Some major markets saw home prices increase during the recession

Though most housing markets saw a major dip in home prices as a result of the recession, home prices rose in some reasonably large markets. 24/7 Wall Street has ranked the places that saw the highest increases in home prices, despite the economic perils that were facing the country.

Using home price data from Fiserv Case-Shiller index and foreclosure information from RealtyTrac, the group was able to narrow down the top 10 markets that experienced the highest home price increase and exclude markets that did not maintain the price growth. They also incorporated how home prices correlated with foreclosures and unemployment.

The city with the highest increases was Longview, Texas, with a 25.9 percent price increase from the fourth quarter of 2005 to the 2010 fourth quarter. Following Longview was Bismark, North Dakota which experienced a 19.1 percent increase during that time and Williamsport, Pennsylvania with an 18.4 percent increase.

The group found, on average, that areas with the highest home price increase also had lower foreclosure and unemployment rates. Reportedly, their ability to stave off unemployment was generally the result of one or two major local employers.

Those interested in moving may not want to target these areas if they are seeking a location where they can buy a house for the lowest price. However, if finding a job is more important to them, these cities' strong employment markets may serve as the more essential factor in regard to moving. 

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