In this edition of The Price Point– a weekly series where Redfin information reporters explore existing housing stock throughout a turning combination of spending plans and metro areas– we’re taking a look at some of the most popular realty markets in the country, according to Redfin’s newest analysis.
Our annual Most popular Areas report ranks U.S. postal code in the 100 most populous city locations by year-over-year growth in listing views on Redfin.com and Redfin Compete Rating– a procedure of how tough it is to win a home. This year, a number of neighborhoods that landed in the top 10 clustered around 3 city locations: Milwaukee, WI, Detroit, MI, and Long Island, NY.
And with a nationwide lens in mind, we’re exploring what you can get in these markets for the existing U.S. mean home price, which, as of April 2026, is around $400,000. Tip: The $400,000 stock available in Milwaukee and Detroit looks a lot different than Long Island.
What $400,000 Gets You In Milwaukee, WI: All Sort Of Convenience
Three Milwaukee-area towns made our leading 10 Most popular Neighborhoods ranking– Oak Creek, WI (ranked 3rd), West Bend, WI (ranked 5th) and Menomonee Falls, WI (ranked 10th). Regional Redfin agents attributed the area’s omnipresence on the 2026 list to its relative low cost of living and proximity to Chicago.
In Milwaukee, $400,000 can buy great deals of various lifestyles. Downtown, this price point usually yields a midsized, semi-updated system, like this ~ 1,100-square-foot, 1-bed, 1.5-bathroom condo with terrific views of the city’s skyline.
1,119 sq ft apartment in Milwaukee noted by Redfin representative W.J. Eulberg
Further out of the city center– but closer to Chicago–$400,000 buys about double the size. Case in point: this ~ 2,300-square-foot home in the Wisconsin-Illinois border neighborhood of Twin Lakes, WI is currently noted for $475,000. It’s located in a golf course neighborhood, too.
2,323 sq ft home in Twin Lakes, WI noted by Redfin agent Melissa Nelson
Overall, the higher Milwaukee market is extremely competitive; in April, it was home to one of the strongest seller’s markets in the country.
What $400,000 Gets You In Detroit, MI: Large Single-Family Homes
2 Detroit-area towns made our leading 10 Hottest Areas ranking– Lincoln Park, MI (ranked sixth) and Howell, MI (ranked 9th). Like Milwaukee, regional Redfin representatives attributed the location’s hotness to its low cost of living. Average home rates in Detroit have actually consistently been amongst the most affordable in the country since late, so $400,000 can stretch rather far.
Just beyond the city’s outerbelt in Waterford, MI, for example, $425,000 will buy this upgraded 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom single-family home built in 2020.
1,725 sq feet home in Waterford, MI noted by Redfin representative Daniel Wickman
In neighboring Romulus, MI, $400,000 can net you a lot more area, including this ~ 2,300 square-foot home including four bedrooms and two-and-a-half restrooms on a well-kept street. It’s somewhat older and less updated though; a typical compromise for increased square video, no matter where you look.
2,346 sq ft home in Romulus, MI noted by Redfin representative Desiree Bourgeois
Still, purchasers need to beware: stock at this price point around Detroit is rather slim at present. Discussing the location for our Hottest Areas report, Redfin Premier agent Anne Loehr informed us that “there simply aren’t lots of homes to offer right now– it’s such a popular place.”
What $400,000 Gets You In Long Island, NY: Humble Homes
2 towns on Long Island made our leading 10 Most popular Communities ranking– Oceanside, NY (ranked fourth) and Little Neck, NY (ranked 8th). The median home price in both neighborhoods sits well over $700,000, so $400,000 doesn’t net nearly as much space– or amenities– as it carries out in Milwaukee or Detroit.
Rather, older, smaller sized apartments, like this 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom 800-square-foot co-op in Farmingdale are standard fare.
800 sq ft condominium in Farmingdale, NY noted by Redfin representative Peggy Papazaharias
This 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home even more out in Ridge, NY, on the other hand, presses on the upper limits of $400,000 can buy on Long Island. It’s somewhat updated, has a stunning backyard, and is close to the beach– but at just over 840 square feet, it’s still really little.
842 sq ft home in Ridge, NY noted by Redfin representative Peggy Papazaharias
Since April 2026, homes in the more comprehensive Nassau County, NY metro area invest 35 days on the market before entering into agreement; that’s an entire 2 weeks much faster than the nationwide average.
Editor’s note: This is a weekly column. The listing status and rates of featured homes undergo change.