First-time homebuyers find it easier to purchase in warm cities like Palm Bay, FL, and Surprise, AZ, due to affordability, new building permits, and low taxes. Top affordable cities include several in Florida and Arizona, plus Boise, ID, and Murfreesboro, TN. Conversely, West Coast cities, especially in California, are least affordable, with Berkeley and Santa Monica ranking worst. Anchorage, AK, also ranks low due to quality of life issues.