Marion placed 7th in Iowa in a recent study by financial technology company SmartAsset, which ranked the healthiest housing markets in the US. The study measured cities by the average number of years residents spend in homes, home values, ease of sale, and the costs associated with ownership.

“Marion’s impressive showing isn’t exclusive to the state of Iowa, where the city ranks 7th,” said SmartAsset Managing Editor and VP of Content Strategy, AJ Smith. “They also ranked number 292 out of approximately 2,000 cities included in the study.”

This news concurs with the momentum and community growth Marion Mayor Nicolas AbouAsslay referred to in his recent State of the City address. Since 2000, census data shows that Marion has grown by more than 37 percent.

“We have a very special place here,” said AbouAssaly. “Marion is known for its small town character, great schools, safe neighborhoods, historic Uptown district, beautiful parks and quality City services. People of all ages are moving here for a variety of reasons, creating the need for additional housing and commercial development.”

In FY2015 alone, 243 new residential units were built in Marion. Two senior housing projects currently under construction on Blairs Ferry Road will add a combined 137 units of affordable rental housing for people 55 and older in Marion.

SmartAsset regularly releases studies on topics that are potentially helpful for folks navigating big financial decisions. The topic of home buying is very important, especially to folks looking to make a long term financial commitment to a housing market.

“Visualizing data at the local level can help prospective buyers decide whether or not a market is a good fit,” Smith said. “Judging by the most recent results, Marion looks like a place that many Iowans have decided is right for them.”

For a full view of the results and methodology, you can visit the SmartAsset website: https://smartasset.com/mortgage/mortgage-calculator#iowa