Published May 6, 2025

Metro Phoenix homes are significantly newer than most US cities. Is that good or bad?

Written by John Sposato

Metro Phoenix homes are significantly newer than most US cities. Is that good or bad? header image.

Phoenix ranked as one of the nation's top metros for new home construction, highlighting its ongoing expansion and rapid growth in recent years.

A recent study by home improvement brand and television show "This Old House" analyzed data on the median year housing units were built in the 150 most populous metropolitan areas in the U.S. to determine which have the newest and oldest housing stock.

The report showed Phoenix landed among the 30 metros with the youngest home constructions, with a median home age of 30, which is more than a decade younger than the national average of 44 years old.

Here's why Phoenix's house construction industry is expanding ahead of the rest of the nation, as well as a roundup of the metro areas with the youngest and oldest home constructions.

Is Phoenix building more homes than the rest of the nation?

Phoenix ranked No. 22 in the list of metro areas with the newest home constructions.

The median home in Phoenix was built in 1995, while the national average was built in 1981. Analysts said this highlights Phoenix's housing market expansion, which comes as a result of its rapid population growth in recent years.

A separate study by Point2Homes, a website that assists families in finding rental homes, showed that Phoenix had the nation's highest surge in construction of rental house units in 2024, contributing to a national historic high in the build-to-rent sector. According to the study, Phoenix completed nearly 4,500 new single-family rentals in 2024, and more than 12,700 over the past five years—making up for a 309% increase from 2019 levels.

This places Phoenix as a city that continues to attract homebuyers, especially those who prioritize features likely to be found in newer construction, such as energy efficiency, low maintenance, and modern amenities, the study said.

These 10 US cities have the newest homes

The study found the nation's youngest housing stock concentrated in the South and Southwest, with many of the homes in this region built around the late 1900s and early 2000s.

Study analysts suggest this could be due to many southern states experiencing numerous natural disasters, such as fires, floods, tornadoes, tropical storms, and hurricanes, which have prompted many instances of rebuilding.

Here are the top 10 metros for new home constructions, along with their median home age, according to This Old House.

Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, Texas: 22
Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: 22
Provo-Orem-Lehi, Utah: 23
Raleigh-Cary, North Carolina: 24
McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, Texas: 24
Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Florida: 25
Naples-Marco Island, Florida: 25
Las Vegas-Henderson-North Las Vegas: 26
Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, Arkansas: 26
Wilmington, North Carolina: 26

These 10 US cities have the oldest homes

The study showed that the metro areas with the oldest homes in the nation are concentrated in the Northeast, potentially due to a slower population growth and a higher cost of living.

Here's a list of the 10 metro areas with the oldest homes, according to This Old House.

Buffalo-Cheektowaga, New York: 68
Scranton-Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania: 66
New York-Newark-Jersey City: 65
Springfield, Illinois: 65
Pittsburgh: 63
New Haven, Connecticut: 62
Boston-Cambridge-Newton: 61
Cleveland: 61
Providence-Warwick, Rhode Island: 61
Youngstown-Warren, Ohio: 60

Is it better to buy an old or new house?

According to the study, buying an older house may require more maintenance and renovations. U.S. Census data shows that owner-occupied homes built before 1980 were twice as likely to report more issues with roof, basement, wall or window leaks than homes built in 1980 or after.

However, buying an older construction can be more affordable most of the time and leave more money for upgrades.

Here are some points for homebuyers to consider when deciding whether to buy a newer or older home, according to analysts from This Old House:

Newer homes are likely to require less maintenance: Newer homes mean fewer repairs and lower maintenance costs.
Newer homes are typically more energy efficient: Built to modern energy codes, new homes help homeowners save on utilities and reduce their environmental impact.
Newer homes tend to have higher initial costs: New homes may come at a premium price, which could be a factor for some buyers.
Newer homes may not appeal to those looking for historic charm: Newer properties often lack the architectural character found in older homes, which can be a consideration for buyers who value tradition.

Leslie Foti, a real estate salesperson with Coldwell Banker, also highlighted the trade-offs between craftsmanship and modern advancements.

“Older homes often showcase superior craftsmanship," Foti said in a news release. "However, modern homes benefit from advancements in building technology. ... Ultimately, ‘better’ depends on what you value — the charm and durability of an older home or the convenience and efficiency of a new one.”

How did This Old House study home building?

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 were not available for cities where homes are 85 years or older. Only the 150 most populous metropolitan statistical areas were considered for the analysis.

Final Thoughts

Phoenix’s relatively young housing stock is a reflection of its booming population, job growth, and preference for modern amenities. While newer homes offer energy efficiency and lower maintenance, they come at a premium. Whether that’s a plus or minus depends on what homebuyers value charm and character, or convenience and cost-savings. As the Valley continues expanding, Phoenix remains at the forefront of new residential development nationwide.