Just for kicks, First American recently conducted an analysis of which National Football League divisions represent the most expensive housing markets.
The firm’s analysis shows that the NFC West stands out as the most expensive division, in terms of the average home prices, while the AFC North emerges as the least expensive.
The NFC West holds the top spot because it is home to three of the most expensive markets in the country: San Francisco, Los Angeles and Seattle.
Even Phoenix, its fourth market, is still in the top 10 for most expensive housing markets of the 30 cities represented in the analysis.
“These traditionally more expensive markets have historically attracted residents eager for job opportunities, urban amenities, and outdoor lifestyle, while simultaneously playing tight defense on housing supply,” says Mark Fleming, chief economist for First American.
“High demand in the face of short supply is a recipe for a big play in house price appreciation.”
At the bottom of the firm’s 2024 House Price Blitz rankings is the AFC North, which includes two of the least expensive NFL markets – Cleveland and Pittsburgh.
“Unlike tech hubs or major financial centers, the rust-belt markets of the AFC North have seen slower economic and population growth in recent decades, which has forced housing demand to punt,” Fleming says. “As a result, home prices in the AFC North have remained relatively affordable.
“These historically industrial cities have also faced economic shifts, particularly due to the decline in manufacturing and heavy industry, which further influenced housing market dynamics,” he adds. “However, with their more affordable cost of living and lower barriers to homeownership, there’s argument to be made that these markets are actually winning the 2024 House Price Blitz and may become increasingly attractive to young professionals and families seeking value in a challenging housing environment.”
Photo: Anushka Srivastav