While the lack of affordable housing seems to be a widespread problem in many American cities, a recent ranking by U.S. News & World Report listed cities where potential home buyers might have more luck, with the Midwest ranking high.
Although Fort Wayne, in neighboring Indiana, tops the list, two Illinois cities still managed to crack the top 20 rankings.
Peoria ranked 16th, while Rockford, which was named “America’s hottest real estate market” by the Wall Street Journal earlier this year, was ranked 20th.
With a median home price just north of $136,000 and a rich tradition of festivals, Peoria was hailed by the publication as a relative bargain with short average commute times and abundant views of the Illinois River.
As for Rockford, the “Garden City” has been lauded for its amenities and relative proximity to Chicago, its status as a logistics hub and its access to sports with the IceHogs, the AHL affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks, making the city their home.
As for the top city in the ranking, Fort Wayne was praised for its mix of quiet neighborhoods and amenities typically associated with big cities, such as entertainment options and an arts scene.
The publication cites the city’s economic resilience compared to some of its Rust Belt counterparts, with investments from General Motors and BAE Systems helping the local manufacturing sector.
The Midwest was well represented at the top of the list, with the region comprising five of the top ten cities.
Wichita, Kansas, comes in third on the list, followed by Springfield, Missouri, and Davenport, Iowa, in fourth and fifth place, respectively.
Green Bay, a mid-sized Midwestern city in Wisconsin, also made the top 10, coming in at No. 8, while being recognized for its college campuses, small-town Midwestern feel and revitalized downtown.
More details about the ranking and the cities selected in the list can be found here.
