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n Rochester, New York, the housing market is notoriously competitive. Homes often sell within days of being listed, with dozens of offers pouring in for well-maintained properties. Listing prices are essentially starting bids, and agents advise buyers to set their filters low to account for the inevitable bidding wars. According to Zillow's market heat index, Rochester has one of the toughest housing markets in the country, even surpassing cities like San Francisco and Boston.

    The city's affordability is a key factor driving this competitiveness. The median home price in the metro area is around $225,000, making it achievable for buyers earning $60,000 to $80,000. Major employers in healthcare, education, and other industries contribute to the region's relatively high median household income of $67,000.

    Despite the challenges, many locals consider Rochester an affordable place to live. "We're catching up with the rest of the country," says Jonathan Long, a mortgage loan consultant. However, the region struggles with a severe inventory shortage, with just 913 homes for sale at the end of March – down 8.1% from the previous year. On average, a home spends only eight days on the market, leaving buyers scrambling to find their dream home in a crowded and competitive landscape.