Three Wisconsin metros were ranked among the top 20 U.S. housing markets, WisBusiness reports. The Summer 2025 Housing Market Ranking report from the Wall Street Journal and Realtor.com analyzed housing market data, as well as “economic vitality” and lifestyle metrics.
Appleton came in at No. 8, Green Bay at No. 13 and the Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis area at No. 18. Other Midwest states with cities in the top 20 included Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio.
Despite a boost in inventory levels this year, report authors noted that across the U.S., “buyers largely remained on the sidelines” in late spring and early summer. The “dominance of Northeastern and Midwestern metropolitan areas,” they said, “reflect(s) a shift toward more attainable housing markets.”
High-ranking Midwest markets have an average population of roughly 500,000 people, showing that a growing number of homebuyers are seeking a balance between home prices and quality of life in mid-sized metro areas.
The cost of living in these areas is around 7.9% lower than the national level, according to the report. The Midwest markets on the list had an average listing price of $344,000 — about $100,000 below the national median.
