Market Upset

Houston shocks as one of 10 worst big cities for first-time homebuyers

Row of houses in Houston, Houston homes for sale

Houston is the worst Texas city for first-time buyers.

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The Houston housing market may not be for everyone. In a surprising turn of events, Houston has flopped to the bottom of a new list of the best U.S. cities for first-time homebuyers.

WalletHub's new study — which analyzes the affordability, quality of life, and real estate market in 300 U.S. cities — ranks Houston No. 271, or the 30th worst city overall in the U.S. to buy your first home. And, when broken down by city size, WalletHub ranks Houston the 9th worst big city for first-time buyers (No. 61 out of 69).

Houston's lack of appeal for first-time buyers is essentially due to its poor affordability and quality of life scores, rather than the state of the city's housing market, according to the report's findings.

H-town ranks 216th out of all 300 U.S. cities for its affordability, and it appears farther down the list for its quality of life, landing 284th nationally. Houston's cost of living, however, is better than most cities, ranking 51st overall.

The city's real estate market ranking is among the top 100 in the U.S., at No. 91, but that wasn't enough to outweigh its less-than-stellar rankings in the other main categories.

Other metrics (where No. 1 is the best and No. 150 is average) that factored into Houston's overall ranking include:

No. 31 – Total home energy cost
No. 77 – Rent-to-price ratio
No. 99 – Median home-price appreciation
No. 148 – Foreclosure rate
No. 246 – Real estate tax rate
No. 270 – Property crime rates

While Houston boasts the lowest Texas ranking on the list, it isn't the only Lone Star city that is less than favorable for first-time buyers. In fact, only one Texas spot — the Dallas suburb of McKinney — lands among the top 100 of the report. A total of 20 Texas cities rank outside the top 100, with Laredo (No. 200), Mesquite (No. 202), San Antonio (No. 208), and Dallas (No. 233) joining Houston as the state's worst.

First-time buyers across the country are entering the housing market at a difficult time, the report says. The National Association of Realtors reported the share of first-time homebuyers sank to an all-time low in 2025, to 21 percent, whereas the historic national average is 40 percent.

"Buying a home for the first time is an exciting and important milestone for many Americans, but achieving that milestone is getting more difficult as prices and interest rates continue to rise," the report's author wrote. "People willing and able to invest in a house this year must balance what they want and need with what they can afford. Often, people begin searching for their dream home without a realistic idea of market prices, interest rates or even their eligibility for a mortgage."

wallethub real estate housing market first time homebuyers houston reports

HAUTE PROPERTIES

NBA champion Jordan Clarkson lists San Antonio mansion for $7.5M

Photo courtesy of Barlowe Daly Realty

The spacious open area is roomy enough for an oversized sectional.

Another NBA player has listed his San Antonio home, but this one never housed a Spur. New York Knicks guard Jordan Clarkson is selling his Dominion estate for $7.5 million.

After the still-stinging finals, maybe it’s for the best.

Having a Knick embedded in Silver and Black country might seem as unlikely as finding a Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s court. But the shooting guard has a long history in the Alamo City. His parents, both in the Air Force, moved there when he was six. Later, he was named San Antonio High School Player of the Year while attending Karen Wagner High School.

His sprawling five-bedroom, seven-bath mansion, listed by Janay Bankston of Barlowe Daly Realty, naturally contains touches tailored to a pro baller. Photos show customized closets with shelving for caps and a huge collection of kicks. And the property makes space for a private gym and a half basketball court.

Jordan Clarkson home Half-court basketball kept Clarkson in shape.Photo courtesy of Barlowe Daly Realty

During downtime, Clarkson could relax in a jacuzzi, sip Champagne in a wine lounge, or watch Space Jam from the comfort of a theater room outfitted with stadium seating. Other luxe features include a four-car garage and elevator for those days when he did too many line sprints.

Photo courtesy of Barlowe Daly Realty

The spacious open area is roomy enough for an oversized sectional.

Outside, resort-style landscaping surrounds an infinity pool deck outfitted with an Italian pizza oven. A detached casita — built with its own bar — gives guests privacy but easy access to a quick dip.

Although the home is mostly in neutral grays and whites, the listing does give a peek of some of Clarkson’s personality. A zippy blue stove is installed in the marble island, an oversized Swatch hangs near the living room, and one room features a funky purple shag rug. A mischievous Pokémon is pictured on another rug.

Interested parties must book a showing 24 hours in advance. Inquiries may be made through Realtor.com. There’s no word on whether the many lanterns scattered across the living areas are included in the sale.

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