84 Metros Listed As Improving Housing Markets in July

The list of U.S. housing markets showing measurable and sustained improvement rose by four to include 84 metros in July, according to the National Association of Home Builders/First American Improving Markets Index (IMI), released recently.  This number includes representatives from 32 states plus the District of Columbia.

The index identifies metropolitan areas that have shown improvement from their respective troughs in housing permits, employment and house prices for at least six consecutive months. This month's IMI includes 73 metros that held their positions on the list from June, as well as 11 newly added markets. Notable new entries include such geographically diverse places as Prescott, Ariz.; Springfield, Mass.; St. Cloud, Minn.; and Houston, Texas.