Zillow names Jacksonville the best market for first-time buyers this spring - Zillow Group (NASDAQ:Z), Zi

Improving affordability and rising inventory are easing the path to homeownership in markets across the Sun Belt and Midwest Jacksonville ranks as the top market for first-time buyers this year, followed by Birmingham, San Antonio, Atlanta and Houston. These markets offer a more workable balance of lower rent burdens, more homes within budget and less anticipated competition from other first-time buyers. Zillow's best markets for first-time home buyers in 2026: Conditions vary widely across the country. In many large coastal metros, high home prices and rents continue to make it difficult for renters to save for a down payment, while limited affordable inventory keeps competition relatively strong. In contrast, many markets in the South and Midwest offer a more favorable combination of affordability and availability. Sun Belt markets make up the majority of the list in large part because inventory there has recovered more quickly, providing more options and easing competition for home shoppers. Midwestern markets continue to stand out for relative affordability, allowing first-time buyers to more easily compete with deeper-pocketed repeat buyers. Tips for buyers: Tips for sellers: Methodology Zillow's ranking evaluates conditions in the 50 largest U.S. metro areas using four measures that signal whether a market is accessible to first-time buyers: About Zillow Group Zillow Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:Z) is reimagining real estate to make home a reality for more and more people. Zillow's ecosystem spans the entire home journey -- from dreaming and shopping to renting, buying, selling and financing. SOURCE Zillow Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs To add Benzinga News as your preferred source on Google, click here.