The dream of finding a perfect place to settle down in retirement or even to buy a first home is becoming harder to achieve. Rising housing costs, limited supply, and demographic shifts are reshaping the affordability landscape across the U.S. According to real estate professionals cited by FinanceBuzz, nine cities are expected to lose their affordable appeal by 2027, putting retirees and budget-conscious buyers in a tough spot (financebuzz.com).
Here’s a closer look at these cities, why affordability is vanishing, and what it means for those planning their next move.
The 9 Cities on the Verge of Becoming Unaffordable
1. Montclair, New Jersey
Montclair has long been a popular escape for New Yorkers seeking suburban charm with urban convenience. With cultural amenities, top-tier healthcare, and a lively downtown, the area has become especially appealing to retirees. But as demand swells, so do prices pushing Montclair toward the edge of affordability.
2. Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville’s reputation as a hub for music, jobs, and lifestyle continues to attract newcomers. The average home price hovers around $443,000, a number expected to climb as the city balances growth with limited housing stock. While once seen as a relatively affordable Southern city, the influx of buyers is making affordability a thing of the past.
3. Nashua, New Hampshire
A top choice for retirees, Nashua offers a no-income-tax benefit, community-driven lifestyle, and access to Boston. Median home prices have already surged into the $500,000–$550,000 range. With continued interest from buyers looking to escape bigger metro areas, Nashua’s affordability window could close quickly.
4. Phoenix, Arizona
Long considered a retirement haven for its sunshine and relatively lower costs, Phoenix is under pressure. Demand has outpaced construction, leading to a severe housing imbalance. Without significant increases in supply, retirees and families may soon find Phoenix beyond their reach.
5. Buffalo, New York
Buffalo is often thought of as one of New York’s most affordable cities, with an average home value of around $245,000. But rising interest, new development, and increased migration could soon change that. Its affordability advantage is shrinking, leaving future buyers at risk of being priced out.
6. Athens, Georgia
Known for its college-town vibrancy, thriving food scene, and proximity to Atlanta, Athens has become increasingly attractive. Home prices average around $338,000, with forecasts suggesting continued upward pressure. Retirees drawn by its charm may need to act quickly to secure a home here.
7. Tampa, Florida
Florida has always been a retirement magnet, but Tampa is now seeing a double hit: rising home prices and skyrocketing insurance premiums. For retirees living on fixed incomes, this combination poses a serious challenge, pushing Tampa toward unaffordability faster than expected.
8. Des Moines, Iowa
Historically considered one of the Midwest’s most affordable capitals, Des Moines is changing. With increased demand for single-level and retirement-friendly homes, supply is tightening. This rising competition could mean Des Moines won’t remain a budget-friendly option much longer.
9. Ontario, Oregon
Tucked in the Pacific Northwest with a balance of desert and mountain landscapes, Ontario’s average home price of $305,000 is still modest. But steady growth and demand signal that Ontario’s affordability may not last beyond the next few years.
Why These Cities?
These nine cities span diverse geographies from the Northeast to the Southwest but they share common threads:
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Attractive lifestyles (sunny climates, vibrant cultural scenes, strong communities)
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Retirement appeal (tax advantages, healthcare access, slower pace of living)
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Population pressures (buyers migrating from more expensive metro areas)
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Limited supply (not enough construction to meet rising demand)
Together, these factors create the perfect storm for home price escalation.
What This Means for Retirees
For retirees or those planning for retirement the shift toward unaffordability presents tough choices:
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Buy sooner rather than later: If you’re eyeing these cities, locking in a home before prices climb further could save thousands.
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Budget carefully: Factor in not only the purchase price but also insurance premiums, property taxes, and maintenance costs, which can hit retirees especially hard.
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Consider alternatives: Expanding your search to nearby smaller towns or emerging markets may provide affordability without sacrificing lifestyle.
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t just about these nine cities it’s a reflection of broader housing trends across the U.S. As affordability shrinks, many Americans are reevaluating their financial strategies. For retirees, the key lies in balancing lifestyle preferences with long-term cost stability.
Conclusion
Affordability is no longer a given, even in cities that once felt like safe havens for retirees and middle-income buyers. If Montclair, Nashville, or Tampa are on your list, foresight and timely action could make the difference between enjoying a comfortable retirement or being priced out.
Source: Realtors Predict These 9 Cities Will Become Unaffordable by 2027, FinanceBuzz (Updated Sept. 3, 2025) – Read the full article here