The current real estate crisis as have been portrayed by the media had made hunting for a home daunting, but the reality is that much of the sub-prime pain in the U.S. is isolated to specific spots littered with foreclosure signs, according to Forbes.com. According to the report about 40 of the country's largest metropolitan areas where examined to find cities where home prices have continued to appreciate over the last two years. Forbes also measured tightening vacancy rates. These metrics indicate places where buyers are investing in homes in order to settle, not just to make a quick buck. With lending tight, also factored in the spread between a monthly rent check and a mortgage payment. Cities with smaller spreads were given a higher score.

 

1. Houston, Texas

 Houston, we don't have a problem. Well known as an energy industry hub, this growing metro area recently made Forbes.com's  Top 10 Up-And-Coming Tech Cities thanks to the Houston Technology Center and bubbling entrepreneurial tech scene. With home prices on the rise by 6.6% and vacant homes disappearing by 11.3% in the last two years, this is one area where buyers can feel safe jumping in.

   
2. Austin, Texas

Here, a whopping 98.5% of homes are filled, and that small sliver of vacancy is thinning. Home prices, meanwhile, have surged from $163,800 in 2005, to $183,700 in 2007.

 A trendy art and music scene--the city plays host to music festivals South by Southwest and Austin City Limits--makes it an affordable place to live for any culture vulture.


 
3. St. Louis, Mo.

St. Louis is a great place to settle because it's not overbuilt and is reasonably priced relative to income. Thanks to the attractive cost of living, many large corporations--including brewing behemoth Anheuser-Busch and financial heavies Stifel Nicolaus and Edward Jones--call St. Louis home. With a family friendly culture, and a steadily appreciating median home price of $145,400, the "Gateway to the West" is a great place to buy a home.


   
4. Philadelphia, Pa.

The City of Brotherly Love has a tight housing market--just 1.9% vacancy--reflecting the lure of a charming and historic American city. Steeped in tradition, this city is priced well, with a median home price of $234,900, up from $215,000 in 2005. With abundant cultural outlets, including universities, museums and theaters, Philly is a great place to call home.

  
5. San Antonio, Texas

This Latin-flavored American city is growing fast thanks to bustling businesses and a low cost of living. Having major corporations like IBM certainly helps attract residents who bring brains and tax revenue to the city. With a median home price of $150,900, up from $133,900 in 2005, it's an affordable place relative to the rest of the country. Home to professional basketball's Spurs, this town is packed--just 2.4% vacancy--and full of Texas pride.

  
6. Dallas, Texas

 Shiny skyscrapers and charming suburbs make Dallas a tempting place to sign mortgage papers. With appreciating median home prices in the $150,000 territory, just about anyone can get in. And with just 2.5% of homes vacant, it appears they are. While the city has a reputation for cowboy boots and big trucks, Dallas is a sophisticated metropolis that rivals any major U.S. city in terms of culture and cuisine.

   
7. Charlotte, N.C.

Don't be fooled by the sweet Southern accent; Charlotte is the second-largest banking capital in the U.S., behind New York City. With the University of North Carolina nearby and tons of cultural attractions, this is a city that won't get tired. The market is reflecting what residents already know: Median home prices hopped to $205,400 in 2007, from $180,900 in 2005. Charlotte's vacancy rate is just a bit above the national average at 3.1%, reflecting a lot of space that is likely to get snapped up.

 

8. San Francisco, Calif.

 The City by the Bay may be pricey, but it's one of a kind. If high culture, good food and great architectural bones are to your taste--this is the town for you. If a median home price of $805,000--up $52,800 from 2005--and cold, damp weather all year long aren't, you might try somewhere else. This city is rich in history, human capital and fun. That's part of why it topped our 2008 list of Best Cities For Young Urban Professionals.

  
9. Jacksonville, Fla.

Since 2000, Jacksonville's population has grown an impressive 8%. Meanwhile, median home prices have climbed 14% in the last 24 months to $189,200. Along with its other virtues, sunshine-rich Jacksonville came in at No. 3 on our 2008 Cleanest Cities list thanks to fresh air and clean water.


  
10. Atlanta, Ga.

A city that constantly tops our lists of best places for just about anything, Atlanta is a great place to buy a home. With median properties in the $170,000 neighborhood, this booming city is affordable and packed with things to do. Ranked No. 6 on the 2008 Best Places For Business list, Atlanta has jobs and a competitive cost of living. This means taking out a mortgage is a safe long-term decision.