Your house may become the most critical purchase you'll make, shaping your life for years, if not decades. It's paramount to find the perfect home–and location–that fits you and your family's needs. Finding the best city to live depends on finding one with a high quality of life, affordable cost of living, and thriving real estate market that's perfect for your home. It can be difficult to find the right fit for all of those important priorities. Thankfully, we’ve got a list of impressive contenders for you to explore.

Tampa, Florida

Tampa, FL is a one of the more affordable places to buy your home and it’s a top market for first-time homebuyers in 2019, according to Zillow. Enjoy year-round sunshine and relatively low real estate prices, with almost half of all buyers being first-timers. Plus, you may be able to take advantage of down payment assistance programs set up specifically for first-time buyers in Hillsborough County. You can escape to paradise with a new home in Tampa without draining your savings.

Louisville, Kentucky

Louisville has everything you need for your first home. Real estate prices and the cost of living are relatively affordable, meaning you will get more for your money compared to most other cities in the States. Plus, as of 2022, the National Association of Home Builders’ Housing Opportunity Index puts Louisville in the middle of the pack for affordability for median-income families. Louisville is not just relatively affordable, it’s also a vibrant metropolitan area with high-quality living standards. Known for its delicious cuisine, great business opportunities, and easy access to healthcare, Louisville is the perfect place to call your first home.

Raleigh, North Carolina

If you're on the hunt for a city that's got it all, look no further than Raleigh, NC. This buzzing metropolis is experiencing an exciting growth spurt, with a thriving job market and some of the highest quality-of-life stats in the country. The best part is that housing is still quite affordable, as of 2021, making Raleigh a prime destination for anyone looking to put down roots. It's no surprise that this city consistently ranks high on lists of the best places to live for new homebuyers.

But it's not just the real estate that's enticing. Raleigh is also surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, boasts top-notch schools, and is home to a vibrant food and cultural scene that's not to be missed. So whether you're a young family, a career-minded professional, or anyone in between, a new home in Raleigh might just be the perfect choice for you. Come join the fun and see for yourself what all the buzz is about.

Columbus, Ohio

Columbus, Ohio is another great place to settle down in. This gem of the Midwest boasts affordable real estate prices in 2021, making it a top contender for homebuyers. Plus, it's packed with perks, like a thriving arts and culture scene and a dynamic job market. And for all the sports enthusiasts out there, Columbus is a haven for college football fandom. With its diverse community and family-friendly atmosphere, Columbus is hands-down one of the best places to call home.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh is calling your name as the perfect place to plant your roots and buy your first home. Its booming art scene, stunning architecture, and impressive Housing Opportunity Index in 2021 make it one of the best cities to take this big step. And for those in the tech sector, some of the hottest companies like Uber, Google, Facebook, and Duolingo are all based in the area. Plus, sweet financing programs are available to qualified first-time homebuyers so don’t hesitate to make Steel City your new home sweet home.

With these places top of mind, now it's time to make that dream house a reality with Centex's affordable and top-quality homes in some of the best cities. We offer flexible floor plans and smart technology to match your household's needs. Your dream home could be just one click away, so don't wait. Explore one of our affordable new home communities today to discover stunning designs with flexible floor plans that enable you to hunt for a new home with confidence.

For more design inspiration, first-time homeowner articles, and the scoop on local hotspots, browse the Centex blog and get inspired.

Contributed by Alix Barnaud