There are 41,618 unique ZIP codes in the United States. With that many options, how can buyers search for a dream home that’s not out of their budget?
Enter the Realtor.com® annual Hottest ZIP Codes of 2024, which highlights the markets where homebuyers are shopping like crazy and making offers at record speed due to the areas’ affordability, excellent amenities, and other desirable attributes.
So which ZIP code claimed the top spot as the most coveted of all?
“Located in the ever-popular Columbus metro area, ZIP 43230 in Gahanna, OH, is this year’s hottest, taking the crown for the second year in a row,” says Realtor.com senior economic analyst Hannah Jones.
The quaint suburb is near a hub of billion-dollar industries—Intel and Google are expanding there. The area also offers big-city amenities at a small-town price, plus a good school system, a busy downtown, and a friendly community.
“Gahanna is so appealing because of its strong home values,” says real estate agent Lory Kim, with Re/Max Connection, who grew up in Gahanna and still lives there. “The market here has remained robust over the years, which is a testament to the area’s enduring appeal. And compared to some other nearby areas, Gahanna is still quite affordable, making it a smart choice for families and anyone looking to invest in a community with so much to offer.”
“Every ZIP code in our top 10 offers some element of value for potential buyers,” adds Jones. “All of the top 10 ZIP codes offer affordability in the form of a lower median list price or median listing price per square foot compared to the U.S. housing market, relative to their surrounding metropolitan area, or both in June. Though buyers have more options across the country, this year’s Hottest ZIP Codes show that demand remains concentrated in markets that offer more bang for your buck.”
Where the hottest ZIP codes are—and aren’t
“This year’s 10 Hottest ZIP Codes emphasize the trends we have seen through the last year in the housing market,” says Jones. “Buyers have homed in on affordable Midwest and well-located Northeast metros that offer some combination of value and desirability.”
This year’s hottest ZIP codes boast three standout Midwest metros, and the Northeast leads the charge with seven, including higher-end areas.
Massachusetts has the lion’s share of the hottest ZIP codes, with three. New Jersey claimed two ZIP codes, while New York and Pennsylvania each have one.
The Midwest’s three ZIP codes make a repeat appearance from last year.
Remarkably, this marks the second consecutive year—and only the second time in the list’s history—that the top 10 are represented by just two regions.
“The Southern and Western regions are not represented in this year’s 10 hottest ZIPs as buyer interest has shifted away from the areas that are generally unaffordable or have become less affordable due to significant price growth during the [COVID-19] pandemic,” adds Jones. “The South, in particular, has seen a significant pickup in for-sale inventory, which has thinned out buyer demand on a per-property basis, cooling off and slowing down the region’s market.”
Home prices are rising in the hottest ZIP codes
More than half of this year’s 10 hottest ZIP codes boast median list prices below the current national median of $439,950 as of July. Four markets were priced higher, with one—Basking Ridge, NJ, about 40 minutes from Manhattan, NY—nearly twice the median, at $967,000.
But home prices are rising quickly across the board—even in those ZIP codes that are more affordable for now.
“Relatively high demand pushed home prices on average 7.4% higher in the hottest ZIPs in the first half of the year, compared to just 0.4% median listing price growth nationally,” says Jones.
This means home prices in the hottest ZIP codes have risen a whopping 18.5 times faster than the national median list price growth.
“Roughly half of this year’s ZIPs were priced higher than their surrounding metro, and half were priced lower, hinting at differing buyer motivations in today’s market,” says Jones. “While some buyers are looking for a deal in a given area, others are less concerned about keeping the price low, whether because they are making a move from a higher-priced area or because they are cashing in on their existing home equity and looking to upgrade.”
How competitive are these hottest markets?
Listings in the hottest ZIP codes garnered about 3.7 times more views than the average national listing, and flew off the market a whole month faster compared with the typical U.S. home in the first half of 2024.
“Home shoppers in large metro areas are contributing significantly to viewership in the hottest ZIPs,” says Jones. “Buyers in these ZIPs also tend to earn more and have a higher credit score than the U.S. average. Moreover, these ZIPs attract older buyers who are well-equipped to face a competitive housing market.”
All those shoppers viewing properties meant homes didn’t linger long on the market. In the first half of the year, homes spent between 8 and 18 days on the market in the hottest ZIP codes. Meanwhile, the typical home nationwide spent 50 days on the market in July.
Why the number of homes for sale is scarce in hot markets
Though housing stock overall is still below pre-COVID-19 levels, the national supply of homes for sale grew by 24.7% in the first half of this year.
Yet due to the high demand for homes in the top 10 ZIP codes, the number of homes for sale in these areas grew by just 5.7%.
The hottest ZIP codes list was compiled by analyzing housing market supply and demand using Realtor.com listing data from January to June 2023. The economic research team assessed the number of views each listing received and the speed at which homes were sold. To keep things competitive, the list was limited to just one ZIP code per metropolitan area.
These are the 10 hottest ZIP codes in 2024:
1. 43230
(Realtor.com)
Town: Gahanna, OH
Metro: Columbus, OH
Median home list price: $345,000
Homes in this top ZIP code cost about 11% less than the average for the Columbus metro area—and 19.4% below the national median in the first half of the year.
Though almost half of listing viewership came from within the metro, “the lifestyle and affordability” is what “drew the attention of shoppers in the New York City metro,” says Jones.
What about the area is drawing East Coast buyers?
“One of the things I love most about Gahanna is how it embraces diversity,” says Re/Max Connection’s Kim. “You see all kinds of families, each adding their own unique flavor to our community, making Gahanna such a vibrant and welcoming place to live. And let’s not forget the convenience: Being so close to downtown Columbus is a huge plus, whether you’re heading in for work, entertainment, or a night out. Plus, with the Columbus airport just minutes away, travel is a breeze.”
Gahanna features a variety of home styles, including ranch, Colonial, contemporary, and split-level designs, as well as Craftsman-style homes and modern constructions.
2. 63021
Town: Ballwin, MO
Metro: St. Louis, MO
Median home list price: $409,000
Ballwin is a suburban city in St. Louis County and is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the state. The up-and-coming community—about a half-hour from St. Louis—is known for its excellent quality of life, low crime rates, and well-maintained neighborhoods. It has received accolades for being a great place to raise a family.
Buyers can find well-maintained homes for $250,000 or sprawling properties for more than $1,000,000.
3. 01970
(Realtor.com)
Town: Salem, MA
Metro: Boston, MA
Median home list price:$596,000
Founded in 1626, Salem is one of the oldest towns in the United States. The area, famous for being the site of the 1692 witch trials, has a unique blend of historic charm and modern coastal living, offering a rich history, vibrant downtown, and scenic waterfront.
Salem is renowned for its strong sense of community, diverse cultural attractions, and a calendar filled with events that celebrate its famous past and thriving arts scene.
4. 07920
Town: Basking Ridge, NJ
Metro: New York, NY
Median home list price: $967,000
Where can you get a serene suburban experience with picturesque landscapes and top-rated schools? Basking Ridge is within driving distance of New York City and maintains a peaceful, small-town atmosphere.
The homes are primarily characterized by a mix of Colonial-style single-family homes, luxury estates, townhouses, and some condos. The area is known for its spacious properties, many of which feature multiple bedrooms, large yards, and modern amenities.
“Pricier markets also may be especially attractive to high-earning buyers looking to relocate from a bustling business hub to somewhere with a more holistic appeal,” says Jones.
5. 14609
(Realtor.com)
Town: Rochester, NY
Metro: Rochester, NY
Median home list price: $151,000
Located 75 miles from Niagara Falls, Rochester boasts a vibrant urban environment with a rich cultural scene, including renowned museums, theaters, and music festivals.
The city offers affordable living—with homes priced well below the national median. Rochester also has diverse neighborhoods and easy access to the scenic Finger Lakes region, making it an attractive place for both families and young professionals.
6. 08054
Town: Mount Laurel, NJ
Metro: Philadelphia, PA
Median home list price: $385,000
Mount Laurel combines suburban comfort with well-maintained neighborhoods, excellent schools, and ample green spaces. The town’s strategic location provides easy access to both Philadelphia and the Jersey Shore. Properties in this area include townhouses, large estates, and even log cabins.
7. 01453
(Realtor.com)
Town: Leominster, MA
Metro: Leominster, MA
Median home list price: $462,000
This small New England town has the convenience of modern amenities and an excellent school system. It’s surrounded by natural beauty, with easy access to parks and outdoor activities, while still being within commuting distance to Boston.
The housing market features a diverse mix of homes, including classic Colonial and Cape Cod styles, charming Victorian houses, and modern ranches.
8. 01085
Town: Westfield, MA
Metro: Springfield, MA
Median home list price: $347,000
Westfield, known as “Whip City” due to its whip manufacturing past during the horse and buggy era, is approximately 100 miles west of Boston, the major hub of the region.
The city provides easy access to the Berkshires for outdoor adventures and Springfield for urban amenities, making it a great place for families and nature lovers alike. As a result, you can find former carriage homes for sale here.
9. 46322
(Realtor.com)
Town: Highland, IN
Metro: Chicago, IL
Median home list price: $250,000
A vibrant suburb located in Northwest Indiana, Highland offers a mix of residential neighborhoods and local businesses. Highland provides easy access to Chicago—a mere 30 miles away—while maintaining a charming, small-town atmosphere and a strong community spirit.
10. 18062
Town: Macungie, PA
Metro: Allentown, NJ
Median home list price: $462,000
Macungie, located about 10 miles south of Allentown, PA, offers a close-knit community and scenic surroundings, perfect for those who enjoy a quiet, suburban lifestyle. The town has beautiful parks, events like the annual Das Awkscht Fescht car show, and convenient access to the Lehigh Valley’s larger cities for additional amenities and opportunities.
The area offers a diverse array of home styles, including ranch, Colonial, traditional two-story, and townhouses.
