T
he US housing market ended 2024 on a high note for buyers, with prices trending lower and supply rising. According to Realtor.com's final housing market report for 2024, median single-family home prices were 1.8% lower last month than the year prior at $402,502. The surge in home supply is attributed to a 22% increase in property listings compared to December 2023.

    Buyers now have more options and less pressure to make quick decisions, with homes staying on the market for longer. In fact, 92% of major markets saw an increase in days on market, driving 12.9% of sellers to cut their asking prices. However, higher mortgage rates are still a significant barrier for many buyers, deterring would-be sellers who prefer lower borrowing costs.

    Despite this, Realtor.com's economists predict 1.5% sales growth in 2025, citing the "lock-in" effect that has held back sales this year. As both lower rates and time chip away at this effect, home sales are expected to rise modestly.

    Here are 14 top US cities for buyers as 2025 begins, according to Realtor.com:

    1. Atlanta, GA - Median listing price: $399,950

    2. Austin, TX - Median listing price: $498,500

    3. Dallas, TX - Median listing price: $422,450

    4. Denver, CO - Median listing price: $577,350

    5. Jacksonville, FL - Median listing price: $384,500

    6. Kansas City, MO/KS - Median listing price: $369,995

    7. Miami, FL - Median listing price: $522,500

    8. Oklahoma City, OK - Median listing price: $309,950

    9. Orlando, FL - Median listing price: $419,950

    10. Sacramento, CA - Median listing price: $615,000

    11. San Antonio, TX - Median listing price: $329,950

    12. San Diego, CA - Median listing price: $964,725

    13. San Francisco, CA - Median listing price: $889,500

    14. Tampa, FL - Median listing price: $395,000

    These cities offer lower prices and listing growth of at least 10%, making them more favorable for buyers in the new year.