Report: Springfield among 25 best markets for first-time homebuyers

Springfield ranked well on a newly released list of the best housing markets for first-time homebuyers.

The Queen City is No. 23 on financial data tracking firm SmartAsset's list of 185 metro areas, based on affordability, growth potential and competition.

Springfield's individual metrics comprise a median sale price of $249,967, per Zillow data in May and June, a median of seven days on the market before going under contract and a one-year growth forecast of 8.4%. The growth forecast is based on Zillow home value estimates.

The only other Missouri city in the top 25 is St. Joseph, which ranked No. 4. Three Texas cities – Killeen, Wichita Falls and McAllen – took the top three spots.