U.S. Home Age Trends by City and Region

Large white New England style historical colonial home with bump out and green lawn in Cheshire, Connecticut. — Adobe – Royalty Free

When you purchase an older home, you may need to set aside some funds to ensure everything is up to current living standards. Sellers of fixer-uppers will adjust the sale price accordingly, opening the door to first-time home buyers who may not be able to afford a brand-new home.

Although these older homes can lower the barrier to entry, purchasing them still requires due diligence when evaluating any necessary renovations based on age and geographical location. For example, U.S. Census data shows that owner-occupied homes built before 1980 are twice as likely (12.2%) to report issues with roof, basement, wall, or window leaks as homes built in 1980 or after (6.2%).

If you plan to take on the restoration projects an older home requires, working with the best moving companies ensures that any move-in considerations are observed to avoid unnecessary damage come moving day. For instance, movers can lay down protective tarps to prevent any moving equipment from scraping original hardwood floors.

The research team at This Old House analyzed data on the median year housing units were built from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey to explore what regions and cities in the United States have the oldest housing stock and which ones have the newest. Read on to find out where the youngest and oldest homes in America are located and explore which age best suits your future homeownership goals.

Key Findings

The median home in the U.S. was built in 1981, making a typical American home 44 years old.
The oldest homes are located in the Northeast, where the median age of homes is 60 years, while the youngest homes are located in the South at a median age of 36 years.
The Austin, Texas, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, metro areas have the youngest housing stock, with a median home age of 22 years, or a median build year of 2003.
The Buffalo, NY metro area is home to the oldest housing stock at a median age of 68 years old, where the median build year is 1957.

Where Are The Oldest Homes In America?

In the U.S., the median home is 44 years old and was built in 1981. Northeastern states such as New York (1959), Rhode Island (1963), and Massachusetts (1964) tend to have earlier median housing unit construction years.

In contrast to these established communities, South and Southwestern states like Nevada (1997), Texas (1994), Utah (1994), South Carolina (1994), and North Carolina (1993) expanded their growth during the late 20th century, resulting in newer homes overall.

Which Metro Areas Have the Oldest Homes?

We reviewed 150 of the most populous metropolitan areas in the U.S. and compiled the top 20 metros with the oldest homes in the chart below. Our analysis revealed that the metro areas with the oldest homes in the nation are concentrated in the Northeast. For example, the Buffalo-Cheektowaga, New York, metro area has a median home age of 68 years, corresponding to a median build year of 1957.

Slower population growth and a higher cost of living could be responsible for a higher concentration of older homes in these metros in the Northeast. In comparison to the West (91%), South (76.7%), and Midwest (56.7%), the Northeast saw the lowest percentage of population growth (55.1%) from 1910 to 2010, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

With a national average indexed cost of living set at 100, much of the Northeast exceeds this benchmark, including New Hampshire (112.6), New York (123.3), and Massachusetts (145.9), which is second only to Hawaii (186.9), according to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC).

Which Metro Areas Have the Youngest Homes?

Our review of the 150 most populous metropolitan areas in the U.S. revealed that the housing stock of metro areas concentrated in the South and Southwest is the youngest, with an average age of 36 years for homes in the South.

Many of the homes that now exist in this geographical region were built around the late 20th century and early 21st century. With a 2003 median build year and a corresponding average home age of 22 years, the Austin, Texas, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, metro areas are home to the youngest housing stock.

Below are the top 30 metro areas with the youngest housing stock. Of these 30 metros, almost half (14 metros) are located solely in Florida or Texas. More than three-fourths of these metros (23) were built before the year 2000.

Several southern states have a lower cost of living than the national average, including Texas (92.7), Louisiana (92.2), Mississippi (87.9), and Alabama (88), according to MERIC. However, many southern states experience numerous natural disasters, such as fires, floods, tornadoes, tropical storms, and hurricanes.

Most recently, Category 5 Hurricane Milton caused $34.3 billion in damage with winds up to 180 miles an hour, tornadoes, and storm surges ranging from 5–10 feet, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). Hurricane Helene caused flooding and landslides, and the central tornado outbreak of May 2024 caused $3.5 billion in damage from more than 110 tornadoes. A derecho event that same month caused $1.6 billion in damages due to its destructive combination of severe thunderstorms and a prolonged windstorm.

With numerous natural disasters—and the corresponding home damage—to contend with, homeowners in southern metros tend to endure multiple instances of rebuilding. The resulting cycle of new construction lowers the average age of homes within these metros, although there may still be plenty of older homes still standing.

How Do You Decide Between Buying An Old vs. New Home?

First-time home buyers often gravitate toward older homes based on their perceived affordability, which can leave room for upgrades based on personal preferences or resale value. While older homes may not be as move-in ready as more recent builds, new construction still has its fair share of required maintenance. “Although new homes have new systems, they are not infallible to issues that may arise from faulty construction, environmental stresses, etc.,” said Kristen Jock, real estate broker at Compass Real Estate.

Many homeowners choose to buy older homes based on their quirky or distinctive features, which can make living spaces feel less cookie-cutter. “Older homes often showcase superior craftsmanship, with materials like old-growth wood and hand-laid stone that stand the test of time. However, modern homes benefit from advancements in building technology, offering improved energy efficiency and updated safety standards,” said Leslie Foti, real estate agent at Coldwell Banker Village Green.

Consider that homes built pre-1980 are six times more likely (4.6%) to report basement leakage issues than homes built in 1980 and the years after (0.8%), according to the U.S. Census Bureau American Housing Survey. In addition, older homes (5.5%) are nearly twice as likely to report roof leakage as newer homes (3.5%).

When comparing old versus new homes, consider what responsibilities you’re willing to take on. “The right home truly depends on individual preferences and priorities,” said Jock. Are you willing to live in a home that’s under construction at times, or do you prefer to troubleshoot minor repairs as they arise?

“Maintenance is definitely part of preserving these historic gems,” said Paul Johansen, real estate broker at The Corcoran Group. For many homeowners, the process of updating—and upgrading—their older home can prove just as rewarding as the results. “With the right updates, you can have modern conveniences without losing the soul of the home,” said Johansen.

Expert Insights: Buying and Maintaining an Older Home

“Get a solid look at the roof, plumbing, [and] electrical wiring, and be sure to check the foundation as well. Keep a close eye out on things like mold, water damage (walls and ceilings will give this away quickly) and, although less noticeable to the naked eye, structural issues as they can be costly fixes to repair.” —Michael Feazel, co-founder and CEO of Roof Maxx

The distinctive draw of an old house often enriches the lives of those who inhabit it. Yet, it can be all too easy to overlook your due diligence when evaluating the home prior to purchasing it. “For those considering older homes, I recommend assembling a knowledgeable team of experts for any restoration projects, setting aside a fund for unexpected maintenance or repairs, and conducting a thorough home inspection,” said Jock.

In addition, owning an older home doesn’t automatically restrict you from introducing more modern features into the layout. “The most coveted properties strike a perfect balance—modern functionality wrapped in timeless historic charm,” said Johansen. Sometimes, upgrading these outmoded systems is necessary to comply with building codes.

Having a personal connection to an older home can motivate even the most inexperienced homeowner to explore home-related DIY projects. “Embrace the quirks, but know when to distinguish between charming and costly,” said Foti. There’s no harm in recognizing it’s time to call in the experts.

Ask An Expert

How does the age of your home impact how much you’ll spend on maintenance?

Due to aging systems and materials, older homes often require more ongoing maintenance. However, these costs can be managed with regular upkeep, thoughtful updates, and a proactive approach to preservation.

All homes require regular maintenance. While newer homes typically have lower upfront maintenance costs, older homes often require more frequent repairs and replacements as components age. Common issues in older properties include inefficient wiring, leaky pipes, and nonstandard or hard-to-source materials, which can complicate repairs. Additionally, major systems like roofs, boilers, and water heaters have finite lifespans, leading to significant replacement costs over time. Also, older homes often come with outdated, less efficient systems like oil heating, antiquated electrical wiring, and aging plumbing that may require immediate attention. They may also contain hazardous materials like asbestos, now considered a health and safety risk.

First off, it goes without saying that the older the home, the more maintenance costs that should be expected. Older homes typically come with higher costs due to older materials used, outdated systems, and general wear and tear. Common issues could include deteriorating roofs, plumbing and water leaks, old electrical wire (that might not even be to code), as well as inefficient windows or insulation. These homes may also require updates to meet modern building codes or energy efficiency standards, which can add to the expense. The typical maintenance issues called out above are not cheap to fix but are extremely important for the longevity of your home long term.

A lot—with older townhouses in my market of Brooklyn and Manhattan, maintenance is almost a certainty. Many of these homes are made of over 100–150 years old brick, and while it’s beautiful, brick wasn’t designed to last that long without upkeep. Buyers need to budget for repointing and other exterior upkeep. Inside, systems like cloth wiring, which is common in older homes, will need to be replaced entirely as they are no longer “in code.” Insulation, which wasn’t even a consideration back then, will need to be upgraded to improve efficiency. So yes… Maintenance is definitely part of preserving these historic gems.

Ask An Expert

What tips or advice would you give to those looking at older homes?

Focus on properties where major functional features like the roof, foundation, and electrical system have been updated or are in very good condition. Embrace the quirks, but know when to distinguish between charming and costly—partner with inspectors, contractors, and an agent experienced in older homes to make informed decisions.

The right home truly depends on individual preferences and priorities. Although new homes have new systems, they are not infallible to issues that may arise from faulty construction, environmental stresses, etc. They also tend to cost more upfront, which can present a barrier to entry for home buyers with lower budgets. On the other hand, older homes offer unique character and architectural details that are often missing in newer developments, making them an attractive option for those who value charm and craftsmanship.

For those considering older homes, I recommend assembling a knowledgeable team of experts for any restoration projects, setting aside a fund for unexpected maintenance or repairs, and conducting a thorough home inspection before purchasing. This ensures you’re fully informed about the home’s systems and any future work that may be needed.

As someone who has bought older homes, I certainly have a few tips and recommendations to share. I would say that when looking at an older home do not underestimate the importance of a thorough inspection on the non-“sexy” items, if you will (it can be easy to look at the surface level but you need to peel back the onion). Get a solid look at the roof, plumbing, [and] electrical wiring, and be sure to check the foundation as well. Keep a close eye out on things like mold, water damage (walls and ceilings will give this away quickly) and, although less noticeable to the naked eye, structural issues as they can be costly fixes to repair. If you can, try and review the home’s energy efficiency as this could be a good giveaway that the home has older windows and doors, as well as necessary insulation upgrades.

First, respect the history but be ready to modernize. These townhouses have stood for over a century, but they come with quirks—like 150-year-old brick that may need repointing or a lack of insulation that impacts comfort and energy efficiency. Get a thorough inspection from someone who understands older properties, and be prepared to replace things like cloth wiring. My advice? See the potential. With the right updates, you’re not just buying a home—you’re becoming a steward of New York’s architectural history, blending the best of the past with the modern comforts you need.

Full Data

Methodology

The research team at This Old House analyzed data from the U.S. Census Bureau 2023 American Community Survey to find the regions, states and metros with the oldest homes. Median construction years are not available for cities where homes are 85 years or older. Only the 150 most populous metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) were considered for this analysis. Median home age is based on the year 2025.

For insight into home quality, including issues with leakage, we analyzed data from the U.S. Census Bureau 2023 American Housing Survey.

Questions about our study? Please contact the author here.

Fair Use Policy

We encourage journalists and reporters to share our findings on which cities, states, and regions have the youngest and oldest homes. If you choose to do so, please link back to our original story to give us proper credit for our research.

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