2009 MSN Real Estate Most-Livable Bargain Markets
9. Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, Texas
It may be the largest metro area on our list, with a population of 5.6 million, but it’s also in a dead heat with Little Rock for the most affordable. It’s also one of the best places in the country to find a job. Houston has become a global economic center, with great numbers of immigrants from Asia and Latin America, and is the 10th-busiest port in the world.
Houston’s job losses over the past year have been minor (2.08%), compared with most other major cities. Its strong oil and gas employment have helped this area ride out the recession better than other cities its size. It was named one of America’s recession-proof metros last year by Forbes.
And its revitalized downtown, large number of parks and rich cultural amenities and entertainment give residents lots of options for weekend fun. Of course, locals are most passionate about their pro sports teams: the Astros baseball team, the NFL Texans and the NBA Rockets.(BLOGGER NOTE: Lots of great, passionate Houston Dynamo fans as well!) However, the city boasts plenty of art galleries and antique shops, too.
Cons: Built on former swampland, Houston is hot in the summer and particularly humid almost year-round. The city has some of the worst traffic congestion and worst air pollution because of its overwhelming sprawl (the area has very few zoning laws). And Houston has a high stress index, which takes into account rates of suicide, alcohol abuse, divorce and the rate of poor mental health. Violent and property crime are also serious issues throughout the metro.
Population 5,664,074
Affordability index 2.96
Unemployment 8.4
Job growth -2.08%
Median home price $157,400
Home price appreciation 2.42%
Cost of living index 82.4
Median household income $53,144
Commute time (mins.) 31.8% commutes greater than an hour
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