H
ome affordability is a pressing concern for many Americans, but there are still cities where owning a home won't break the bank. Despite rising mortgage rates, five US metros stand out as particularly affordable.

    According to Realtor.com's analysis of major metropolitan areas, Los Angeles, Oxnard, San Diego, and San Jose in California, along with New York City, are the least affordable cities in the country, where less than 30% of households can afford a home. In stark contrast, five cities – Pittsburgh, Akron, OH, Baltimore, Detroit, and St. Louis – boast nearly 60% of households that can afford to buy a home.

    In these affordable metros, the income required to purchase a median-priced home is relatively low, with an annual salary of less than $84,000 needed in most cases. For example, in Akron, where the median list price is $228,200, 68.5% of households can afford to buy a home, requiring only a median household income of $55,732.

    Akron's affordability has made it an attractive destination for first-time homebuyers, particularly Gen Z buyers. "It's affordable in Akron, which makes a really big difference," says real estate agent Ali Whitley. "Gen Z are becoming first-time homebuyers here. It's a great place to buy in a great area for a reasonable price."

    Here are the top five most affordable metros:

    * Pittsburgh, PA: Median list price $244,000; 69.6% of households can afford to buy

    * Akron, OH: Median list price $228,200; 68.5% of households can afford to buy

    * Baltimore, MD: Median list price $369,995; 64.1% of households can afford to buy

    * Detroit, MI: Median list price $271,200; 62.6% of households can afford to buy

    * St. Louis, MO: Median list price $299,450; 62.4% of households can afford to buy