This IL City Ranks Among Best For 1st-Time Homebuyers

ILLINOIS — One city in Illinois is among the top 30 best for first-time homebuyers, according to a new study.

Aurora, located about 40 miles west of Chicago and the state’s second-largest city, came in fourth place in a study from customer review and news platform Consumer Affairs.

"Aurora is just over 40 miles from Chicago, but residents don’t need to commute to the Windy City for a good time," Consumer Affairs said. "Touring Broadway productions, river kayaking tours and a bustling Christmas market are all just around the corner in Aurora. This northeastern Illinois city also has a thing for records: The state's largest water park and Chicagoland's largest outlet mall are both located in the Aurora area."

Consumer Affairs evaluated 150 of the largest cities in the country by analyzing 11 metrics related to affordability, market strength and quality of life. The list highlights cities that have affordable housing payments, a strong housing market and opportunities tailored to millennial and Gen Z buyers.

Two cities in Virginia — Chesapeake and Virginia Beach — were the top two ranked, respectively, followed by Fort Wayne, Indiana in third place. Gilbert, Arizona, came in fifth place behind Aurora.

The study said Aurora's home values have appreciated between 6.3 percent in 2023 and 2024, nearly double the national average of 3.4 percent. It also touted the city's green spaces, saying almost 85 percent of Aurora residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park.

The median sale price for homes in Aurora is $309,039, according to the study.

"Aurora's recognition as a top city for first-time homebuyers affirms what residents already know — this is a fantastic place to live, work, and grow," Mayor Richard Irvin said in a statement. "With a strong housing market, affordability, and a community rich in amenities and opportunities, Aurora is proving to be the ideal place for new homeowners looking to build their future."

The only other city ranked in Illinois was Chicago, and it came in 36th place.