Some of us spend our whole lives thriving in one city, but increasingly Americans are on the move, literally. We’re seeing more state-to-state migration and some patterns of migration, such as California to Texas and New York/New Jersey to Florida, per research from ExtraSpace. And as always, we’re seeing some cities exceed others not only in terms of population but in terms of popularity.
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Here’s where prospective relocators may want to be careful. Some “hot” cities are quickly becoming too expensive to be worth the hype — or the cost. GOBankingRates spoke with real estate experts to learn about which hot cities to avoid moving to in 2026 — and where to move instead.
Pick San Antonio Instead of Austin
Daniel Cabrera, owner of Sell My House Fast SA TX, sees plenty of folks flocking to Austin, Texas, where he finds median home prices are outpacing local wages. There’s a more frugal option in the Lone Star State, with just as much buzz: San Antonio.
“A median home price close to $300K, a lack of state income tax, a diverse and thriving economy built on military, healthcare and tech, plus solid population growth make San Antonio the best choice among Texas metros,” Cabrera said.
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Pick Huntsville Instead of Charleston
Want to be surrounded by laidback Southern charm? Charleston, South Carolina, is an obvious contender, but though you get “high-end amenities and homes that look like they’re straight out of a postcard, Charleston is struggling with cost increases more than most,” said Darren Robertson, founder and Realtor at Northern Virginia Home Pro.
If the South is calling, consider Huntsville, Alabama, instead. “Huntsville is a true all-rounder, with vibrant city living at a much lower cost than comparable areas,” Robertson said.
Pick Buffalo Instead of Boise
Boise, Idaho, gets very cold in the winter just as Buffalo, New York, does — but the former is a lot trendier (and pricier) than the latter. “Since the start of the pandemic, house prices in Boise have risen by around $200,000, so pretty much everything that drew folks there in the first place has diminished in appeal,” Robertson said.
Buffalo is certainly different from Boise, but you’ll get a similar energy in some ways. “There’s a ton of natural beauty in the Buffalo area, and an emerging tech and research sector that offers higher-paying jobs,” Robertson said.
Remember That Popularity Drives Up Cost of Living
Keep in mind that trendy cities inevitably get pricier as they pick up in popularity because as demand for housing soars, so does the cost of living in that area.
“Austin is the clearest example — prices ran up dramatically, inventory has since expanded significantly, and buyers who purchased at the peak in 2022 are sitting on paper losses,” said Michael G. Branson, CEO at All Reverse Mortgage. Consider less “flashy” picks, “where the math actually works for a buyer who plans to hold for five to ten years.”
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 3 ‘Hot’ Cities To Avoid Moving To in 2026 — and 3 Better Deals Instead
