Canton, Ohio, famed for being the birthplace of the NFL, has been named the top housing market for fall 2024. 

That is according to a new ranking from Realtor.com and The Wall Street Journal, which highlights housing markets which offer Americans a low cost of living and robust local economies. 

Homes in Canton, which is home to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, were priced more than $150,000 lower than the national average in September, making it a haven for cash-conscious buyers.

The median home listing price in the city, which has a population of just under 400,000 people, was $259,000, the analysis revealed. 

Not only does the city draw football fans from across the country, it also boasts a healthy job market – particularly in healthcare and manufacturing.

‘The ranking identifies markets that those considering a home purchase should add to their shortlist – whether the goal is to live in it or rent it as a home to others,’ the analysis read.

Canton is located just 25 miles south of Akron, a bigger city known for its long history of rubber and tire manufacturing. 

Akron ranked second on the list of the top housing markets for fall – highlighting the favorability of the region as a whole, Realtor.com said. 

In fact, Ohio claimed five of the 20 top spots, with Dayton, Columbus and Toledo also on the list. 

This allows home buyers in the area some flexibility in where they choose to live in order to remain within commuting distance from work.

While the unemployment rate in Canton is slightly higher than the national average at 4.9 percent, there are still significant job opportunities in the area, Realtor.com said.

Canton is home to the headquarters of Timken Steel, while Goodyear Tire is in Akron, and the city boasts healthcare companies such as Aultman Hospital. 

The small, affordable metro saw significant buyer demand and climbing home prices in September, Realtor.com said.  

The median listing price in Canton was $259,000 in September, up 10.2 percent compared to one year prior but still roughly $165,000 below the national average.

Homes spent 32 days on the market in September, a few days less than the previous year, and more than three weeks less than the national average.

The number of homes for sale in the city was 51.5 percent lower than before the pandemic in September, which drove prices in the area up 60.5 percent compared to the same period pre-pandemic. 

Homes in Canton, were priced more than $150,000 lower than the national average in September, making it a haven for cash-conscious buyers

Jason Taylor poses with his bust during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony in Canton in 2017

The city is home to many museums and historic sites, as well as affordable homes and a healthy job market

Across the US, a scarcity of homes for sale has pushed up prices over the last several years. This, coupled with high mortgage rates, has led to a frozen housing market, with fewer people selling or buying homes. 

While mortgage rates had begun to fall in September, they have slowly been creeping back up in recent weeks. 

The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is 6.54 percent, according to latest data from Freddie Mac as of October 24. 

As well as affordable housing, another of the biggest draws to Canton is its rich sporting history – as well as museums, historic sites and art galleries.

The American Professional Football Association, which was later renamed the National Football League, was founded in the city in 1920.

Now, it is home to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which honors NFL players including Jerry Rice, Jim Brown, Lawrence Taylor and Joe Montana. 

The analysis also points out that by virtue of being in the Midwest, Canton is less likely to be impacted by extreme weather events and natural disasters. 

Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Travon Walker defends during the first half of the NFL football exhibition Hall of Fame Game against the Las Vegas Raiders in Canton in 2022

By virtue of being in the Midwest, Canton is less likely to be impacted by extreme weather events and natural disasters (Pictured: Floodwaters from Hurricane Helene in Swannanoa, North Carolina)

Climate risk is top-of-mind for many Americans this fall following the devastation left by hurricanes Helene and Milton. 

Though it is not possible to perfectly predict future weather events, areas in the Midwest tend to be less at risk, giving homebuyers more peace of mind.

In Canton, just 2.7 percent of properties are at severe or extreme risk of damage from climate-related incidents over the next 30 years, according to Realtor.com.