JOHNSON CITY, TENN.

Metro area population: 193,554
Median home price: $125,000
12-month change in home value: -0.9%
Affordability index: 3/10
Homes sold this year: 4,534
Home value vs. national average: -38%
Top employer: East Tennessee State University

Demand in this Northeast Tennessee city's market is largely driven by East Tennessee State University, as well as new retirees. These "halfbacks" used to spend summer in the North and winter in the South but are now making Tennessee their home year round.

Education, health care and manufacturing provide the bulk of Johnson City's jobs.