Buying a home for the first time is an exciting and important milestone for many Americans, but achieving that milestone is getting more difficult as prices and interest rates continue to rise. Last year, first-time buyers made up just 21% of the market, compared to the historical average of 40%.

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People willing and able to invest in a house this year must balance what they want and need with what they can afford. Often, people begin searching for their dream home without a realistic idea of market prices, interest rates or even their eligibility for a mortgage. In addition, where a home is located is just as important as what features it has. If the neighborhood is unpleasant, it can sour the experience of a great home.

To help first-time home buyers find the best locations, WalletHub compared 300 cities of varying sizes across 22 key indicators of market attractiveness, affordability and quality of life. Our data set ranges from the cost of living to real-estate taxes to the crime rate.

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Bottom line Southwest Florida home newbies: start your search in Cape Coral!

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Courtesy WalletHub.com