These exciting, overlooked metros offer alternatives for urbanites sick of coastal real estate prices With the proliferation of million-dollar listings and skyrocketing real estate prices, many living in major U.S. cities consider homeownership a fantasy. That, as we?re constantly told, is the price of urban living. But it doesn?t have to be that way.
Plenty of smaller?and often overlooked?U.S. cities offer great value, walkable neighborhoods, and urban amenities, all without the need for seven-figure mortgages. These dynamic cities often get left out of the discussion, but are worth another look for those looking to avoid the cost and congestion of bigger cities.
To create this list (which is in no particular order), Curbed consulted a number of experts?representing the Urban Land Institute, RCLCO Real Estate Advisors, American Planning Association, and Realtor.com?then checked their suggestions against a number of data points, including job growth, home value, and millennial population growth. We purposely avoided some of the picks that, having been listed in similar articles, have long been recognized as booming (looking at you, Austin, Nashville, and Pittsburgh).
katzenfinch: Flickr/Creative Commons
The Criterium, an annual bike ride that takes place in the Mass Ave arts district in Indianapolis

Indianapolis, Indiana
By the numbers: Millennial population growth in 2016, 13 percent
Median home price: $175,000
Population: 853,173
Sel...