Sunday, April 5, 2026

Aging Homes, Rising Prices: The 10 Cities With the Oldest Houses in the U.S.

America’s housing market is facing a major challenge as the country’s homes are aging at an alarming rate. Decades of underbuilding have led to a shortage of new homes, causing the existing houses to age quickly and in turn, driving up prices. This trend has had a significant impact on the housing market, with some cities bearing the brunt of the problem more than others. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 10 cities in the United States with the oldest houses and how this is affecting the real estate market.

According to a recent report by Redfin, a leading real estate brokerage firm, the cities with the oldest houses have also built the fewest new ones. This has resulted in a supply and demand imbalance, with a limited number of homes available for sale and an increasing number of buyers competing for them. This has led to a surge in housing prices, making it difficult for many Americans to afford a home.

So, where are these aging homes located? Let’s find out.

1. Syracuse, New York
Topping the list is Syracuse, New York, with a median home age of 72 years. This city, located in the central part of the state, has a rich history and is known for its beautiful architecture. However, the aging homes in Syracuse are putting a strain on the real estate market, with prices rising by 12.6% in the past year.

2. Buffalo, New York
Just a few hours away from Syracuse, the city of Buffalo comes in at number two on the list, with a median home age of 71 years. This city is also facing a similar situation, with a shortage of new homes and rising prices. The demand for houses in Buffalo has increased by 10.9% in the past year, making it a tough market for buyers.

3. New Haven, Connecticut
New Haven, Connecticut, is known for its prestigious Yale University and its beautiful historic homes. However, with a median home age of 70 years, the city is facing a major challenge in terms of housing supply. The lack of new construction has resulted in a 6.6% increase in home prices, making it one of the most expensive housing markets in the country.

4. Hartford, Connecticut
Another city in Connecticut, Hartford, ranks fourth on the list with a median home age of 69 years. The city is facing a similar situation as New Haven, with a shortage of new homes and rising prices. The demand for houses in Hartford has increased by 11.4% in the past year, making it a competitive market for buyers.

5. Scranton, Pennsylvania
Scranton, Pennsylvania, is a small city located in the northeastern part of the state. Despite its small size, it has a median home age of 68 years, making it the fifth city on the list. The aging homes in Scranton are putting pressure on the real estate market, with prices increasing by 12.5% in the past year.

6. Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland, Ohio, is a city that has been struggling with a declining population for years. The aging homes in the city, with a median age of 68 years, have only added to its challenges. The limited supply of new homes has resulted in a 10.3% increase in housing prices, making it difficult for buyers to find affordable options.

7. Rochester, New York
Rochester, New York, is another city in the state that has a high median home age of 67 years. The city’s aging homes have contributed to a shortage of supply, leading to a 9.8% increase in housing prices. This has made it challenging for first-time homebuyers to enter the market.

8. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a city that has been experiencing a revitalization in recent years. However, with a median home age of 67 years, the city is facing a shortage of new homes, leading to a 9.4% increase in housing prices. This has made it difficult for many residents to afford a home in the city.

9. Akron, Ohio
Akron, Ohio, is a small city with a median home age of 66 years. The aging homes in the city are putting pressure on the real estate market, with prices increasing by 8.5% in the past year. This has made it challenging for buyers to

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