Buying a first home is a major financial challenge in the U.S., but some metro areas now offer a more realistic path for buyers.
One big standout is an Alabama city that ranked among the 8 best U.S. cities for first-time homebuyers.
The ranking, published by Travel + Leisure using Zillow data, evaluated the 50 largest U.S. metropolitan areas based on affordability, home availability and competition for starter homes…