Using a ranking based on a balanced mix of opportunity and sustainability, Zillow has declared Indianapolis the most buyer-friendly market among the nation's 50 largest metros. The ranking is based on affordability, forecast appreciation and level of competition for each home.
The city achieved this recognition because of its combination of affordability relative to local incomes, home value upside and lower competition. Other cities in the top 10 included Atlanta, Charlotte, Jacksonville, Oklahoma City, Memphis, Detroit, Miami, Tampa and Pittsburgh.
Buyers in these markets can expect to find more homes within budget, with long-term financial potential, and more time to make home-buying decisions without the stress of bidding wars. In Indianapolis, for example, the typical home in December 2025 cost $283,040, up 0.2% over November. Its value rose 2.9% year-over-year and monthly payments consumed just 26.9% of household income.
In Milwaukee, which ranked 29th, the typical house cost $362,268, up 0.7% over November. Its value rose 3.2% year-over-year and monthly payments consumed 34.5% of household income. And at the most expensive extreme, in San Jose, which ranked 49, the typical home value was $1.54 million. Its price rose 0.9% from November, with its value falling 0.2% year-over-year and accounted for 62.6% of household income.
Markets score higher in Zillow's calculations when home values are currently heading down but are expected to rise in the coming year.
"That combination can look like a better entry point: less near-term froth but potential appreciation ahead," Zillow stated.
A lower value can also mean that the share of income that median earners have to dole out in monthly payments is lower.
Metrics like the number of days houses spend on the market and the share of listings with a price cut, are used to measure the level of competition. Lower scores indicate that buyers may have more opportunity to negotiate price.
The Midwest and Sunbelt host most of the top buyer-friendly markets, the Midwest because it generally avoided pandemic-era price increases and the Sunbelt because of a building boom that boosted inventory and diminished competition.
In five of the top 10 metros, home buyers can find affordable homes with mortgage costs below 30% and a 20% downpayment.
"Buyers will still have to make tradeoffs to find a home within their budget that fits their needs, but with more inventory, more time and more latitude to negotiate on price, they will have more control over that process," Zillow stated.
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