Typical starter homes are going for $1 million or more in more than 200 American cities as a housing shortage drives the price tag for homes to new highs.



A new Zillow analysis found that a typical “starter home,” defined as a home in the lowest third of home values in a region, were worth at least $1 million in 237 American cities. Five years ago this was only the <a href="https://www.zillow.com/research/million-dollar-start-home-34251/">case</a> in 84 cities.



According to the analysis about one half — 117 — of all cities with million-dollar starter homes were in California, with New York and New Jersey coming in second and third.



The analysis also found that, among metro areas, the New York City metropolitan area had the most cities, 48, with starter homes going for more than a million dollars. The San Francisco metropolitan area and the Los Angeles metropolitan area were second and third with 44 and 35 cities respectively.



According to the analysis, areas with more restrictive building regulations tended to have more cities with million dollar starter homes. It also found that markets with more expensive starter homes tended to have lower homeownership rates.

A row of single family homes at Alexandria, Virginia.

Million-Dollar ‘Starter Homes’ Now the Norm in 237 American Cities, an All-Time High

According to the analysis, about one half of cities with million-dollar starter homes were in California, with New York and New Jersey coming in second and third.

Million-Dollar ‘Starter Homes’ Now the Norm in 237 American Cities, an All-Time High | The New York Sun

Home

The New York Sun

https://wp.nysun.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/the-new-york-sun-og.jpg

Attorney General Bondi is being accused of divulging new evidence on Jeffrey Epstein with a stranger.

Bondi Caught on Hidden Camera Discussing ‘Thousands’ of Epstein Videos With Stranger Nine Days Before Speaking Publicly About Them

Jen Psaki's new primetime show debuted Tuesday on MSNBC.

Embarrassment for MSNBC as Former Biden Aide Jen Psaki’s New Show Tanks in the Ratings After Only Two Nights

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass with the College of Cardinals inside the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican the day after his election as 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, May 9, 2025. 

As Young Catholics Move Toward Traditionalism, Views Are Mixed Whether Pope Leo XIV Can Lead the Way

Ramona Sarsgaard, left, and Maggie Gyllenhaal arrive for the Dior Spring/Summer 2023 fashion collection. 

Teenage Columbia Protester — Daughter of a ‘Batman’ Star, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Niece of Jake Gyllenhaal — Arrested at Unruly Anti-Israel Protest

Attorney General James speaks during a news conference outside federal court  at New York, February 14, 2025. 

Letitia James Heckled at Town Hall, Exhorted To ‘Apologize to Trump,’ as Criminal Investigation Looms Over Her Alleged Mortgage Fraud

The Trump administration is positioning itself as a champion of pro-fertilization.

Trump Wants America To Make More Babies: Here’s How That Could Happen

President Trump greets Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu at the White House, April 7, 2025

Is ‘Daylight’ Really Showing Between Israel and America?

President Trump during a meeting with Prime Minister Carney in the Oval Office of the White House, May 6, 2025.

Million-Dollar ‘Starter Homes’ Now the Norm in 237 American Cities, an All-Time High

To continue reading, please select:

Enter your email to read for FREE

Join the Sun for a PENNY A DAY

Sections

More

Sign in or create a free account

A login link has been sent to