House hunting? These California cities are giving first-time buyers the best shot at the American dream.

Scrolling through home listings can feel like a reality show where every house somehow costs a million dollars. But a new ranking suggests first-time buyers still have a fighting chance in several California cities and a few neighboring spots in Arizona and Nevada may be even friendlier to stretched budgets.

WalletHub analyzed 300 cities across the country using 22 factors tied to affordability, housing market conditions and quality of life to determine the best places for first-time homebuyers. The study considered everything from the cost of living and property taxes to crime rates and overall market appeal.

Best California cities for first-time homebuyers

Among California’s larger cities, Fresno earned the top spot for first-time buyers, followed by Bakersfield, Sacramento, Irvine, Stockton, Santa Ana and San Diego.

The rankings suggest these cities offer a stronger combination of affordability and livability than many other parts of the Golden State, giving newcomers a better opportunity to break into an increasingly competitive housing market.

Not every California city is as welcoming to first-time buyers, however.

Worst California cities for first-time homebuyers

The finance platform identified Berkeley, Costa Mesa, Glendale, Santa Monica and Santa Barbara among the state’s least affordable places to purchase a first home. High housing costs in these cities can make saving for a down payment and qualifying for a mortgage significantly more difficult.

For buyers who aren’t tied to staying in California, crossing state lines could make homeownership more attainable.

Cities near California among the best cities for first-time homebuyers

Arizona performed well in the rankings, with Mesa, Phoenix and Tucson all landing among the best cities for first-time homebuyers thanks to their mix of affordability and market appeal.

Nevada also earned high marks, with Las Vegas and Henderson standing out as attractive options for buyers looking to purchase their first home.

The report comes as many aspiring homeowners continue to face steep home prices and elevated mortgage rates. According to the National Association of Realtors, first-time buyers accounted for just 21% of home purchases last year, well below the historical average of 40%.

For anyone hoping to trade apartment living for a front porch, the study suggests that choosing the right city may be just as important as finding the right house.