Real estate investment is gaining a more attractive risk profile. But before you invest in real estate, it's important to do your due diligence and ensure that you understand the market that you are thinking about buying a property in. Take a look at Benzinga’s picks for the top five best cities to invest in real estate and get ready to jump into the market.
Best Cities for Real Estate Investing
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina
- Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
- Fayetteville, Arkansas/Missouri
- Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin, South Carolina
| City | Population(millions)/3ygrowth (%) | Median Home price (000’s) | STEM* Industries | Office Businesses** | Goods Industries** | Tourism** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta, GA | 6.11/2.3% | $380 | 1.7 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 |
| Raleigh and Durham, NC | 4.72/1.4% | $485 | 1.1 | 1.2 | 1.1 | 1.1 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth, TX | 6.57/2.7% | $372 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.0 | 1.0 |
| Fayetteville, Arkansas | 2.69/1.7% | $421 | 0.8 | 1.2 | 0.8 | 1.8 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin, S.C. | 5.59/3.5% | $330 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 0.8 | 1.0 |
** The industry location quotient measures industry employment concentration by market. This is computed by expressing the metro area’s industry employment as a percentage of the total metro area population and then dividing that by national industry employment to express the result as a percentage of the national total.
Best Cities for Real Estate
The National Association of Realtors generates an annual ranking of the most promising housing markets for the upcoming year. Its comprehensive report for 2023 identifies five cities outlined in the list below as the top real estate markets to watch. Essential investment metrics for each leading real estate market are also detailed in the list. This data encompasses current and projected population growth, average rent prices, average home values and the presence and nature of key industries that either attract tourism or elevate demand.
1. Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta places first on this list of top real estate investments in 2023 due to its strong transaction volume seen over the past few years and 53.7% share of inbound moves.
Atlanta’s unique culture, its urban core that is ripe for renovation and its mixed-use suburban developments have made the city an increasingly interesting place to live, although land, labor and building cost rises have put pressure on affordability.
2. Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina
The second choice for 2023 is Raleigh and Durham. There has been especially strong investment activity in suburban office buildings and multifamily structures, as well as in homebuilding.
This key North Carolina metro area has a population growth rate of 2% and a strong supply of educated talent from the University of North Carolina, Duke University and North Carolina State University, in addition to several small colleges. It also boasts the Research Triangle Park, an up-and-coming mecca for tech jobs.
3. Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
The Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area has an impressive expected job growth trajectory of 6.5%, and so it earns third position on this list of best cities for real estate investment. By allowing the perimeter of this already-large city to expand, land costs there tend to remain moderate. Also, demand for real estate in Dallas-Fort Worth by resident individuals and investors has yet to wane, and property transactions remain active in the metropolitan area.
4. Fayetteville, Arkansas
Fayetteville takes the fourth spot, demonstrating a Housing Affordability Index (HAI) of 102.2. With 34% of renters being able to afford to buy, the city showcases a favorable housing market. Fayetteville's expanding job market and educational institutions make it an attractive place for individual residents and investors.
5. Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin, S.C.
Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin secures the fifth position with an HAI of 91. Coupled with 25.5% of renters being able to afford homes, this area is ripe for investment. The city's diverse economy and growing tech sector make it a strong contender for real estate investment.
Optimal Market for Real Estate Investing
The optimal market to invest in real estate is based on the qualities of a location. To assess a market’s prospects, get an overview of the factors that make a city or market ideal for real estate investing. These include:
- Population: The market’s existing population and projected growth numbers
- Pricing:. The current levels and trends in the average rent and home prices in the market and how affordable they are given income levels and market conditions
- Attractions:. Popular local industries and attractive features that will draw tourism, students and permanent occupants into the market
Best Investing Platforms for Real Estate
Real estate investing may involve buying real estate stocks or using investing platforms to simplify the process. Alternative investment platforms like Diversyfund, Crowdstreet and Roofstock give you the option of owning shares of commercial investment property, investing money in a real estate investment trust (REIT) and more.
Get started by comparing the best investing platforms for real estate.
This is a testimonial in partnership with Fundrise. We earn a commission from partner links on Benzinga.com. All opinions are our own.
- Best For:Commercial Real Estate Investorssecurely through First National Realty Partners's website
Invest in Real Estate Now
The top five cities of 2023 are strong real estate investment sites. New real estate investment options mean you can dive into real estate and take a hands-off approach. Take a look at our recommended platforms to add real estate to your investment portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are real estate investment trusts (REITs) a good option for me?
An REIT owns, operates or finances real estate investments. It pools capital like a mutual fund to purchase commercial, multi-family and sometimes single-family homes.
REITs make it easier for you to invest because you don’t have to personally buy or manage a property. Buy the shares you can afford to get started in real estate now. Learn more about how to invest in REITS with our guide.
What factors should you consider when investing in real estate?
You need to think about the location, population growth, job market and employers.
What are the best cities for investing in real estate?
Some excellent markets include Austin, Texas, Nashville, Tennessee and Orlando, Florida.
