The largest city in the Lone Star State is growing at a fast clip. But luckily for home buyers, there's still plenty of land to build on, keeping home prices low.
Given Houston's sprawling nature, businesses are less centralized and commuters don't need to pay a premium to live close to downtown. In addition, the state's business-friendly regulations keep building costs low.
All that means home prices remain reasonable, a median of $164,000 in late 2012, according to the NAHB.
Buying is better under nearly all circumstances. After three years, the savings is already 33% and after seven years that savings soars to 51%, according to Trulia.
