H
ere is the rewritten text, condensed by 20%:

    Published August 20, 2025

    Finding a home that fits your budget and meets your needs requires careful research and consideration. WalletHub's latest report ranks the best real estate markets in the US, comparing 300 cities across 17 categories.

    The top three cities for real estate are McKinney, Texas; Cary, North Carolina; and Irvine, California. These cities excel in both real estate market and affordability/economic environment. Here's what sets them apart:

    McKinney, TX: With a high share of new homes (38%), McKinney offers consumers more options with lower maintenance needs. The median home price is 74th cheapest among the 300 cities, and job growth rates are among the highest.

    Cary, NC: Cary boasts a low cost of living, with some of the lowest energy costs in the US. Although housing affordability ranks 96th, it has one of the lowest mortgage delinquency rates and unemployment rates in the nation.

    Irvine, CA: Irvine's new homes (32%) and affordable phone services make it an attractive option. It also boasts a strong job market with one of the best growth rates in the US.

    WalletHub graded these cities on a 100-point scale, with perfect scores representing the healthiest housing markets.