In a real estate climate where affordability feels elusive for many Americans, WalletHub’s 2025 housing affordability rankings offer a refreshing reminder: value is still out there — you just have to know where to look.
While cities like New York and San Francisco continue to rank among the least affordable places to buy a home, Rust Belt markets are rising to the occasion. Flint, Detroit, and Pittsburgh led the pack this year, with Buffalo proudly representing New York State as its most affordable major market.
At Duke Properties, we see these findings as more than just data points — they’re a call to reimagine where opportunity lives.
Smart Homebuying: Rust Belt Resilience: A Quiet Housing Comeback
The Rust Belt has long been a symbol of America’s industrial past, but today it is quietly becoming a beacon for homebuyers seeking balance: stable communities, lower price tags, and real potential for long-term appreciation.
“Affordability shouldn’t be a luxury,” says Albert Dweck, founder and CEO of Duke Properties. “These markets are showing us that value and community can still go hand in hand.”
Buffalo’s Momentum Is a Win for New York
While downstate struggles with inventory and sky-high prices, Buffalo’s ranking at No. 40 on WalletHub’s list is a bright spot for the Empire State. Its combination of affordable housing, strong infrastructure, and renewed investment is giving New Yorkers an increasingly attractive alternative.
“We’re keeping a close eye on upstate markets like Buffalo,” Dweck says. “They’re a reminder that smart development and affordability are not mutually exclusive — and that New York has much more to offer beyond NYC.”
What This Means for the Broader Market
The key takeaway from the report? Markets that prioritize affordability, livability, and long-term community planning will thrive. As major metros grapple with affordability crises, the Rust Belt offers a sustainable model for recovery and revitalization.
Yes, some of these cities are still rebounding from crises — water, economic, or otherwise — but their resurgence proves a crucial point: investment follows vision, and when paired with affordability, it attracts real buyers.
“There’s a deeper lesson here,” Dweck adds. “The American dream isn’t dead — it’s just moving zip codes.”
The Outlook: Hope and Opportunity Across Zip Codes
With over 21% vacancy in some Rust Belt cities, there’s real room to grow — not just with homes, but with infrastructure, jobs, and neighborhood vibrancy. Forward-looking developers and civic leaders are now being challenged to make these affordable cities desirable in every other way — from education to walkability to public amenities.
At Duke Properties, we believe the future of housing depends on this holistic approach. “Where we build matters just as much as what we build,” says Dweck. “And affordability doesn’t mean compromise — it means choice, stability, and opportunity.”WalletHub’s latest findings are more than rankings — they’re a roadmap for a new kind of housing optimism. As affordability continues to dominate the national conversation, cities like Buffalo, Pittsburgh, and Detroit are quietly showing us how to build smarter, fairer, and better. And that’s something we can all invest in.