Despite contrary reports in the mass media, a third of the 50 US States real estate markets are still appreciating at healthy levels, according to an in depth study conducted by Real Estate Add, an information driven website, which provides detailed information on real estate markets in all 50 states.
Seventeen of the nation’s states are still appreciating strongly, including seven states located in the southern portion of the country. The southern states are experiencing the largest migration of new residents in history.
The southeast is bolstered by warmer climates than the northern part of the country, causing an onslaught of new residents as US weather patterns change. Many businesses have moved or are planning on moving to the southeast.
Tennessee, Kentucky, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Alabama are still growing in population with new residents and are maintaining strongly appreciating local real estate markets.
Nashville, Tennessee is the nation’s home of country music, and Nashville has seen a rise in appreciation over the past three years unprecedented in its history. Nashville housing prices are forecast to appreciate nearly another 7% by the end of 2006.
But Memphis will appreciate a whopping 7.7% by year’s end, according to the website’s economists.
South Carolina, however, may have one of the longest lasting and strongest appreciating housing markets in the nation. Many new businesses have been drawn to South Carolina through tax incentives, and many retirees are buying more affordable housing in South Carolina.
The Mississippi and Louisiana housing markets were dealt a severe blow by Hurricane Katrina nearly a year ago. But both states real estate markets have turned into strong buyers markets, where the shortages of housing have fueled a building boom, mainly confined to areas outside of the disaster zones.
The shortage of construction workers in both states, a lack of building supplies, and problems with insurance payoffs have contributed to a rebuilding slowdown.
In the nation’s northern tier of states North Dakota real estate is still appreciating, mainly because of it’s low cost of living and growing job markets in a handful of communities.
Idaho, Montana, Utah and Alaska are also still experiencing positive home appreciation. Alaska hasn’t seen a booming market like it is in Anchorage since the oil pipeline boom days of the 1970’s.
Boise, Idaho, selected by numerous publications as one of the best places to live in America, is also continuing to experience a housing market that has been appreciating for more than three years, and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down any time soon.
Utah is another western state that is under going unprecedented growth and appreciation. But of all the states in the nation that have experienced booms and busts in major urban real estate markets that could have slowed down already, Washington is still experiencing appreciation.
In Seattle it’s still a sellers market, despite rising interest rates and increasing inventories of homes and condos on the market. Across the Cascade mountain range in eastern Washington, Spokane has under gone a market of rising appreciation unlike anything it has experienced for 15 years. Spokane housing will appreciate another 7.9% in 2006 on average.
Many states real estate markets have slowed down after 13 years of low interest rates. It may be difficult to determine just how strong many local real estate markets are. Real Estate Add surveys local markets on a regular basis for changes with information supplied by title companies, closing attorneys, lenders and real estate agents.

As one of the largest and wealthiest counties in Pennsylvania, Montgomery County contains some of the most prized real estate in New England. What is it that makes Montgomery County, PA real estate so special?
Montgomery County Historical Brief
The Pennsylvania county of Montgomery (known as “Montco” by the locals) is an area that was settled by Quakers from Wales. In fact, the state of Pennsylvania was founded by the Quaker William Penn. The county itself was created in 1784 and probably named after Richard Montgomery, an American Revolutionary War general who was killed while attempting to capture Quebec City in Canada.
The first county census in 1790 shows a population of about 23,000 residents. Today, Montco skirts the million-resident mark at nearly 800,000.
The Attraction of Montgomery County, PA Real Estate
Just northwest of the United States’ first major industrial city of Philadelphia, Montco real estate holds intrigue due to its close proximity to the City of Brotherly Love, but without the high costs that come with living in Pennsylvania’s financial center. As a suburb of Philadelphia, many of Montco’s residents work in the city.
However, the county of Montgomery holds plenty of financial strength itself as a major employment center with plenty of large business parks. Motorola is among the most well-known employers in the county.
Thanks to lower-cost housing, you can expect a large amount of diversity as a good number of immigrants choose to make it their home. Much of the county’s increase in population over the last 10 years has been due to population shifts rather than immigration however, as Pennsylvania residents search for an area with a lower cost of living.
Female residents slightly outnumber the males at a ratio of 10 to 9, while age-wise the county is virtually evenly split among four different age groups (under 18, 18-24, 25-44, 45-64) with those over 64 making up just 15% of the population. Median household income comes it at just over $60,000 per year.
The median home value is right around $250,000. Not surprisingly, the closer you get to Philadelphia, the higher the home prices become. There are also still plenty of areas where homes come in under $200,000.
Overall, the Montco population continues to be on the rise, making Montgomery County, PA real estate an attractive investment. If you’re looking to live in or near Philadelphia, give Montco a look-see. You just might be pleasantly surprised with the culture and neighborhoods, not to mention the prices.

Crisp mountain skylines, plunging valleys and tall pines make up the landscape for one of the most beautiful cities in the United States; Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The Grand Tetons tower over Jackson Hole making for a spectacular yet breathtaking view. Yellowstone National Park is practically a stones through away and the famed Snake River runs through the valley of Jackson Hole, Wyoming giving the area a famed yet prestigious reputation for attracting not only tourists but hundreds of new residents every year.
If you have ever been to Jackson Hole, Wyoming you know the worst thing about the area is having to leave, that is why so many new residents are acquiring real estate in the Jackson Hole area. Jackson Hole, Wyoming has some of the most land available for building per square mile than hardly any other city in the area. Actually there are thousands of acres of undeveloped land in Jackson Hole just waiting for the right owners to put their hand print on it.
Whether you are looking for land to build the home of your dreams or a townhouse to rent for a few weeks so you can vacation in serene beauty with your family and friends, finding real estate in Jackson Hole, Wyoming is easy and there are a wealth of options for you to choose from.
Buying Land in Jackson Hole
Land available for building is endless in Wyoming. Here you can find everything from rolling hills to stellar mountain views with pines and valleys scattered in between. The Snake River makes for some of the most gorgeous property. Knowing where you want to plant the seeds to your dream home is the first step in finding the real estate of your dreams.
Finding the Perfect Rental Property
If you are planning on just spending a few weeks in Jackson Hole, there is plenty of real estate property available when it comes to rentals. With everything from two-story town homes to cozy one-bedroom log cabins, Jackson Hole has it all! Contact a local real estate agency to find a rental property that will suit your needs and those of your entourage.
Ranches for Sale
Jackson Hole is renowned not only for the gorgeous delight to the eyes but also for the ranches that make up a way of life for many residents. If you are looking to acquire real estate or property, why not buy a ranch where you can raise horses and other animals and make a living for yourself. Not only is ranching a way of life for many Jackson Hole residents, but they also offer a tourist attraction by offering horseback riding and rodeo entertainment for locals and visitors alike.
Homes for Sale
With the unbelievably gorgeous views that Jackson Hole has to offer, help finding your dream home is something you are only going to entrust to a qualified real estate professional. Jackson Hole real estate agents are qualified in not only finding you the best value for your money, but putting your needs and requirements first.