This year’s top real estate markets revealed a significant trend: the rise of exurbs. These smaller towns, located beyond traditional suburbs but still within commuting distance of major cities, are becoming increasingly attractive. The shift to hybrid work models has encouraged homebuyers to explore areas they may have previously overlooked when daily commuting was a necessity. These exurban communities offer the ideal blend of affordability and lifestyle amenities, making them hidden gems for prospective homeowners.
Zillow’s Top 10 Most Popular Markets of 2024:
- Manchester, New Hampshire
- Rockford, Illinois
- Stamford, Connecticut
- Columbia, Maryland
- Bridgeport, Connecticut
- Allentown, Pennsylvania
- Peoria, Illinois
- New Haven, Connecticut
- Waterbury, Connecticut
- Sunnyvale, California
Connecticut Shines Among Coastal Favorites
Connecticut dominated Zillow’s rankings, with several cities recognized among the most popular markets in 2024. Notably, Milford emerged as the most sought-after coastal city among Zillow home shoppers. Nestled along Long Island Sound, Milford boasts 17 miles of picturesque coastline and a variety of seaside attractions, including beaches, parks, and boating opportunities.
Following Milford’s lead, West Haven, Connecticut, secured the second spot in coastal popularity, reflecting the state’s ongoing appeal. Other notable coastal favorites included South Portland, Maine, Santa Cruz, California, and Barnstable, Massachusetts, rounding out the top five.
Popular Markets in New Jersey
In addition to Connecticut’s strong showing, New Jersey continues to attract attention as homebuyers seek the perfect mix of affordability, accessibility, and lifestyle options. Communities like Montclair, with its vibrant arts scene, and Asbury Park, renowned for its coastal charm and entertainment venues, stand out as popular options. The commuter-friendly towns of Summit and Morristown also remain high on the list for those seeking a balance of suburban tranquility and urban access.
What Makes These Markets Stand Out?
To identify the most popular real estate markets, Zillow analyzed key housing metrics across the U.S., including page-view traffic, home value growth, and how quickly homes sell. Connecticut’s exurban and coastal cities consistently performed well across these categories, offering affordability, amenities, and proximity to urban centers.
As hybrid work continues to reshape buyer preferences, communities like Milford, Stamford, and New Haven in Connecticut, along with thriving areas in New Jersey, are proving that a balanced lifestyle is now more attainable than ever.
Whether it’s coastal living, suburban serenity, or commuter-friendly convenience, the Northeast remains a hotspot for homebuyers looking to combine value with quality of life.
If you have any questions about this information or title insurance, please contact Ralph Aponte: 732.914.1400.
Counsellors Title Agency, www.counsellorstitle.net, founded in 1996, is one of New Jersey’s most respected title agencies, serving all 21 New Jersey counties with title insurance, clearing title, escrow, tidelands searches, and closing and settlement services for commercial or industrial properties, waterfront properties and marinas, condominiums, townhouses or residential single-family homes. Counsellors Title also features its own Attorney Settlement Assistance Program™ [ASAP], which is an individual resource customized to fit the needs specifically of real estate attorneys, including, Documentation, Preparation, Disbursement of Funds, Attendance at Closing, HUD Preparation or Post-Closing Matters.
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