Gen Z is struggling to buy homes. These 10 cities give them a fighting chance — with just $6K down in some markets

The research compares median home values with the income of adults ages 20 to 29 in the area, while also considering employment rates, mortgage rates and first-time homebuyer assistance programs available.

Here’s where Gen Zers, in particular, have the best shot of buying their first property.

Cities offering Gen Z a fighting chance at homeownership

According to the Highland Cabinetry study, Cleveland, Ohio, is where Gen Z should look first. The median Cleveland home is worth about $120,000, while adults ages 20 to 29 earn a median income of $32,000. That gives the city a home-price-to-income ratio of just 3.75, securing its spot at the top of the list.

About 75% of Cleveland residents in their 20s are employed, giving young buyers another advantage when it comes to establishing the income needed to qualify for a mortgage.

A 2025 Zillow study also found that median earners (across generations) in Cleveland have the most room to spare in being able to afford a home, earning $11,588 more than what’s needed.

St. Louis, Missouri, ranked second on Highland Cabinetry’s list. Homes have a median value of approximately $188,000, while the median 20-something earns around $50,000. The city’s price-to-income ratio was also 3.75.

Oklahoma City ranked third on Highland Cabinetry’s list, with homes worth roughly $209,000 compared with a median income of $54,000 for adults in their 20s. And Indianapolis followed, with a median home value of $233,000 and a median income of $57,000.

Dallas rounded out the top five. Although homes are considerably more expensive there — around $312,000 — young adults also have substantially higher median incomes, of roughly $74,000. Dallas also had the lowest mortgage rate among the top five cities in the study, at 6.64%.

Tulsa, Oklahoma; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Columbus, Ohio; Buffalo, New York; and Houston, Texas, also made the Top 10.

The findings underscore just how much geography can influence the homebuying equation. A six-figure salary may not go nearly as far in New York City or San Francisco as a much smaller paycheck can in Cleveland or St. Louis.

You don’t need 20% down to buy a home

For Gen Z buyers looking at these cities, the biggest hurdle may not necessarily be the entire purchase price. It’s often coming up with enough cash for a down payment and closing costs.

Highland Cabinetry pointed out that waiting until you have 20% of a home’s purchase price saved could unnecessarily delay homeownership.

“The biggest mistake young buyers make is waiting until they have 20% saved for a down payment,” a spokesperson told Moneywise. “Most state programs let you put down 3% to 5%, and some offer grants you never have to pay back.”