The hottest real estate markets of 2023 have something else in common. They are all located in the South, according to the US News Best Places to Live, 2023 - 2024 report.

The report examined the most desirable places to live in the US, taking into account affordability, job market, cost of living, and quality of education, among other factors.

So, if you’re looking for a metro area that offers affordability, warm weather, and job opportunities, South is calling. But where should you put down roots? Here are the most desirable Southern areas to buy a family home.

#1 - Raleigh, North Carolina

Median Home Price: $431,000

Metro Population: 469,124

Named one of the fastest-growing cities in America by Forbes Magazine, coming in at number 9 out of 20, Raleigh offers a lot that puts it in the spotlight.

The list of accolades Raleigh has garnered over the years keeps on growing. In 2023, it was named among the top 5 of America’s happiest cities and the best US city for work/life balance.

But why Raleigh? Is it the jobs, people, weather, food, parks, green space, or industry? The city offers them all. Home prices in the metro area have grown by nearly 30% since 2020, but the city remains the dream living place for many Americans.

The quality of life in this metro area is indeed a rosy one—the affordable cost of living, impressive job market, prestigious universities, plenty of outdoor spaces, and myriad cultural, dining, and entertainment choices—it’s no wonder the city is among the best places to live in the South.

#2 - Manor, Texas

Median Home Price: $369,000

Metro Population: 18,285

Manor, Texas, is growing fast. Really fast. The city has at least quintupled its population in the past decade. Realtor.com says the Austin suburb ranks #7 among the top 10 fastest-growing suburbs in the US. The only other Texas city on the list was Frisco, coming in at number 3.

But why Manor? First, the city is known for its affordable housing. Homes, on average, sell for $369k, which is 14% lower than the national median of $431,000.

There are plenty of homes for sale in Manor, ranging from spacious single-family homes to luxurious condos. Check out this listing of  houses for sale in Manor.

Secondly, Manor offers excellent access to employment opportunities, making it an ideal place to live and work. The city is located near major corporations, such as Dell, Samsung, and Applied Materials, offering job seekers plenty of options to choose from.

And for outdoor lovers, there are plenty of things to do in this growing city. Residents of Manor can enjoy many outdoor activities in the surrounding area, including fishing, hiking, boating, golfing, camping, and horseback riding.

#3 - Huntsville, Alabama

Median Home Price: $389,900

Metro Population: 216,963

Huntsville, a city located in the Appalachian region of north Alabama, offers a combination of Southern living with Northern influence because of the many activities that go on in this dynamic city. For those looking to move to this metro, the job market is very robust.

With NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center located in this metro area, aerospace engineering is a major industry in Huntsville, which contributes to the city’s high median salary of $63,518.

Housing affordability is also a major factor contributing to the desirability of the metro, with family homes selling for $389k on average. Because of its housing affordability, quality of life, and robust job market, Huntsville has been ranked among the top 3 best places to live in the 

United States for the third time in a row.

#4 - Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Georgia

Median Home Price: $371,200

Metro Population: 107,180

Atlanta, Georgia, has a robust job market, with major tech companies such as Apple, Visa, and Microsoft, opening offices in this metro area.

Homes are relatively affordable in this metro, with single-family homes, on average, selling for $371,200—13% lower than the national average. Industry sources show that over 20% of renters can afford to buy a house in the area.

Wrapping Up

If you’re looking for a mix of affordable housing, ample job opportunities, and Southern charm, these four metros are ideal for you. Other growing cities in the south worth checking out include Knoxville, TN, Tampa, FL, and Charlotte, NC.