Cheap prices in two upstate New York hubs are expected to attract first-time homebuyers in 2026 — but don’t forget to pack your scarf and boots.
Unfavorable economic conditions made 2025 a poor year for young home shoppers — the share of first-timers reached an all-time low, and the cohort is getting increasingly gray.
To balance out the bad news, a Realtor.com round-up identified 10 US metros slated to draw in hopeful homebuyers in 2026, including two entrants in the Empire State — one of which came in first.
Rochester earned the top spot with its low cost of living and ample employment opportunities. Erica – stock.adobe.com
Rochester’s low price-to-income ratio makes its harsh winters a little more livable. debramillet – stock.adobe.com
The business hub of Rochester, in Western New York, placed first thanks to its low cost of living and attractive employment opportunities.
In addition to a median listing price of $139,900, the presence of the University of Rochester and other major employer headquarters lends itself to the city’s low price-to-income ratio. The city has long been home to Xerox and Wegmans.
More than 20% of Rochester homeowners are projected to fall into the 25 to 34 age range this year, according to Realtor.com. That young cohort’s median salary of $48,617 is 2.9 times less than the city’s median home price — a reasonable ratio compared to the US median of 5.6.
To sweeten the pot, Rochester’s Home Purchase Assistance Program offers closing cost grants up to $8,000 for eligible first-timers.
The rankings considered economic factors far beyond simple listing prices, including commute times, the local percentage of young homeowners, local amenities and forecasted home sales in the year ahead.
Climate, however, was not considered.
Beyond the savings, buyers upstate should consider the cost of Great Lakes winters. debramillet – stock.adobe.com
The housing market of nearby Syracuse earned sixth place in the 2026 forecast. debramillet – stock.adobe.com
Rochester may offer a cheap cost of living and short commutes, but its low home prices go hand-and-hand with even lower temperatures. Before New York City’s cohort of elder Gen Zers and young millennials go fleeing for Rochester, they should consider the cost of maintaining a home in a region with sub-zero winter days and heavy snow — and how those can bear their brunt on houses.
The city’s proximity to the Lake Ontario brings brutal winds and lake-effect snow each year. In additional to high monthly utility bills, the necessary price of weatherizing one’s home can really add up.
Less than two hours east of Rochester, the city of Syracuse — also home to harsh winter weather — ranked sixth in Realtor’s 2026 forecast. New homebuyers can count on a median listing price of $169,900, plus a growing job market and easy access to high-quality healthcare.
The metro is proving increasingly popular, however. Syracuse’s projected price growth of 12.4% is the highest on the list.
The Midwest is known for its affordability, and Granite City, Illinois is no exception. Bloomberg via Getty Images
Other high-ranking cities on Realtor.com’s radar offer friendlier climates for home shoppers to consider this year.
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania ranked second with a median listing price of $151,999. The Midwestern metro of Granite City, Illinois took bronze. The city, located just outside of St. Louis, boasts the forecast’s lowest median list price, at just $119,000.