Hottest Housing Markets of 2026
Which U.S. metros are the most competitive in 2026, according to Zillow and Realtor.com, and why the Northeast and Midwest dominate.
Data note: Market rankings change monthly. Figures below are as reported by the cited sources on the dates shown and were last reviewed on October 14, 2026.
For several years, the most competitive U.S. housing markets have not been the Sun Belt boomtowns that dominated headlines earlier in the decade. Instead, relatively affordable metros in the Northeast and Midwest, where inventory remains tight, have consistently topped the lists. Here's what the two most-cited forecasts and the latest monthly data show for 2026.
Zillow's hottest markets for 2026
In a January 8, 2026 release, Zillow named Hartford, Connecticut its hottest housing market for 2026, edging out Buffalo, New York, which Zillow had ranked first in both 2024 and 2025. Zillow's analysis of the 50 largest metros looks at forecast home value growth, how fast homes sell, and market heat measures. Its 2026 top 10:
- Hartford, CT
- Buffalo, NY
- New York, NY
- Providence, RI
- San Jose, CA
- Philadelphia, PA
- Boston, MA
- Los Angeles, CA
- Richmond, VA
- Milwaukee, WI
Zillow reported that inventory in Hartford was still 63% below pre-pandemic levels, the largest deficit among the 50 largest metros, and that more than 66% of Hartford homes sold above list price in 2025. It also noted the New York metro had the lowest share of listings with a price cut among major metros, at 13.5%.
Realtor.com's top markets for 2026
Realtor.com's 2026 forecast ranks the 100 largest metros by combined expected growth in existing-home sales and median sale prices. Its top 10:
| Rank | Metro | Forecast sales growth | Forecast price growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hartford, Conn. | 7.6% | 9.5% |
| 2 | Rochester, N.Y. | 5.3% | 10.3% |
| 3 | Worcester, Mass. | 12.6% | 2.4% |
| 4 | Toledo, Ohio | -1.2% | 13.1% |
| 5 | Providence, R.I. | 7.1% | 4.1% |
| 6 | Richmond, Va. | 3.6% | 6.9% |
| 7 | Grand Rapids, Mich. | 6.9% | 3.7% |
| 8 | Milwaukee, Wis. | 3.5% | 7.0% |
| 9 | New Haven, Conn. | 2.3% | 7.7% |
| 10 | Pittsburgh, Pa. | 4.0% | 5.7% |
What the monthly data shows
Realtor.com also publishes a monthly "hotness" ranking based on how many people view each listing and how quickly homes sell. In its June 2026 report (published July 13, 2026), Hartford again held the No. 1 spot, with homes selling in a median of 29 days and a median listing price of $480,000. Rounding out the top five were Erie, Pa.; Norwich-New London, Conn.; Kenosha, Wis.; and Waterbury-Shelton, Conn. Northeast and Midwest metros filled almost the entire top 20.
Why these markets are hot
- Tight supply: Many Northeast and Midwest metros built relatively few new homes over the past decade, so listings get multiple offers.
- Relative affordability: Buyers priced out of Boston and New York look to nearby metros like Hartford, Worcester, and Providence.
- Steady job markets: Health care, education, insurance, and manufacturing employers provide stable demand.
- Less new construction competition: Unlike Texas and Florida, where builders added significant supply, these metros have fewer new homes competing with resales.
What it means for you
Buyers in these metros should get fully preapproved, act quickly, and be prepared for multiple-offer situations. Sellers are in a strong position but should still price realistically, because rising mortgage rates in the fall of 2026 have reduced buyer budgets nationally. See our latest market update for national figures.
Sources
- Zillow: The 10 Hottest Housing Markets for 2026
- Zillow Group press release, Jan. 8, 2026: Hartford edges out Buffalo to become Zillow's hottest market for 2026
- Realtor.com Research: Top Housing Markets for 2026
- Realtor.com Research: June 2026 Hottest Housing Markets (July 13, 2026)
This article is for general educational purposes and is not financial, legal, or tax advice. See our disclaimer.