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The housing market might be squeezed by high mortgage rate — but in 2025, expect to see explosive sales growth in some cities, particularly in the Sun Belt.
Home sales in the Realtor.com® Top Housing Markets for 2025 are projected to rise between 13.5% and 27.1%, compared with year over year.
This represents a substantial increase compared with the national outlook, where existing-home sales are projected to grow by just 1.5% overall next year.
Across the markets identified by Realtor.com economists, there are unifying themes: regional concentration in the South and West; considerable recent sales growth; abundant inventory, in many cases driven by new construction; and younger populations, many of whom are connected to the military or have international ties. These markets are also relatively lower-cost that continue to benefit from flexible work arrangements.
In addition, these markets have been able to mitigate the impact of high mortgage rates, having higher shares of outright homeownership with no mortgage debt and more residents eligible for government-backed mortgage loans, like VA loans and FHA loans.
All the top 10 markets for 2025 are in the South and West, with Colorado Springs, CO, topping the list. Two Florida cities, including Miami and Orlando, also make an entrance along with Texas strongholds like El Paso and McAllen.
What makes these markets stand out from others is that they’ve seen sales grow faster—and been able to expand on that momentum.
“Although affordability is still stretched for many households in these markets, as is the case just about everywhere, aspiring homeowners are able to create opportunities and access homeownership as a result of government-backed loan programs that enable lower down payments,” says Realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale.
“These programs are particularly valuable to the younger families with military and international connections that call these top markets home.”
Home sales in the US are expected to spike the most next June.
Check out the top 20 cities forecasted to see the biggest year-over-year increase in existing-home sales in 2025.
November median list price: $485,000
Projected year-over-year increase in existing-home sales in 2025: +27.1%
Ranked No. 1 on our Top Markets of 2025 list, Colorado Springs has it all: breathtaking mountain views, top-notch schools, and a strong sense of community.
Bonus: Living here means the stunning Garden of the Gods Park is practically in your backyard.
November median list price: $525,000
Projected y/y increase in existing-home sales in 2025: +24%
What sets Miami apart from other cities is “its unique blend of cultures and its active social scene,” says Miami real estate agent and investor Branden Rivero, owner of Prop Hunters.
“The real estate market buzzes with activity as both locals and international buyers flock to seize the opportunity to invest in this sunny paradise.”
November median list price: $394,900
Projected y/y increase in existing-home sales in 2025: +23.4%
Virginia Beach has over 35 miles of coastline with sandy beaches, seafood restaurants, and a bustling boardwalk.
It’s home to the largest concentration of military personnel outside of the Pentagon, and the defense sector job market is thriving.
The area is also popular with retirees, with the city making the list of the best places in the US to retire, according to a U.S. News & World report ranking.
November median list price: $429,595
Projected y/y increase in existing-home sales in 2025: +21.6%
Richmond is a city steeped in US history, featuring walkable neighborhoods like Church Hill and Bellevue, which offer a blend of historic charm and modern amenities.
November median list price: $269,000
Projected y/y increase in existing-home sales in 2025: +19.8%
McAllen is a culturally vibrant city with an affordable cost of living, making it an excellent choice for young families. The city is also home to endangered red-crowned parrots, which can often be seen perched on telephone wires, bringing joy to both locals and visitors.
November median list price: $289,950
Projected y/y increase in existing-home sales in 2025: +19.3%
El Paso offers affordable housing and low crime rates, making it a safe and budget-friendly place to live. With its vast culinary landscape, rich culture, and lively entertainment options, locals love it here.
November median list price: $270,788
Projected y/y increase in existing-home sales in 2025: +18.6%
Little Rock boasts a cost of living below the national average, allowing your dollar to go much further. This friendly, clean city is known for its abundance of green spaces, with numerous hiking and biking trails.
November median list price: $324,249
Projected y/y increase in existing-home sales in 2025: +17.3%
Greensboro is a popular choice for families, offering a wide range of child-friendly activities. Residents appreciate the quiet neighborhoods, light traffic, and easy parking, making it a convenient and peaceful place to live.
November median list price: $569,999
Projected y/y increase in existing-home sales in 2025: +17%
“DC is drawing people in that don’t quite want the busyness of New York City but still favor good restaurants, lots of things to do, and a top-rated mass transit system,” says Cedric Stewart, a real estate expert at Keller Williams in Washington, DC.
“Also, government, military, consulting, law, and an emerging tech sector make the DC area a big draw for those moving for employment. You get all that for a lower cost of living than several major metro areas.”
November median list price: $309,995
Projected y/y increase in existing-home sales in 2025: +16.8%
Harrisburg is a walkable, diverse city with easy access to outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking.
Pennsylvania’s capital city is also conveniently located within driving distance of major cities such as New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, DC.
November median list price: $374,990
Projected y/y increase in existing-home sales in 2025: +16.2%
Baltimore offers a low cost of living, creative arts community, and convenient access to nearby cities like Washington, DC.
Real estate investor G. Brian Davis, a former resident of downtown Baltimore, praises the city for its excellent walkability and stunning views of the Inner Harbor.
November median list price: $425,000
Projected y/y increase in existing-home sales in 2025: +15.7%
Charlotte is a city that’s increasingly attracting newcomers, thanks to its affordability, job opportunities, and proximity to mountains, lakes, and the ocean.
“The Charlotte market is one of the fastest-growing real estate markets in the country, with over 100 people moving to Charlotte a day,” says real estate agent Kate Terrigno, of Corcoran HM Properties in Charlotte.
November median list price: $425,000
Projected y/y increase in existing-home sales in 2025: +15.2%
Orlando is an incredibly family-friendly place, with amusement parks and attractions galore. In addition to its fun-filled offerings, it has warm weather, affordable housing, and fantastic dining options.
November median list price: $401,405
Projected y/y increase in existing-home sales in 2025: +15.1%
Atlanta is an exciting city known for its Southern hospitality, fun nightlife, passionate sports culture, and delicious dining options.
With its stunning green spaces and high quality of life, this dynamic metro offers residents a prime lifestyle.
November median list price: $224,000
Projected y/y increase in existing-home sales in 2025: +15%
“Greater Akron is an exceptional location that blends urban excitement with natural beauty—and there are endless experiences and adventures that make this an appealing area to live,” says Gregg Mervis, president and CEO of the Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau.
“Akron has a fantastic culinary scene, great shopping, scenic hiking trails, and lots of family-friendly attractions.”
November median list price: $490,000
Projected y/y increase in existing-home sales in 2025: +14.5%
Known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin boasts over 250 music venues and festivals such as Austin City Limits and South by Southwest.
The city’s motto, “Keep Austin Weird,” captures its quirky, eclectic vibe. However, Austin also has a thriving corporate side, with tech giants Dell, Apple, Meta, and TikTok fueling a booming job market.
November median list price: $299,900
Projected y/y increase in existing-home sales in 2025: +14.2%
Augusta is best known as the home of the prestigious Masters Tournament, attracting golf enthusiasts from around the world. But the city also offers a lot more, including affordable living, a low crime rate, and a wide variety of dining options that make it a fine place to call home.
November median list price: $475,000
Projected y/y increase in existing-home sales in 2025: +14.1%
College sports are a big deal in Durham, home to Duke University. But there are tons of other things for residents to do in this family-friendly city as well, including savoring Southern cuisine, hiking in Eno River State Park, and visiting the Durham Farmers Market.
November median list price: $595,000
Projected y/y increase in existing-home sales in 2025: +13.6%
Denver offers something for everyone, from craft beers at local breweries to concerts at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre to sports events for the city’s four professional teams.
Housing costs in Denver are more affordable than in many other major cities, making it an attractive choice for homebuyers.
“If interest rates hold, it will be a very busy 2025,” says local real estate agent Christine Dupont-Patz.
November median list price: $395,000
Projected y/y increase in existing-home sales in 2025: +13.5%
With its pristine parks and beaches, Jacksonville has been a well-kept secret for decades.
“But the secret is out, and the area is booming,” says Cara Ameer, a Northeast Florida real estate agent with Coldwell Banker.
Even though prices spiked significantly in Jacksonville after the COVID-19 pandemic, Ameer says, “Homes are still more affordable here compared to other coastal cities around the state.”
