I came across an article recently on walletpop.com that gave “Top Tens.” Of course they had the top 10 locations to buy a home in 2011. These are not order-specific and I believe them to be somewhat biased. I will let you decide for yourself.

1. Best All Around City Winner: Austin, TX

Average Home Price: $119, 788. This city is the capital of Texas as well as home to many good colleges, making it a great college town with a lot of diversity. Their unemployment rate is about 2% lower than the national average. It is a beautiful city (I know, I have been there) and the job growth over the last decade has increased by roughly 14%. The riverwalk is a beautiful place to stroll and the food can’t be beat.

2. Best Job Winner: Broomfield County, Colorado

Average Home Price: $239,000. I actually used to live near this area. It is close to Boulder and Denver so the best of both worlds are available.   If you thought the job growth in Austin was good, Broomfield’s job growth is on steroids. They had a 50% increase over the last decade!

3. Best Place To Raise A Family Winner: Woodbury, Minnesota

Average Home Price: $240,100. For those buyers who can hang through a freezing, and below freezing, winter this is the place to put down family roots. S. Paul is nearby giving buyers access to what locals call “the most livable city in the US.” The school systems have a great reputation which always draw buyers with families. There are also many hiking and biking trails as well as lakes nearby.

4. Best City, No Contest Winner: San Francisco

Average Home Price: $628,00 (hefty number). There is no doubt about it. If a buyer had the money to buy a home in this city, they would not be disappointed. There is an amazing nightlife, local coffee shops, museums, cable and street cars, the ocean, Fisherman’s Wharf….the list goes on. It is worth the price.

5. Best College Town Winner: Madison, Wisconsin

Average Home Price: $209, 400. This college town has a steady stream of renters, good for any investment buyer. The attractions are endless: Cave of the Mounds, Little Amerikka, fairs, breweries, a lake on either side of the city…There is a Big 10 school and plenty of cultural activities to balance out the sports-minded crowd.

Whether you are anxiously anticipating next week’s grand finale for the top 10 places to buy a home in 2011 or have already found the city a buyer dreams of, be sure to use a buyers agent. Buyers agents have extensive knowledge of the local area and many reputable connections for local businesses.

For a FREE consultation with a buyers agent in a specific area CLICK HERE!