Runner-up: San Francisco
This San Francisco home sells for $650,000.
Median home price: $600,000
Median income: $99,400
Affordability score: 28%
The only thing that raises the Bay Area's affordability is the extremely high median household income, which is higher than any other U.S. metro area except for nearby San Jose.
Even here, though, prices have become a whole lot more affordable than what they were. A few years ago, fewer than 10% of the homes sold here were affordable to median income earners. Now it's 28%.
The economy here is recovering faster than the harder hit areas of Central California and the real estate market never cratered here as it did in Sacramento and other inland towns.
This house is a beautiful little three bedroom just steps from the ocean. Its current owner is a contractor who has remodeled the place with all fresh materials. The bonus is excellent exterior storage space, an unusual amenity in crowded San Francisco.
For further information: Trulia
Median income: $99,400
Affordability score: 28%
The only thing that raises the Bay Area's affordability is the extremely high median household income, which is higher than any other U.S. metro area except for nearby San Jose.
Even here, though, prices have become a whole lot more affordable than what they were. A few years ago, fewer than 10% of the homes sold here were affordable to median income earners. Now it's 28%.
The economy here is recovering faster than the harder hit areas of Central California and the real estate market never cratered here as it did in Sacramento and other inland towns.
This house is a beautiful little three bedroom just steps from the ocean. Its current owner is a contractor who has remodeled the place with all fresh materials. The bonus is excellent exterior storage space, an unusual amenity in crowded San Francisco.
For further information: Trulia
NEXT: Third place: Bridgeport, Conn.
Last updated November 19 2010: 1:44 PM ET
