In 2025, first-time home buyers made up only 21% of the market, below the historical average of 40%. A study comparing 300 cities on affordability, market attractiveness, and quality of life ranked Palm Bay, FL; Surprise, AZ; Gilbert, AZ; Tampa, FL; and Yuma, AZ as the best for first-time buyers. Las Vegas and Henderson ranked in the top 30, with Reno noted for low home-energy costs.