Housing affordability isn’t what it used to be—no surprise there. But according to a new analysis from Realtor.com, some states are still holding their own when it comes to the balance between home prices, income, and new construction. And a few names at the top of the list may surprise you.
South Carolina snagged the top spot as the most affordable state in the country, earning an overall “A” with a relatively low median price ($354,429), reasonable income-to-price ratio, and—here’s the kicker—a negative new construction premium. That means new homes there are actually selling for less than existing ones, which is about as rare as a stress-free appraisal these days.