6 markets positioned for recovery in 2011

Most experts agree that very few housing markets will experience a full recovery in 2011, but HousingPredictor said these six cities should make solid gains next year.

1. Washington, D.C.: Government job growth should draw many workers to the area, and there is currently a tight supply of affordable homes within commuting distance.

2. Fargo, N.D.: A lack of aggressive mortgage lending has widely protected the area from the housing crisis, and building permits have only declined slightly.

3. Denver: Unemployment is less than 7.9%, and three out of four homes are listed below $300,000.

4. Austin, Texas: A younger market, diverse job base and relatively stable home prices should add up to a strong positive move in 2011.

5. Raleigh, N.C.: Home prices remain below average, and the area has a strong job base. Raleigh should also continue to draw northeasterners who can’t afford the high home prices.

6. Sacramento, Calif: The state economy is fairly weak, and unemployment remains high. But housing affordability is near the top among major California cities.