Housing is selling fast in the Midwest, and some markets in the region are especially popular among home buyers.
In wisconsinThe city of Wausau was ranked the top hidden gem housing market in the Midwest, According to data compiled by GOBankingRatesThe city, which boasts a scenic location on the Wisconsin River in the central part of the state, was lauded for its high livability and average home value of $238,916, which is significantly lower than the statewide average home price of $335,546.
The average monthly mortgage in the city was $1,368 and the average household income was $61,877.
The city is full of outdoor activities and arts and cultural events, According to the Wisconsin Department of TourismInvolved Downhill Skiing at Granite Peak Ski AreaCross-country skiing, the annual Art World crafts and gifts festival, and more.
Wausau came in at No. 3 on the list overall, trailing only Lynchburg, Virginia, and North Tonawanda, New York.
“These hidden gems offer home prices well below their state’s average, manageable mortgage costs and solid median incomes, as well as strong livability ratings,” GOBankingRates wrote in its report. “From college towns to lakeside communities, these markets are quietly thriving and are poised to attract savvy buyers in the coming months.”
Another Wisconsin destination to make the list was the city of Superior, which came in at No. 23. Located on Lake Superior in the northwest of the state on the border with Minnesota, the city had a median home value of $225,498 and an average monthly mortgage of $1,291.
Additionally, two other Midwestern states made the list. The city of Wyandotte, Michigan, came in at number 10. Located on the Detroit River, Wyandotte was praised for its low median home value of $190,919 (compared to the statewide average of $259,881) and average monthly mortgage of only $1,093.
The list includes two Ohio cities: Sandusky, which ranked 11th, and South Euclid, which ranked 15th. While the average home price in Ohio was $247,160, buyers could purchase a home in Sandusky for an average of $145,974 or in South Euclid for an average of $185,896. Sandusky is located in the north of the state along Lake Erie, while South Euclid is a suburb of Cleveland.
To determine the rankings, GOBankingRates obtained data from multiple sources, including Zillow, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the Federal Reserve, and weighted the rankings to create an overall score that reflects both affordability and livability.
