Millennials continue to move away from cities during the pandemic in search of more affordable housing and space to raise a family, according to Realtor.com’s annual list of hottest ZIP codes in the USA.
Half of this year’s top markets are suburbs in the Northeast, including Rochester, New York; Melrose, Massachusetts; South Portland, Maine: Hudson, New Hampshire; and Worcester, Massachusetts.
A few factors contribute to their popularity, including easy access to both downtown amenities and outdoor space, relative affordability in a strong local economy and a large number of millennial homebuyers, the report shows.
These are the top 10 hottest ZIP codes for housing:
1. 80911: Colorado Springs, Colorado
This ZIP code is on the southern edge of Colorado Springs and about 1.5 hours from Denver. The area offers residents a great quality of life, including affordable homes, especially compared with Denver, according to Hale. The median listing price is up 6.5% year-over-year but 39% lower than the metro and 13% lower than the national median.
Average number of days on the market: 13
Median list price: $287,000
2. 43068: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
The area, which has easy access to downtown Columbus attracts young and growing families with its quiet suburban feel. The median-priced home is 37% less than the metro and 38% less than the national median.
Average number of days on the market: 17
Median list price: $204,000
3. 14617: Rochester, New York
Rochester is New York’s third-largest metro area. This ZIP code is along the Genesee River and southern shore of Lake Ontario. The median listing price is up 16.6% year-over-year, but 35% lower than the metro and 51% lower than the national median.
Average number of days on the market: 18
Median list price: $162,000
4. 02176: Melrose, Massachusetts
This is 10 miles north of Boston and attracts many young families who are looking for space but still want to enjoy a quick commute to the city. The median listing price is 2% higher than the metro and 95% higher than the national median.
Average number of days on the market: 19
Median list price: $644,000
5. 04106: South Portland, Maine
South Portland is a short drive from Portland Head, Maine’s oldest lighthouse. This ZIP code is on Casco Bay and is part of South Portland, offering a slightly more affordable option compared with the city of Portland, while still being close to downtown. The median list price is up 4.2% year-over-year. Asking prices are 9% lower than the metro overall, but 14% higher than the U.S. median.
Average number of days on the market: 21
Median list price: $377,000
6. 66614: Topeka, Kansas
This location is on the western side of Topeka, the state capital. It attracts move-up and first-time homebuyers because of affordability and close proximity to shopping and entertainment. The median listing price is 14% more than the metro but 44% lower than the national median.
Average number of days on the market: 19
Median list price: $184,000
7. 03051: Hudson, New Hampshire
Many families looking to escape the busy Boston area head just over the border, according to Hale. Known as “tax free” New Hampshire, locals enjoy a lower cost of living with no state income or sales tax. The median listing price is 12% lower than metro as a whole.
Average number of days on the market: 22
Median list price: $350,000
8. 01602: Worcester, Massachusetts
Worcester, an hour outside Boston, is a hot spot for families and retirees looking for three- or four-bedroom homes. Rising home prices have pushed it out of reach for many first-time homebuyers. Worcester State University is in the heart of this ZIP code and is one of the largest employers in the area. The median listing price is 14% lower than metro as a whole and 4% lower than the national median.
Average number of days on the market: 21
Median list price: $318,000
9. 22152: Springfield, Virginia
This area, inland of the Potomac River, offers a mix of townhomes and single-family homes that provide options for first-time and move-up buyers as well as considerable green space with Pohick Creek Stream Valley Park to the east and Lake Accotink Park to the north. The median listing price is 8% higher than the rest of the metro and 68% higher than the national median.
Average number of days on the market: 7
Median list price: $553,000
10. 27604: Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh’s affordability draws many buyers from more expensive cities. The area offers residents a variety of basketball programs to watch, including Duke University, North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. The median listing price is 27% lower than the metro and 17% lower than the national median.
Average number of days on the market: 25
Median list price: $273,000
Read Full Article [www.usatoday.com]
