Sterling Heights has been named the number 1 Best City in Michigan for First-Time Home Buyers in 2025, according to a new study by WalletHub, a nationally recognized personal finance website.
The annual report evaluated more than 300 U.S. cities on affordability, housing market strength, and quality of life. Sterling Heights not only topped the list in Michigan but also ranked among the best cities nationwide, standing out for its strong housing market, competitive pricing, low crime rates, and economic opportunities.
“This recognition is a reflection of a lot of hard work we’ve been doing and the smart, forward-thinking investments we, along with our residents, have chosen to make for our neighborhoods, infrastructure and public safety,” said Sterling Heights Mayor Michael C. Taylor. “Sterling Heights continues to be a place where families can grow, thrive and achieve the dream of homeownership.”
WalletHub considered affordability factors like median home prices, cost of living, property taxes, and insurance, as well as real estate activity, foreclosure rates, schools, crime rates, job opportunities, and access to amenities.
Sterling Heights scored especially high in affordability and overall quality of life. WalletHub described the city as, “as close as you can get to the best of both worlds in the state of Michigan without sacrificing one for the other.”
