Basketball supernova Caitlin Clark owned March and all its wonderful madness.

From coast to coast, fans tuned in to watch the basketball phenom break record after record as she and her team, the Iowa Huskers, battled their way to the national championship.

Though the Huskers ultimately lost to the undefeated South Carolina Gamecocks, the loss did nothing to dim Clark’s superstar wattage. The guard went No. 1 in the WNBA draft to the Indiana Fevers on April 15.

Like so many college grads before her, the Iowa native will now have to find a place to live in Indianapolis, close to her new job, which pays precisely $76,535.

While that’s a decent sum for someone so young, these five figures pale in comparison with the starting salary—an incredible $12 million—of Victor Wembanyama, the first pick in last year’s NBA draft.

Ahem.

In fact, although the former Iowa guard lifted the game of women’s basketball to new heights, her starting salary for her first year of going pro doesn’t quite cut it in today’s housing market. (Clark did earn close to $3 million during college in name, image, and licensing deals, but we’re focusing on her post-collegiate salary here.)

In the U.S., real estate list prices hit a median of $424,900 in March. That, coupled with rising mortgage rates, means the average American (and new homebuyers like Clark) need to make an annual income of $86,100 to snag a median-priced home (not counting tax and insurance), according to the latest data from Realtor.com®.

What can No. 22 afford on her starting salary?

So, with her new salary, what home can the woman who dominated courts and inspired a new generation of fans afford to buy?

According to the Realtor.com affordability calculator, Clark should target homes priced between $317,401 and $363,700 for a range that won’t stretch her budget.

To help Clark, we did a deep dive into Indianapolis real estate to help find the recent grad new digs. Since this is her just-out-of-college home, like most young homebuyers, she’d be looking at a starter home, typically with two bedrooms and at least one bath. Here’s what we dug up.

A home near work

The Indiana Fevers play at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, located in the heart of downtown Indianapolis.

Like every potential homeowner, Clark must think about her work commute. Sure, her job takes place on the hard court in front of thousands of fans. Still, Clark’s an athlete, and she might want to walk to work.

Currently, only five homes in the area fit within her budget, including this home at 831 N California St, for sale for $324,900.

A home near 18 holes

When Clark moves to Indiana, she’ll pack not just basketballs but golf balls as well. It turns out, the player loves to sink putts almost as much as she sinks baskets, and she plays golf several times a week. Her love of this other ballgame makes the neighborhood of Devon, which boasts a top golf course, a good choice.

Currently, two homes in Devon fit in Clark’s budget, including this house at 5317 Ladywood Knoll Pl for sale for $225,000.

A home near other young professionals

At 22, Clark is just getting started and likely wants to hang with people her own age. If that’s the case, she should check out North Central, where there are loads of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks.

Another reason the 6-foot-tall player might want to consider the area? She can afford a whopping eight homes here, like this one at 2927 Boulevard Pl for sale for $300,000.

A home near the river

The area of Broad Ripple is known for cute bungalows and an esplanade along the White River, which snakes through the neighborhood. On her days off, Clark could even rent a kayak to explore the waterway or mosey over to the local farmers market.

Clark can afford 18 homes (!) here—including 6438 N Park Ave for sale for $325,000—making this a neighborhood she should seriously consider.

A home near A-listers

In addition to Clark’s WNBA salary and endorsement deals, she is also rumored to be close to securing a $20 million endorsement deal with Nike.

With this eight-figure deal in mind, we found a fitting home in Eagle Creek: 5101 Green Braes East Dr for sale for $5,500,000.

The post WNBA Superstar Caitlin Clark’s Salary Can’t Afford the Average American House—but Here’s What She Can Buy appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.