’s Cleveland Gladiators and the NBA Developmental League’s Canton Charge) has moved numerous companies to Detroit, investing over $1.6 Billion in the Detroit area.

Major Attractions include Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Detroit Red Wings, Wayne State University, University of Michigan, Beaumont Hospital, Fox Theater and a new bridge to Canada being built.

Our Real Wealth vetting team took a trip out to Detroit last year to see what’s happening there and to find out why investors are jumping back into that market. We were shocked at what we found! Downtown Detroit is being totally revitalized with billions of dollars of real estate and construction activity. Plus, many of the dilapidated foreclosures were torn down.

We found an excellent team in Detroit who finds discounted properties, fixes them to like-new condition and offers ongoing properties management. Somehow they are able to keep the price points down for a fully-renovated, turnkey homes to around $80,000 (as low as $50,000 in some cases). This is why we believe Detroit is one of the best places to invest in rental property this year.

Housing Market Statistics

• Metro Population: 4.3M
• Median Household Income: $75,000
• Current Median Home Price: $207,000
• Median Rent Per Month: $1,462
• 1-Year Job Growth Rate: -0.51%
• 7-Year Equity Growth Rate: 99.0%
• 8-Year Population Growth: 0.82%
• Unemployment Rate: 3.8%

Housing Market Quick Facts

1. Detroit is also home to 100 Fortune 500 companies, including Penske Automotive, Quicken Loans, Kellogg, Whirlpool, and Walmart.
2. Despite its longstanding nickname, several of Detroit’s fastest growing industries are in sectors as diverse as healthcare, defense, aerospace, IT and logistics.
3. The Michigan Business Development Program provides grants, loans, and other economic assistance to businesses.
4. Michigan has a flat 6% corporate income tax, which is the lowest in the nation.
5. Personal income tax is also among the lowest in the nation at 1.2%.
6. Michigan also has a lower cost of living than any other Midwestern state.
7. Since 2010, more than 45,000 automotive manufacturing jobs have been added to the Detroit Metro, which is more than any other area in the nation.

Conclusion: Top 3 Reasons to Invest in the Detroit Real Estate Market in 2020

Job Growth: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate in Detroit increased by 0.82% between 2010 and July 2018. During the same period, the national job count increased by 5.76%. Despite very slow/negative growth, the Detroit metro still outperforms similar markets at attracting educated Millennials to their workforce. Likely due to several research universities in the area, including Wayne State University.

Population Growth: People have been following companies/jobs to “less expensive” cities. For example, Billionaire Dan Gilbert (the chairman and founder of Rock Ventures and Quicken Loans Inc, as well as the majority owner of the National Basketball Association’s Cleveland Cavaliers, the American Hockey League’s Cleveland Monsters, the Arena Football League’s Cleveland Gladiators and the NBA Developmental League’s Canton Charge) has moved numerous companies to Detroit, investing over $1.6 Billion in the Detroit area.

Affordability: In the Detroit neighborhoods where RealWealth Members invest, the median price of 3 bedroom homes in 2019 was only $87,000. This is 61% lower than the national average. This shows us that real estate in Detroit is more affordable than many other U.S. markets today.

Data Sources:

• https://www.zillow.com
• https://factfinder.census.gov
• https://www.deptofnumbers.com
• RealWealth Property Team Data

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#12 – Atlanta, Georgia

Located in the low foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Atlanta is the third-largest metropolitan region in the Southeast, behind the Greater Washington and south Florida areas.

For decades, the Atlanta metro area experienced rapid population growth to match the demand of new jobs being created, many of them in high-paying sectors like manufacturing. Today, Atlanta’s growth has slowed a bit, but there are still good investment opportunities to be found if you know where to look. Today, Atlanta’s growth has slowed a bit, but not entirely.

Housing Market Statistics

• Metro Population: 5.9M
• Median Household Income: $77,000
• Current Median Home Price: $189,900
• Median Rent Per Month: $1,434
• 1-Year Job Growth Rate: 2.15%
• 7-Year Equity Growth Rate: 109.00%
• 8-Year Population Growth: 12.18%
• Unemployment Rate: 2.9%

Housing Market Quick Facts

1. Between 2018 and 2019, 3 bedroom single family homes in the Atlanta metro appreciated by a median 15.03%. This is higher than the national average of 9.90%. Over a 7-year period, median appreciation reached 109%, which is 97% faster than the national average.
2. During the same period, rents for 3 bedroom single family homes in Atlanta appreciated by an average 4.95%.
3. Over the past 8 years, Atlanta’s population grew by 12.18%, which is 111% faster than the national average of 5.76%.
4. In the last year, 60,300 new jobs were created in Atlanta – an annual growth rate of 1.96%. This is a higher rate than the national average of 1.73%.

Conclusion: Top 3 Reasons to Invest in the Atlanta Real Estate Market in 2020

Job Growth: In the last year, 53,700 new jobs were created in Atlanta – an annual growth rate of 2.15%. This is a higher rate than the national average of 1.47%.

Population Growth: Over the past 8 years,, Atlanta’s population grew by 12.18%, which is 111% faster than the national average of 5.76%.

Affordability: In 2019, the median purchase price of 3 bedroom single family homes in the Atlanta area was $190,000. This is 15% lower than the national average of $222,000 for 3 bedroom homes. This is great news for real estate investors in 2020.

Data Sources:

• https://factfinder.census.gov
• https://www.deptofnumbers.com
• https://www.zillow.com
• RealWealth Property Team Data

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#13 – Columbus, Ohio

Columbus is the capital of Ohio, the county seat of Franklin County, and the largest city in the state. In recent years, this city has emerged as one of the nation’s most technologically sophisticated cities — it is home to the Batelle Memorial Institute, the world’s largest private research and development foundation, and Ohio State University, the nation’s third-largest university campus.

Columbus also offers great opportunities for investors today. This is especially true for those who are looking for an affordable investment, strong monthly cash flow, and a good chance for equity growth.

Housing Market Statistics

• Median Sales Price: $183,000
• Median Rent Per Month: $1,310
• Median Household Income: $79,694
• Population: 2.1 M
• 1-Year Job Growth Rate: 0.84%
• 7-Year Equity Growth Rate: 51.24%
• 8-Year Population Growth: 10.49%
• Unemployment Rate: 3.7%

Housing Market Quick Facts

1. Columbus is affordable. In 2019, the median price of three bedroom homes in Columbus was $183,000. This is 18% lower than the national average of $222,000.
2. It’s possible to rent single-family homes in Columbus for as much as 0.90% of the purchase price. This is well above the national average of 0.75% (2019).
3. Columbus is the 14th largest city in the country. Over the last eighth years, Columbus’ metro population has grown over 10%, faster than the national average of 5.76%.
4. Realtor.com ranked Columbus as the fourth-hottest housing market in the country.
5. Business Week named Columbus among the best cities to live and work in America.

Conclusion: Top 3 Reasons to Invest in the Columbus Real Estate Market in 2020

As mentioned, most of the best real estate investment markets have three factors in common: job growth, population growth and affordability. Columbus is no exception…

Job Growth: Columbus has added over 9,300 new jobs between 2018 and 2019. Although this statistic indicates a slowdown in new jobs, the growth rate continues to hold steady.

Population Growth: Columbus’ population has grown over 10% in the last eight years, faster than the national average of 5.76%, and remains the 14th largest city in the country.

Affordability: In Columbus it is still possible to purchase fully renovated properties in good neighborhoods for around $100,000.

Data Sources:

• https://factfinder.census.gov
• https://www.deptofnumbers.com
• https://www.zillow.com
• RealWealth Property Team Data

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#14 – Albuquerque, New Mexico

Located in the middle of the Rio Grande valley, Albuquerque is the most populous city in the state of New Mexico and the 32nd-most populous city in the United States.

Best known for its annual Balloon Fiesta and as the setting for AMC’s hit show “Breaking Bad,” Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a culturally rich and naturally beautiful metropolitan area. Albuquerque is at the center of New Mexico’s “Technology Corridor,” a concentration of high-tech private companies and government institutions located along the Rio Grande river. It is also home to Intel, Sandia National Laboratories, Kirkland Air Force Base and four universities. And we can expect more jobs and movies coming out of the area as Netflix plans to move their new U.S. production hub to the area.

Housing Market Statistics

• Median Sales Price: $204,000
• Median Rent Per Month: $1,226
• Median Household Income: $65,000
• Population: 915,927
• 1-Year Job Growth Rate: 0.9%
• 7-Year Equity Growth Rate: 24%
• 8-Year Population Growth: 3%
• Unemployment Rate: 4.5%

Housing Market Quick Facts

1. The median price of the average three bedroom home in Albuquerque was $204,000 in 2019. This is 8% less than the median value nationwide.
2. In 2019, the median monthly rent of an average three bedroom home in the U.S. was $1,670, which is 0.75% of the median purchase price of $222,000.
3. Since 2010, the population in Albuquerque has increased by 2.96%. The national population grew by 5.76% during this 7-year period. This shows us that Albuquerque is experiencing consistent growth year after year. And although this growth isn’t staggering, it’s another indicator that Albuquerque’s real estate market will continue to be stable in years to come.
4. Between November 2018 and November 2019 the number of jobs in the Albuquerque metro increased at a rate of 0.89%, which is 39% slower than the national average.

Conclusion: Top 3 Reasons to Invest in the Albuquerque Real Estate Market in 2020

As mentioned, most of the best real estate investment markets have three factors in common: job growth, population growth and affordability. Albuquerque is no exception…

Job Growth: Between November 2018 and November 2019, the number of jobs in the Albuquerque metro increased at a rate of 0.89, which is slower than the 1.47% job growth rate nationally during this period. Although this is slower than the national average, it’s still a good sign that more people will continue moving to the area. More people equals more demand for rental housing. And this is good news for buy and hold investors.

Population Growth: Since 2010, the population in Albuquerque has increased by 2.96%. Although this is less than the 5.76% growth experienced nationwide, this shows us that Albuquerque is experiencing consistent population growth year after year. And while this growth isn’t staggering, it’s another indicator that Albuquerque’s real estate market will continue to be stable in years to come.

Affordability: Albuquerque home values are 8% more affordable than the median value nationwide. In the neighborhoods where RealWealth members invest, home values are 37% less than the average 3-bedroom home nationwide. This shows us that Albuquerque real estate is uniquely affordable.

Data Sources:

• https://factfinder.census.gov
• https://www.deptofnumbers.com
• https://www.zillow.com
• RealWealth Property Team Data

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#15 – Birmingham, Alabama

Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Birmingham is the most-populous city in the state of Alabama and the county seat of Jefferson County.

At the height of the nation’s manufacturing age, the city grew so fast in population it was nicknamed the “Magic City.” The nickname stuck when they discovered it was also the only city in the world where the three raw ingredients used to make steel (coal, limestone, and iron ore) occur naturally in a ten-mile radius.

What makes it one of the best places to buy real estate in 2020? Well, in the last few decades, Birmingham has undergone a major revitalization, becoming a hub for publishing, medical research, banking, construction, and service-based companies. Today, the Magic City is considered one of the nation’s most livable cities because of its vibrant downtown, burgeoning loft community, and world-class culinary scene. In fact, Birmingham was voted the #1 Up-and-Coming Food City by Zagat in 2016.

Housing Market Statistics

• Median Sales Price: $116,000
• Median Rent Per Month: $1,150
• Median Household Income: $67,000
• Population: 1.2M
• 1-Year Job Growth Rate: 1.55%
• 7-Year Equity Growth Rate: 30.04%
• 8-Year Population Growth: 2.03%
• Unemployment Rate: 2.5%

Housing Market Quick Facts

1. Birmingham is affordable. The average home prices in Birmingham are still well below national levels, which means investing here is more affordable than many other U.S. cities today.
2. Birmingham offers a cash flow opportunity. 3-bedroom single family homes in Birmingham can rent for more than .99% of the purchase price, which means there’s a strong cash flow opportunity here.
3. Birmingham is stable. Birmingham is not experiencing wild appreciation or depreciation swings, which makes it more stable than many other U.S. cities today. This means that investing here is likely less-risky than many other markets too.
4. Birmingham is growing steadily. Over the last 7 years, Birmingham has experienced both population and job growth at a steady yearly rate. This is a good sign that  this market will continue to be stable for years to come.

Conclusion: Top 3 Reasons to Invest in the Birmingham Real Estate Market in 2020

As mentioned throughout this article, job growth, population growth and affordability are three of the most important factors to consider when analyzing a real estate market. Here’s how Birmingham stacks up:

Job Growth: Between November 2018 and November 2019, the number of jobs in Birmingham has increased by just under 1.55%, which is 6% higher than the national average. This shows us that Birmingham is creating more jobs than other U.S. cities today, which is a good sign for real estate investors. Why? Because job growth leads to population growth, and people always need a place to live.

Population Growth: Since 2010, Birmingham’s population has grown by 2.03%. Although this is slower than the national average, it does show consistent growth. This is a good sign of stability in a real estate market.

Affordability: Birmingham home values are 48% below the national average, which is a good sign for investors.

Data Sources:

• https://factfinder.census.gov
• https://www.deptofnumbers.com
• https://www.zillow.com
• RealWealth Property Team Data

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#16 – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

While Pittsburgh may still be a good place to invest in 2020, we’re not currently recommending it to RealWealth members.

With a population of over 2.3 million, the Pittsburgh Metro area is the 22nd largest in the nation. The “Burgh” is known as “The City of Bridges” for its 446 bridges, and “The Steel City” for its former steel manufacturing base.

It’s the home of several large corporations that help to keep its moderate and growing economy stable including PNC Financial Services and Federated Investors. Its economy thrives on healthcare, education, technology, robotics, financial services, glass, and more recently film production (The Dark Knight Rises was filmed downtown).

The region is also known for oil and natural gas production and is headquarters to major global financial institutions including PNC Financial Services (the nation’s fifth largest bank), Federated Investors and the regional headquarters of BNY Mellon.

It is ranked as one of the top 12 places to invest by the Pittsburgh Post Gazette. It’s also one of the top 10 housing markets for redevelopment and growth.

Housing Market Statistics

• Median Sales Price: $141,000
• Median Rent Per Month: $1,115
• Median Household Income: $59,000
• Metro Population: 2.3 M
• 1-Year Job Growth Rate: 0.68%
• 6-Year Equity Growth Rate: 21.00%
• 5-Year Population Growth: -1.00%
• Unemployment Rate: 3.8%

Housing Market Quick Facts

1. The median sale price of 3 bedroom single family homes in Pittsburgh remains low at only $141,000. However, in some neighborhoods it is possible to purchase homes for less than $73,000.
2. Median rent per month is $1,115 a month or 0.79% of the median purchase price, which provides an opportunity for a sizable and quick return.
3. The area is also seeing steady rise in home value with over 21% equity growth over the last 6 years.
4. Pittsburgh has been experiencing steady job growth in the education and health services, leisure and hospitality, professional and business services, and STEM sectors.
5. Pittsburgh is also home to 15 Fortune 500 companies, the East Coast headquarters for Google, and many other high tech startups.
6. Business Times ranks Pittsburgh as the #1 top city to relocate to & Zillow ranked it in the top 10 best housing markets in the nation.

Conclusion: Top 3 Reasons to Invest in the Pittsburgh Real Estate Market in 2019

Job Growth: Pittsburgh has not been creating as many jobs as other U.S. cities, however the metro area is experiencing employment gains in several sectors. For example, between September 2015 and 2016, there were 6,773 jobs created in the education and health services, leisure and hospitality, professional and business services, and STEM sectors. However, 6,447 jobs were lost from goods-producing industries, which created close to the net decline in employment for the metro area. All of this data shows us that demand in Pittsburgh is still rising at a steady rate among some “high-value” demographics, including millennials and people in STEM fields.

Population Growth: Pittsburgh’s overall population has declined since 2010 but the millennial population has grown significantly. In fact, in a 2018 study conducted by Niche, Pittsburgh ranked #12 for best cities for millennials. This is a good sign for investors because millennials often prefer renting to buying (in 2017, homeownership for millennials is less than 13% nationwide), which means the demand for rental homes in Pittsburgh will likely rise in the coming years.

Affordability: The median sale price of 3 bedroom single family homes in Pittsburgh remains low at only $141,000, which is 30% less than the national average of $202,000.

Data Sources:

• https://www.zillow.com
• https://factfinder.census.gov
• https://www.deptofnumbers.com
• RealWealth Property Team Data

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#17 – Kansas City, Missouri

While Kansas City may still be a good place to invest in 2020, we’re not currently recommending it to RealWealth members.

Kansas City, widely known for its sports, art and culture, is also of the most affordable cities in the U.S. Since 2010, the population in the metro area has increased by 6.15%, totaling 2.1 million people.

More so, the area’s gross regional product grew 2.9% in 2014, which is higher than the national average of 2.2%. Kansas City has become an important sector for healthcare, IT, manufacturing, and the auto industry, adding some 18,100 jobs between August 2017 and August 2018. This economic and population growth is impressive.

Good news for investors: in recent years, many Americans have been following companies/jobs to “less expensive” cities, including Kansas City. The result: these affordable markets are seeing a steady increase in rental demand. This means it’s a very good time to be a Kansas City landlord. And you guessed it, this is why we’ve added KC to our best places to buy rental property for 2019.

Housing Market Statistics

• Metro Population: 2.1M
• Median Household Income: $45,000
• Current Median Home Price: $162,000
• Median Rent Per Month: $1,275
• 1-Year Job Growth Rate: 1.67%
• 6-Year Equity Growth Rate: 17.00%
• 7-Year Population Growth: 5.72%
• Unemployment Rate: 3.9%

Housing Market Quick Facts

1. Kansas City has become one of the hottest spots for renters, which in turn has increased demand for more available homes and apartments for rent.
2. There is a large number of affordable homes on the market including pre-foreclosure and bank-owned properties priced around $100,000 to $120,000. The average list price here is $162,000.
3. Average monthly rent sits around $1,275 a month. The median household income here is about $45,000.
4. Employment continued to increase by 1.67% in 2018, adding some 18,100 jobs.

Conclusion: Top 3 Reasons to Invest in the Kansas City Real Estate Market in 2019

Job Growth: Kansas City has become an important sector for healthcare, IT, manufacturing, and the auto industry, adding some 18,100 jobs just last year. This economic and population growth is impressive.

Population Growth: In recent years, many Americans have been following companies/jobs to “less expensive” cities, including Kansas City. Since 2010, the population in the metro area has increased by 6.15%, totaling 2.1 million people.

Affordability: The average list price in Kansas City is $162,000. However, the metro area has a large number of affordable homes on the market, including pre-foreclosure and bank-owned properties priced between $100,000 to $120,000. The average monthly rent sits around $1,275 a month.

Data Sources:

• https://www.zillow.com
• https://factfinder.census.gov
• https://www.deptofnumbers.com
• RealWealth Property Team Data

#18 – St. Louis, Missouri

While St. Louis may still be a good place to invest in 2020, we’re not currently recommending it to RealWealth member

Home to over 2.8 million people, the St. Louis metro area is the 21st largest metro in the country. It’s also one of the most stable and affordable real estate markets today where investors can purchase single family homes for as little as $120,000 and rent them for just under 1% of the purchase price.

St. Louis is popular among real estate investors because of its stable economy, growing technology hub, large metro population, and most especially, its affordable housing market.

While the average home price in the St. Louis area is still below $200,000, there are many pockets of the metro area with even more affordable entry points ($120K-$130K) with monthly rent averaging $1,100-$1,200.

Another positive factor for investors is that renters make up 32% of the market, which is slated to only increase as young educated millennials continue to migrate to St. Louis for its affordable housing market.

Housing Market Statistics

• Median Sales Price (2018-19): $176,000
• Median Rent Per Month (2018-19): $1,269
• Median Household Income (2018-19): $60,000
• Population (2018-19): 2.8 M
• 1-Year Job Growth Rate (2018-19): 0.72%
• 5-Year Equity Growth Rate (2018-19): 27%
• 6-Year Population Growth (2018-19): 0.63%
• Unemployment Rate (2018-19): 4.50%

Housing Market Quick Facts

1. St. Louis is affordable. The median price of the average three bedroom home in St. Louis is $176,000. This is 12% less than the median value nationwide.
2. The median monthly rent of the average three bedroom home in St. Louis is $1,269, which is exactly 0.72% of the median purchase price of $176,000.
3. Between July 2010 and July 2017, the St. Louis MSA population grew by 0.63%. Although this growth is significantly slower than the national average of 5.29%, the population is still growing.
4. Between June 2017 and 2018, the St. Louis MSA added 9,900 new jobs – an annual growth rate of 0.72%. During the same 12-month period, over 2.4M jobs were created nationwide an annual growth of 1.64%.

Conclusion: Top 3 Reasons to Invest in the St. Louis Real Estate Market in 2019

As mentioned, most of the best real estate investment markets have three factors in common: job growth, population growth and affordability. St. Louis is no exception…

Job Growth: St. Louis has added over 9,900 new jobs between 2017 and 2018. Although job growth was slower than the national average over the last 12 months, it’s important to note that jobs have been created AND people have been moving to the area to claim them. In other words, slow growth is still growth.

Population Growth: Since 2010, St. Louis’s population grew by 0.63%. Although this growth is slower than the national average, the population is still growing. Future growth also looks promising.

Affordability: In St. Louis it is still possible to purchase fully renovated properties in good neighborhoods for under $127,000, which is 37% lower than the national average of $200,000.

Data Sources:

• https://factfinder.census.gov
• https://www.deptofnumbers.com
• https://www.zillow.com
• RealWealth Property Team Data