Society
It’s not NYC nor LA: These are the top 10 most popular real estate markets of 2024 according to experts
Sometimes we can all get carried away with the perceived hotspots around the country and how popular they are, but it’s not always the case.
Think the hottest real estate markets are in Manhattan or Malibu? Think again. According to Zillow’s annual report on the “10 Most Popular Real Estate Markets of 2024,” the big-city glamour of New York and Los Angeles didn’t make the cut. Instead, smaller, more affordable cities with a dash of suburban charm and urban convenience are stealing the spotlight.
What’s driving these choices? Well, it’s fairly obvious when you think about it: affordability, opportunity, and lifestyle flexibility, fuelled by hybrid work models that have reshaped how we think about home and commute. These factors have buyers flocking to less-heralded areas, searching for a balance between cost and convenience.
Where are the best places to find a home?
According to the report, the top real estate markets of 2024, led by Manchester, New Hampshire, share a common appeal: suburban communities close enough to larger cities for easy access to jobs but far enough to offer affordability, quiet living, and family-friendly amenities. Hybrid work trends have made these “hidden gem” cities more attractive, especially as buyers prioritize cost-effective living near urban opportunities.
The Northeast dominates this year’s list, with six entries, including four cities in Connecticut like Stamford and Bridgeport, valued for their affordability near New York City. Allentown, Pennsylvania, benefits from proximity to Philadelphia and New York, while Columbia, Maryland, offers suburban perks near D.C. and Baltimore.
The Midwest shines with Rockford and Peoria, Illinois, offering affordable housing and tight-knit communities. Meanwhile, Sunnyvale, California, the lone West Coast contender, reflects Silicon Valley’s economic pull but highlights the region’s affordability challenges.
Here’s the full list of Zillow’s top 10 most popular markets of 2024:
- Manchester, New Hampshire
- Rockford, Illinois
- Stamford, Connecticut
- Columbia, Maryland
- Bridgeport, Connecticut
- Allentown, Pennsylvania
- Peoria, Illinois
- New Haven, Connecticut
- Waterbury, Connecticut
- Sunnyvale, California
So, if you’re considering doing some house-hunting in 2025, maybe you want to skip the usual suspects and consider these rising stars. That said, maybe everyone else is going to be doing the same, and that won’t help.
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