What are the best cities for affordability and climate?

FILE - This Sept. 27, 2011 file photo shows the Cumberland River and downtown Nashville, Tenn. Tennessee paid thousands of dollars for social media influencers to promote a contentious new initiative that uses $2.5 million in taxpayer dollars to offer flight vouchers largely to out-of-state residents. According to documents obtained through a public records request, the Department of Tourist Development paid an estimated $11,000 to at least 11 local influencers to post on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok touting the new program. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)
FILE - This Sept. 27, 2011 file photo shows the Cumberland River and downtown Nashville, Tenn. Tennessee paid thousands of dollars for social media influencers to promote a contentious new initiative that uses $2.5 million in taxpayer dollars to offer flight vouchers largely to out-of-state residents. According to documents obtained through a public records request, the Department of Tourist Development paid an estimated $11,000 to at least 11 local influencers to post on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok touting the new program. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)

Considering both climate and affordability, Southeast cities are the leading options for Americans who plan to move in the near future, according to a new study by the real estate website Property Shark.

Among metro areas with at least 150,000 people, the North Carolina hubs Charlotte and Raleigh are the best choices for homebuyers looking for affordable housing and year-round mild weather. People looking for warmer climates and gentle winters can find affordable options in the Sunbelt.

Philadelphia is the top choice for homebuyers who want to avoid scorching summer temperatures.

"If you ask a room full of people which type of weather is best, you'll probably get just as many different answers," said Irena Lupa of Property Shark. "However, one thing Americans do agree on: Our daily lives depend a lot on the climate we live in - and we'd rather avoid the extremes."

Lupa said nearly half of the people who want to move are factoring in the climate when deciding where to live next.

In its study, Property Shark highlighted cities where homeowners earning a median income would spend no more than 30% of their earnings on monthly housing payments. Then, the study authors factored in how many days per year are clear; how many days reach extreme temperatures; and how rainy and windy they are.

With a median income of almost $46,000 and a median home sale price of $209,000 last year, Chattanooga residents need to budget around 28% of their earnings for monthly housing payments. Chattanooga is a more economical option compared to Nashville, where homebuyers are looking at an affordability index of 30% with median income in Nashville of about $60,000 and a median home price of $300,000.

BEST CITIES FOR AFFORDABILITY AND CLIMATE

The best U.S. cities for affordability and climate are:

1. Charlotte, North Carolina

2. Raleigh, North Carolina

3. Columbus, Georgia

4. Mobile, Alabama

5. Greensboro, North Carolina

6. Norfolk, Virginia

7. Jackson, Mississippi

8. Shreveport, Louisiana

9. Nashville

10. Tallahassee, Florida

11. Chattanooga

12. Jacksonville, Florida

13. Memphis

14. Baton Rouge, Louisiana

15. Birmingham, Alabama

Source: Property Shark

- Compiled by Dave Flessner

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