7 'Secondary Cities' People Are Flocking to in 2026, According to Real Estate Experts

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As remote and hybrid work become the norm, many buyers are reconsidering whether living in high-cost urban hubs still makes sense. Instead, priorities are shifting toward affordability and quality of life. Data shows buyers increasingly value outdoor space, larger homes, and quieter environments—features that are often more attainable in smaller or secondary cities. This recalibration is driving increased interest in places like Raleigh, Boise, and Columbus, where buyers can find a balance of livability and value.

Why it matters

The shift away from traditional office routines continues to empower people to relocate for space and community rather than proximity to downtowns. Secondary cities offer dramatically lower entry points, allowing families and first-time buyers to actually own rather than rent for decades.

The details

Real estate experts nationwide have identified several cities poised to surge in 2026, including Austin, Boise, Tampa, Charleston, Columbus, Raleigh, and Nashville. These cities offer a mix of job opportunities, cultural amenities, outdoor access, and more affordable housing compared to major metros.

• Over the last five years, rents across the U.S. jumped 30.4 percent, while wages rose just 20.2 percent.
• Intel is investing $20 billion to build a semiconductor factory in Columbus, Ohio.

What they’re saying