Hi everyone! It’s Michael Gortenburg here.
If you’re looking to grow your portfolio or diversify into real estate, these five U.S. cities are showing serious promise in 2025. Anchored by strong job markets, population growth, and favorable housing dynamics, each offers unique value for savvy investors. Here’s where I’d be putting my eyes—and capital—right now:
1. Austin, Texas
Known as the “Silicon Valley of the South,” Austin continues to attract tech giants and startups. With companies like Tesla, Google and Oracle expanding here, the influx of well-paid professionals is fueling housing demand. Though median home prices hover around $450K–$550K, the tight rental market and robust appreciation make it an ideal spot for investment
2. Nashville, Tennessee
Dubbed “Music City,” Nashville is riding a wave of growth across healthcare, tech, and entertainment sectors. With increasing population and limited housing supply, home values are expected to rise another ~19% in the next year. Solid rental demand coupled with affordability relative to major metros makes it a standout .
3. Charlotte, North Carolina
America’s second-largest banking hub is evolving into a multi-industry engine—finance, tech, manufacturing, and healthcare. Housing remains more affordable (median listings around $425K), and rising job numbers are sparking consistent rental demand and appreciation potential .
4. Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix’s warm climate, low cost of living, and job diversification (tech, healthcare, manufacturing) are fueling rapid population growth. Home price appreciation is strong (about 81% over the past decade), and rental yields are attractive for investors
5. Raleigh–Durham, North Carolina
The Research Triangle’s tech, healthcare, and education-driven job market continues to swell. Raleigh and Durham offer relatively affordable housing compared to Silicon Valley or Boston, making it ideal for long-term investing. Strong rental markets and steady appreciation add to its appeal .
Why These Five?
- Economic Diversity: Tech, healthcare, finance, and education anchor these markets.
- Population Surge: Millennials and remote workers continue relocating to these areas.
- Housing Demand > Supply: Especially strong in Austin and Nashville, helping drive values and rentals.
- Affordability Meets Growth: Metros like Charlotte and Raleigh offer more entry-level opportunities for long-term growth.
- Investor-Friendly: Generally favorable landlord laws and strong rental yields (~5–8%).
Each of these cities offers a compelling reason to invest—whether you’re chasing cash flow, long-term appreciation, or a bit of both. Your choice depends on your strategy: high cash yields? Go Phoenix or Raleigh. Eyeing appreciation and scalability? Austin and Nashville shine. Want balance at a lower entry price? Charlotte might be the sweet spot.
What investment strategies are you exploring now? Are you leaning toward rental income, flipping, or a mixed portfolio? Drop your thoughts below or connect with me—I’m always keen to chat real estate!
Michael Gortenburg, Founding Principal of Eighteen Capital Group (18CG) in Kansas City, Missouri.
Michael Gortenburg 