An article summarized by Quartz:
The U.S. housing market is giving buyers more leverage as mortgage rates remain elevated, but some established suburbs near major job centers are moving exceptionally fast. These areas have far fewer homes available than the national average, with inventory shortages exceeding 60% below pre-pandemic levels in some markets. Buyers are responding by paying at or above asking price, with many of the hottest ZIP codes concentrated in the Northeast and Midwest.
Realtor.com’s 2026 ranking found that Peabody, Massachusetts, was the hottest ZIP code in the country, with homes selling in a median of just 20 days and attracting more than four times the national average in online views. Other standout markets included Montclair, New Jersey, where homes sold in 18 days and buyers paid an average 16.7% above asking, as well as Fairport, New York, and Westfield, Massachusetts, which combined strong demand with relatively affordable prices. Livonia, Michigan, stood out for having the lowest median home price among the top 10 at $338,000 and the strongest affordability.
The ranking also highlights a broader trend: buyers are increasingly looking beyond major cities for established communities that offer affordability, larger homes and access to employment centers. Places such as Sewell, New Jersey, and New Berlin, Wisconsin, are attracting buyers from two different metropolitan areas, while North Haven, Connecticut, generated the highest number of views per listing of any ZIP code in the country. Overall, the hottest markets aren't necessarily the most expensive, they are communities where limited supply, location, affordability and quality of life are creating intense competition.
