Homes from the fastest- and slowest-growing markets

Median home price: $124,000
This home's price: $125,000
Bedrooms: 4
Baths: 1
Square footage: 1,498

Details: Newcomers to Syracuse's housing market sometimes experience "sticker shock," but in a good way, according to agent Pei Lin Huang. Prices in Syracuse, located in upstate New York, are a small fraction of what they are in downstate environs. But there are relatively high taxes.

Huang says Syracuse tends to lag national trends, so it may be a while before home prices start sagging. But that is less likely to happen in this home's neighborhood than in others.

"It's very convenient," says Huang, "close to three parks and near Syracuse University, SUNY Upstate Medical Center and other hospitals."

Its proximity attracts a diverse mix of students, professors, doctors and other professionals, giving it the kind of residential base that can attract even more buyers.

Broker: Keller Williams Realty