Looking for Your Forever Home? These Are the Best Cities to Buy a House in America

Buying a house is a big commitment: Not only is it a major investment, but it's also a place where we spend years of our lives establishing roots. For that reason, it's important to spend time considering what you want out of the area you live in—and where will give you the best homeowner experience possible.

To help, Niche put together a list of the best cities to buy a house in the United States. The website analyzes public data sets and millions of reviews and survey responses to help you understand what a locale is really like. They recently compiled data on what being a homeowner is like in various cities across the country and found that Overland Park, Kansas, is the best place to settle down.

So, what makes Overland Park such a desirable place to buy a house? According to the data, the city offers residents a dense suburban feel that's close to many great schools, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Most residents in the area tend to own their homes and it's a top rated place for both families and young professionals alike. The median home value in Overland Park—which has a population of 193,412 people—is $295,00 with the median rent coming in at $1,200.

Following Overland Park is The Woodlands, Texas. With a population of 114,532 people, The Woodlands in Montgomery County is considered one of the best places to live in Texas overall. Close to plenty of top rated schools, the city offers residents a true suburban experience. According to Niche, it's estimated that the median home value is $364,800 with the median rent being $1,558. In The Woodlands, 28 percent of residents rent their homes, while 72 percent own.

Rounding out the top three is Naperville, Illinois. With great public schools and close proximity to restaurants, coffee shops, and parks, Naperville is one of the most ideal cities in Illinois to buy a home. The data notes that approximately 147,734 people live in Naperville and the median home value is $424,800. Median rent in the city is estimated at $1,546, with 26 percent renting and 74 percent owning.

The Best Cities to Buy a Home in America

According to Niche, these are the top 20 cities in the U.S. to buy a home. We've also highlighted the estimated median value of houses in each location.

1. Overland Park, Kansas: $295,00
2. The Woodlands, Texas: $364,800
3. Naperville, Illinois: $424,800
4. Rochester, Minnesota: $219,400
5. Plano, Texas: $341,800
6. Huntsville, Alabama: $184,500
7. Sioux Falls, South Dakota: $205,100
8. Columbia, Maryland: $385,900
9. Richardson, Texas: $295,500
10. Cedar Rapids, Iowa: $144,500
11. Fort Wayne, Indiana: $121,600
12. Lexington, Kentucky: $200,900
13. Lincoln, Nebraska: $180,400
14. Wichita Falls, Texas: $104,800
15. Clarksville, Tennessee: $164,800
16. Raleigh, North Carolina: $266,900
17. Topeka, Kansas: $105,700
18. Round Rock, Texas: $259,400
19. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: $134,800
20. Abilene, Texas: $131,300