The housing landscape says a lot about a region. A new report by All Star Home outlines the fastest-growing areas nationwide in terms of home construction.
In August 2023, All Star Home surveyed 550 people who own homes that are 30-plus years old and analyzed U.S. Census Bureau data to find the cities and states with the oldest homes across the country.
Key takeaways
- More than half (55%) of American homeowners live in a house that is 30 years or older.
- The average American homeowner spent $10,700 on repairs in the past five years.
- More than 20% regret buying an older home.
- Top states for oldest home construction: Massachusetts (#1), New York (#2), Rhode Island (#3), Vermont (#4), Pennsylvania (#5).
- Buffalo, New York, takes the number one spot for the city with the oldest homes in the country, 60.4% of the homes were built in 1939 or earlier.
- Top states for new home construction: Nevada (#1), Arizona (#2), Alaska (#3), Florida (#4), Texas (#5).
- City with the newest homes nationwide: Gilbert, Arizona.
Navigating owning an older home
While older homes can often be a more affordable option up front, repair costs can quickly add up. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, more than half of American homeowners currently reside in a home that is 30 years or older. Survey data from All Star Home shows that while 21% regret buying an older home and 38% would not recommend buying an older home to others, more than half would still choose to own an older home, including dealing with repairs, renovations and upgrades.
In 2023, one in three homeowners have dealt with house repairs and renovations. The most common homeowner repairs and upgrades involve plumbing and HVAC, roof and flooring, and windows and doors. Repairs and renovations don’t come with cheap solutions. Americans have spent an average of $2,985 on home repairs in 2023, and could be why some are holding off on making repairs—one in three homeowners admitted they have ignored an issue in their home, hoping it would go away. Nearly two in five (39%) haven’t gotten home repairs and upgrades done in 2023 because of the cost.
Rather than calling a professional, 70% have turned to social media to try and fix issues around the house. While these homeowners estimate using social media such as Youtube or TikTok helped them save an average of $1,190, nearly one in four (22%) made a home repair worse by trying to fix it themselves. In 2023, 72% turned to professionals instead for home repairs and upgrades.
