8 Affordable Housing Markets Likely to Boom Soon

8 Affordable Housing Markets Likely to Boom Soon — Including Scranton/Wilkes-Barre

As the national housing market continues to shift, many investors are turning their attention to cities where affordability meets growth potential. According to analysis from BiggerPockets with data collected from Zillow and Realtor.com, several U.S. metros are poised to experience increased demand, price appreciation, and strong fundamentals — making them ideal for both homebuyers and real estate investors.

Here are the 8 affordable housing markets that are likely to boom soon:

1. Columbus, Ohio — Strong job growth, notably tied to major economic projects, and more attractive rent-to-price ratios than many coastal markets.

2. Indianapolis, Indiana — A growing logistics and tech employment base creates stable renter demand and investor-friendly yields.

3. Grand Rapids, Michigan — Diversified economy with ongoing development projects supports steady real estate appreciation.

4. Buffalo, New York — Increasing interest in more affordable cities nationally, improving job trends, and below-national average prices. 

5. Greenville–Spartanburg, South Carolina — A lower-cost alternative to larger Southern metros with strong in-migration and job growth.

6. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania — A Northeast market with strong recent economic momentum and single-family rentals that still cash flow at current prices and rents. 

7. Manchester–Nashua, New Hampshire — A growing commuter and spillover market near Boston with attractive tax conditions and value relative to Boston. 

8. Worcester, Massachusetts — Tied to the Boston job market with strong medical/biotech growth and relatively lower prices, supporting steady rent growth.

Why Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Made the List

📍 Affordability Meets Appreciation

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre stands out because it offers relative affordability compared to many Northeast and Sunbelt markets while still delivering strong appreciation trends. According to the market data referenced in the BiggerPockets article, Scranton joined other high-appreciation metros like Knoxville and Fayetteville with roughly 78% home value growth over the past six years. 

That mix of lower entry prices and solid long-term price growth makes it an appealing place for investors who want both cash flow and appreciation potential — a rare combination in today’s market.

📈 Rental Demand & Cash Flow Potential

At current pricing levels, single-family rentals in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre continue to cash flow, meaning rents can cover expenses and debt service while delivering positive investment returns. 

Where many coastal markets have become too expensive for investors to find strong rent-to-price ratios, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre still offers a favorable balance — especially for long-term buy-and-hold strategies.

🏙️ Local Economic Trends

Beyond pricing fundamentals, the region’s diversified local economy — including healthcare, education, government, and manufacturing sectors — provides a stable foundation of employment and resident demand. This supports both homeownership markets and rental housing demand, which is a key driver of long-term real estate growth.

How We Can Help You Take Advantage of This Trend

Whether you’re a first-time investor, a seasoned landlord, or a buyer looking for value outside high-cost markets, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre presents a unique opportunity — and we’re here to help you maximize it.

🧠 Market Expertise You Can Trust

We live and work right here in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, which means:

• Up-to-date insight on neighborhood dynamics

• Early access to emerging submarkets

• Local pricing trends before they hit national headlines

🔍 Deal Sourcing & Analysis

Not all properties are created equal. We help you evaluate:

• Cash flow potential

• Appreciation forecasts

• Rent comparables

• Expense and tax implications

So you can make informed decisions with confidence.

🤝 Connect You With Local Professionals

Successful investments require a strong team. We can connect you with:

• Experienced lenders familiar with investment financing

• Property managers who protect your income stream (hey!)

• Attorneys and tax advisors who understand Pennsylvania real estate

📈 Investment Strategy Guidance

From BRRRR to long-term buy-and-hold, we help you:

• Identify the best strategy for your goals

• Understand borrowing and leverage options

• Build a plan that supports cash flow and wealth building

Final Thoughts

Markets like Scranton/Wilkes-Barre aren’t just a blip — they represent a broader shift toward affordable metros with strong fundamentals. As affordability continues to tighten in larger U.S. cities, savvy investors and homebuyers are increasingly looking toward markets where value + growth = opportunity. 

If you’re curious how Scranton/Wilkes-Barre fits into your investment strategy — whether for rental income, fix-and-flip projects, or long-term wealth building — let’s talk. We can tailor a strategy to help you navigate the opportunities ahead.