Shifting Trends: Realtor.com® Unveils 2026's Leading Housing Markets
In its latest annual report, Realtor.com® has identified the top housing markets for 2026, revealing a significant geographical transition from the previous year. The results indicate that, while last year's leaders were predominantly situated in the South and West, the future looks increasingly favorable for metros in the Northeast and Midwest. Hartford, Connecticut; Rochester, New York; and Worcester, Massachusetts, are taking the lead in this year's rankings.
As buyers become more discerning due to the dual pressures of rising home prices and fluctuating interest rates, they are more inclined to seek value. This trend has given rise to what are being termed "refuge markets"—areas that offer more affordable housing, greater space, and a sense of stability in the market compared to larger, high-cost urban areas. The median list price across the leading ten markets rests at approximately $384,000, notably lower than the national average of $415,000. This pricing makes these locations particularly appealing to both first-time buyers and those relocating from pricier regions.
The report highlights that 40% of listing views in these top metros in the third quarter of 2025 originated from potential buyers outside their respective areas, a notable increase from 31% prior to the rise in mortgage rates in early 2022. Such interest underscores the growing appeal of these more modest, often underestimated metros—places that now represent a compelling combination of affordability, market stability, and spacious living.
Tight housing inventory poses another challenge for homebuyers. Many of the top-ranked metros have inventory levels that are 60% or more below their pre-pandemic figures. Despite limited new construction, which keeps prices competitive, demand for homes continues to surge in these regions. While the national average in list price growth has remained nearly stagnant this year, the top ten markets have witnessed a remarkable price increase of 16.3%, with Toledo, Ohio, experiencing the most dramatic rise at 33.4%.
Additionally, the dynamics of mortgage rates play a crucial role in shaping market resilience and driving forward sales growth. In more affordable locales like Rochester, Toledo, and Pittsburgh, potential buyers face significantly lesser financial burdens when compared to national averages, thereby increasing their ability to purchase. For instance, buyers in these markets would see a principal and interest cost that is as much as 56.4% less than what current homeowners would pay for a new mortgage, as opposed to the national average spike of 73.2%.
This financial profile, paired with a generally older demographic of residents—most markets showcasing a median age in the mid-50s—contributes to sustaining home prices. A well-established, financially secure population allows markets to maintain stability even amidst shifts in national trends.
Overall, Realtor.com's projections for 2026 suggest the emergence of a more balanced housing market that leans in favor of buyers as affordability slightly improves. On the sale side, the anticipated combined growth in home sales and prices indicates fierce competition among buyers, which in turn suggests strong demand for properties in these metro areas. This evolving landscape may mean quicker sales and higher price appreciation for sellers in the years to come, maintaining equity gains while reinforcing a vibrant housing market overall.
As buyers become more discerning due to the dual pressures of rising home prices and fluctuating interest rates, they are more inclined to seek value. This trend has given rise to what are being termed "refuge markets"—areas that offer more affordable housing, greater space, and a sense of stability in the market compared to larger, high-cost urban areas. The median list price across the leading ten markets rests at approximately $384,000, notably lower than the national average of $415,000. This pricing makes these locations particularly appealing to both first-time buyers and those relocating from pricier regions.
The report highlights that 40% of listing views in these top metros in the third quarter of 2025 originated from potential buyers outside their respective areas, a notable increase from 31% prior to the rise in mortgage rates in early 2022. Such interest underscores the growing appeal of these more modest, often underestimated metros—places that now represent a compelling combination of affordability, market stability, and spacious living.
Tight housing inventory poses another challenge for homebuyers. Many of the top-ranked metros have inventory levels that are 60% or more below their pre-pandemic figures. Despite limited new construction, which keeps prices competitive, demand for homes continues to surge in these regions. While the national average in list price growth has remained nearly stagnant this year, the top ten markets have witnessed a remarkable price increase of 16.3%, with Toledo, Ohio, experiencing the most dramatic rise at 33.4%.
Additionally, the dynamics of mortgage rates play a crucial role in shaping market resilience and driving forward sales growth. In more affordable locales like Rochester, Toledo, and Pittsburgh, potential buyers face significantly lesser financial burdens when compared to national averages, thereby increasing their ability to purchase. For instance, buyers in these markets would see a principal and interest cost that is as much as 56.4% less than what current homeowners would pay for a new mortgage, as opposed to the national average spike of 73.2%.
This financial profile, paired with a generally older demographic of residents—most markets showcasing a median age in the mid-50s—contributes to sustaining home prices. A well-established, financially secure population allows markets to maintain stability even amidst shifts in national trends.
Overall, Realtor.com's projections for 2026 suggest the emergence of a more balanced housing market that leans in favor of buyers as affordability slightly improves. On the sale side, the anticipated combined growth in home sales and prices indicates fierce competition among buyers, which in turn suggests strong demand for properties in these metro areas. This evolving landscape may mean quicker sales and higher price appreciation for sellers in the years to come, maintaining equity gains while reinforcing a vibrant housing market overall.
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