These cities have more housing stock than before COVID-19
Homebuyers have had fewer houses to choose from than they did before the pandemic—even though active listings were up by more tha✅n 36% in July.
But some places are bucking the trend.
A dozen metros among the top 50 largest areas saw higher housing stock levels compared with typical 2017 to 2🍷019 levels in July, according to the monthly housing report from Realtor.com®.
These outliers suggest certain regions are recovering more robustly—and offering more opportunities for homebuyꦜers in those areas.
“While inventory t👍his July is much improved compared with the previous three years, it is still down 30.6% compared with typical 2017 to 201🌺9 levels,” says Realtor.com senior economist Ralph McLaughlin in his analysis.
The disparity in lis𒊎ting levels underscores the long-term effect🦂s of the pandemic on housing availability, despite the recent improvements.
But with some U.S. regions seeing more listings, this is welcome news 🐭for those buyers, McLaugh♔lin adds.
“It typically means more chꦛoice, more time, and, if large ♏enough, more price cuts,” he says.
This positive shift could event꧂ually lead to a more♋ balanced market and offer relief for buyers who have faced intense competition and rising home prices in recent years.
Looking for a wide variety of available homes?
These 12 metros saw a jump in housing sto💫ck above prepandemic levels in July.
1.
Jump in housing stock: 35.5%
Median list price: $539,530
Why Austin?
With a plethora of tech 𓄧companies, Austin has a strong job market.
Lots of workers flooಞded Austin during the pandemic; but now that fewer new workers are moving in, there are more housing opportunities.
The city—home of South by Southwest and the Austin City Limits Music Festival—has a lively music scene and a vi🐠brant 𓂃nightlife.
The Texas state capital also boasts a fantastic foodie culture and lots of outdoor reꦇcrea🥃tion.
2.
Jump in housing stock: 34.3%
Median list price: $349,898
Why San Antonio?
The Texas city has a large military presence 🍸and offers residents abundant employment opportunities.
The area is home to two iconic attractions: the San Antoni🌃o River Walk and the Alamo.ꦿ
Texas has no state income tax, so yꦦou can get more bang for your buck there.
3.
Jump in housing stock: 26.7%
Median list price: $627,450
Why Denver?
Denver is a nature-lovers paradise.
It’s a scenic city with beautiful mountain peaks, trails, and🌃 waterfalls just a short drive away.
And you’ll never go thirsty in the Mile High City since 🐻it’s famous for its amazing coffee shops and breweries.
And w🐻ith 300 days of sunshine per yea💮r, Denver’s weather is another major perk.
4.
Jump in housing stock: 18.8%
Median list price: $424,950
Why Tampa?
This Sunshine State city enjoys access to beautiful be💃aches and plenty of outdoor activities.
It’s also a phenomenal town for sports enthusiasts, 🐼as the home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and several other professional teams.
5.
Jump in housing stock: 13.9%
Median list price: $329,000
Why New Orleans?
The Mardi Gras mecca is a magnificent city celebrated for its colorful history and diverse cul🐬ture.
Everywhere you turn, there are sublime food options—including the city’s trademark Cajun and 🌺Creole creations.🌠
And because New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz, theꦆ live music scene in the French Quarter is unmatched.
6.
Jump in housing stock: 12.7%
Median list price: $450,000
Why Dallas?
Thi🎃s city boasts a thriving job market and an affordable cost of living.
Plus, the nightlife is electric, with its cool bars, high𝔉-end restaurants, and lively dance ꦫclubs.
It’s also a diehard spor✅ts town that unwaveringly supports its home team, the world-famous Dallas Cowboys.
7.
Jump in housing stock: 12.6%
Median list price: $568,900
Why Nashville?
The “Music City”🌜 boasts a lowꦇ cost of living, particularly when compared to other major cities, and has no state income tax.
Nashville’s job market is flourishing.
But it’✤s not all work and no pܫlay—the area’s incredible restaurants, exciting nightlife, and country music scene offer nonstop entertainment.
8.
Jump in housing stock: 12.5%
Median list price: $442,241
Why Orlando?
An ideal home base for those who crave year-round sunshine, the city also has a very strong ♎job market with plentiful employment.
And because theme parks abound, there’s always something to doꦬ, and tourism is booming.
9.
Jump in housing stock: 10.0%
Median list price: $973,875
Why San Francisco?
The beautiful City by꧙ the B🌳ay has certainly had recent challenges, but it still boasts countless amenities.
With a spectacular public transportation system, remarkable green spaces, and diverse neighborhoods, San Francisco continues to be the epicenter for all things tech—and job opportunities aboun﷽d.
The city is also a hub of professional sports, amazing bakeries, and interna💦tional cuisineꦕ, plus a spirited bar scene.
10.
Jump in housing stock: 7.5%
Median list price: $419,0COVID-19 00
Why Jacksonville?
Look no further than the brea🎀thtaking white-sand beaches.
The A💟tlantic shore is the perfect place to enjoy boating, kayaking, andܫ surfing.
The city also has a thriving ec♛onomy, and job opportunities are abundant.
11.
Jump in housing stock: 7.4%
Median list price: $779,975
Why Seattle?
Some of the world’s biggest tech compani𓂃es, including Amazon and Microsoft, are in Seattle.
That makes🌳 for lo𒈔ts of interesting career opportunities.
Plus, the Puget Sound region offers countless pursuits for ouꦆtdoor enthusiasts.
12.
Jump in housing stock: 4.1%
Median list price: $347,175
Why Memphis?
The birthplace of the💟 blues offers minimal traffic, shorter commutes, and a low cost of living.
And the♓ dining options in Memphis are next-level indulgent—especially the famed soul food and barbecue.
Meanwhile, 🅰;Elvis Presley‘s Graceland is just 10 minutes from do✅wntown.
