Americans Say Real Estate Is Still the Best Long-Term Investment in 2026

Every year, Gallup asks Americans a simple question:

What's the best long-term investment?

Real estate won again in 2026, for the 14th year running.

I get why people ask if that's still true. Crypto has its true believers, and while the stock market has had a rough stretch lately, it's a popular option.

Here's what Americans actually said this year, and what a 14-year streak like this really tells you about where to put your money for the long haul — especially if you're buying or selling here in the Phoenix area.

What Americans Said in the 2026 Gallup Poll

Gallup asks the same question every year: which investment do you think is best over the long run? Here's how people answered in 2026:

• Real estate: 38%
• Stocks/mutual funds: 20%
• Gold: 18%
• Savings accounts/CDs: 12%
• Bonds: 4%
• Cryptocurrency: 2%

Real estate's lead is nearly double the next closest answer. Stocks climbed a bit since last year, up from 16% to 20%, and gold cooled off from its 2023 peak of 25%. Cryptocurrency, for all the attention it gets on social media, still can't crack 3%.

A 14-Year Streak, With Two Exceptions

I'll say this plainly: 14 years is a long time for anything to stay in first place. Real estate has topped this poll every single year since 2013, through a pandemic and a wave of interest rate hikes.

The streak has broken exactly twice.

• 2008 to 2009: During the financial crisis, savings accounts and CDs edged out real estate, 31% to 26% in September 2008 and 34% to 33% in April 2009.
• 2011 to 2012: Gold took the top spot for two years running, 34% to 19% in 2011 and 28% to 20% in 2012, while people were still spooked from the crash.

Both times, real estate came right back. It reclaimed the lead in 2013 and hasn't let go since.

Why Real Estate Keeps Winning

Here's my take on why this keeps happening. A home is something you can actually touch and use. It's not a ticker symbol on an app. It's where someone raises kids and slowly builds equity.

It's true that stocks have historically offered higher returns. From 1990 to April 2024, the S&P 500 surged by 1,325%, while the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index rose by 308%.

However, stocks also come with higher volatility, while real estate typically provides more stable growth. Even during economic downturns, such as the Great Financial Crisis of 2008, real estate has shown resilience and recovery.

This is highlighted when you look back at U.S. home price growth by the decade:

Source: ResiClub

U.S. home price growth by decade:

• 1990s: +30.1%
• 2000s: +47.3%
• 2010s: +44.7%
• 2020-2024: +47.1%

Every decade, even during the 2000s, home price growth has increased by 30% or more.

What This Means for Phoenix Buyers and Sellers

Phoenix is a great example of why real estate keeps earning that top spot. Our market has grown alongside the Valley itself — more jobs, more people, and more demand for homes across Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, Gilbert, and the rest of the metro area.

If you're a first-time buyer or thinking about moving up to your next home, the takeaway isn't "buy anything, anytime." It's that homeownership, held over time, has been one of the most consistent ways American families build wealth — and the Phoenix market has been no exception. The right move depends on your timeline, your budget, and what the current data is actually telling us, which is exactly the kind of conversation my team and I love having with clients.

Of course, buying a home is a long-term investment. If you plan to move in a few years, it may not be the best fit.

While poll results show that Americans prefer real estate as a long-term investment, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Always consult with your financial advisor when planning to invest for your future, as the best option depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment timeline.

Curious what this means for your own plans? Book a strategy call with me and my team — we'll walk through the current Phoenix market data together so you can make a confident, informed decision. Or just send me a message with your questions.

Sources: Gallup, ResiClub