With a housing affordability crisis in full swing, neighborhoods with lower home prices surge in popularity.
Americans are searching for affordable homes and they’re increasingly looking to the southeast to find them. The majority of Redfin’s hottest neighborhoods to watch in 2020 have median home sale prices of less than $500,000, and half are in the southeast states of Virginia, Florida, North Carolina and Tennessee.
The 2020 watch list was developed by identifying the neighborhoods with the greatest year-over-year growth in listing pageviews on Redfin.com and speaking with agents about what areas are seeing rising interest from homebuyers. Some of the neighborhoods included may not meet the conventional definition of “hot,” but are still trending among homebuyers.
Relatively affordable neighborhoods dominate this year’s list. Seven of the top 10 neighborhoods to watch in 2020 have median sale prices of less than $500,000; three fall below the 2019 national median of $279,900, making them “affordable” compared to other parts of the country. Half of the neighborhoods also have median sale prices that are less than their respective metro areas.
“The affordability crisis has caused people seeking single-family homes to search in areas they may not have considered before,” said Redfin chief economist Daryl Fairweather. “Homebuyers continue to be priced out of Washington, D.C. and New York, so you’re seeing a lot of northerners moving to the southeast, but even people from as far away as California are migrating there. The overall U.S. economy is doing better, so people feel more comfortable leaving the biggest job centers for small job centers. Plus, the southeast is becoming more metropolitan, with new restaurants and amenities that cater to younger people.”
Corporations are also setting up shop in the southeast. In Atlanta, money manager BlackRock is building a new innovation hub, with plans to employ 1,000 people there by 2024. Microsoft is spending $23 million to expand its campus in Charlotte and a new Volvo plant is adding thousands of jobs in Charleston. The two Carolinas cities are expected to lead the nation in home-price gains this year, according to Fairweather. Charleston saw a 104% annual net increase in the number of Redfin users looking to move in during the third quarter of 2019, and Charlotte saw a 44% boost.
Below is Redfin’s complete list of hottest neighborhoods to watch this year, followed by the three hottest neighborhoods to watch in 60 of the nation’s major metro areas. All statistics on median sale price, percent of homes that sold above list price, and median days on market represent the full year of 2019.
Median sale price: $918,059
Median sale price for metro area: $412,433
Percent of homes that sold above list price: 16.3%
Median days on market: 51
“Willowsford is a relatively new development that’s very popular due to its location and community amenities. Homes are large and modern, with country-chic facades,” said Redfin Virginia team manager Irene De Leon. “There are swimming pools, tennis, community events, a farm, ponds, and 40-plus miles of trails. You could probably do something every day in the community if you wanted, and it all revolves around different seasons. In 15 minutes, you can get to Washington Dulles International Airport, Reston Town Center, Route 28, the Dulles Toll Road and I-66.”
Median sale price: $747,500
Median sale price for metro area: $270,000
Percent of homes that sold above list price: 4.8%
Median days on market: 109
“Bal Harbour is centrally located and within walking distance of the beach, which is very appealing. There’s a huge plaza with high-end shops and restaurants, and very high-rated schools. It’s also close to a marina, where people can dock their boats,” said Redfin Miami agent Larry Kevelier. “Plus, one of the main roads that runs through the neighborhood—Collins Avenue—offers accessibility to South Beach and Aventura.”
Median sale price: $181,000
Median sale price for metro area: $259,900
Percent of homes that sold above list price: 35.7%
Median days on market: 32
“Wildwood, just 15 minutes from downtown Charlotte, is one of the few affordable remaining areas where you can find homes under $250,000. They’re cute, ranch-style, brick homes, too, that aren’t in cookie-cutter neighborhoods,” Redfin Charlotte market manager Marcy Prentiss said. “Homebuyers have increasingly been moving east and west of Charlotte—to neighborhoods like Wildwood—instead of north, to avoid the new I-77 toll road. Plus, there’s a new development under construction nearby that will include townhomes, shopping and entertainment.”
Median sale price: $376,500
Median sale price for metro area: $415,925
Percent of homes that sold above list price: 17.9%
Median days on market: 41
“West Arvada is a wonderful place to live. It is 20 minutes away from Boulder, 20 to 25 minutes from downtown Denver and 15 to 20 minutes from downtown Golden. The schools are also very highly rated,” said Redfin Denver agent Corey Keach. “We have a bustling old town area with multiple shops, breweries and restaurants as well as a new light rail station. There’s a multitude of lakes, hiking and biking trails and large dog parks. You also have a head start getting to the mountains, which for a lot of my clients is a huge plus and why they have joined me on the west side.”
Median sale price: $322,500
Median sale price for metro area: $412,433
Percent of homes that sold above list price: 50.8%
Median days on market: 6
“Waverly Hills is the neighborhood we are all looking for. It’s like something from a story book, with undulating hills, mature trees and a `front porch culture,’” Redfin Arlington agent Candee Currie said. “The homes are all unique, some with updated history and others with beautiful new architecture. Neighbors know and care for each other. The community is a haven from busy traffic, but within walking distance of schools, shops, eateries, parks and every form of public transportation. It’s close to D.C., the Pentagon and now Amazon HQ2—all hubs of major employment, theatre, culture and sporting events.”
Median sale price: $400,000
Median sale price for metro area: $286,000
Percent of homes that sold above list price: 39.5%
Median days on market: 41
“Adamsdale is located in Massachusetts and borders Cumberland, Rhode Island, making it an ideal place for traveling into Providence or Boston due to the easily accessible commuter rail,” said Redfin Boston agent Alysandra Nemeth. “Adamsdale is also conveniently located near major highways, shopping and amenities all while maintaining a neighborhood setting.”
Median sale price: $182,300
Median sale price for metro area: $190,000
Percent of homes that sold above list price: 28.3%
Median days on market: 10
“Poplar Grove is blowing up. First-time homebuyers are moving here to start families, as it’s extremely affordable and close to areas where they enjoy hanging out, like Fountain Square, Downtown Indianapolis and Irvington,” Redfin Indianapolis market manager Jake Johnson said. “The city of Indianapolis has spent significant money making the southeast side of downtown more accessible, adding walking trails, multi-use projects, better roads, etc.”
Median sale price: $934,997
Median sale price for metro area: $562,300
Percent of homes that sold above list price: 14.7%
Median days on market: 36
“This area has older homes and apartment/condo complexes, which led some buyers to overlook it in the past, but with the explosion of the Woodinville wine country as well as the new Totem Lake town center, prices have shot up,” said Redfin Seattle agent Michael Wyman.
Median sale price: $96,450
Median sale price for metro area: $185,000
Percent of homes that sold above list price: 19.7%
Median days on market: 39
“Raleigh’s home prices are typically less than $150,000, which appeals to investors, as well as first-time buyers. It is among the least expensive neighborhoods in Memphis,” said Redfin Memphis agent VanAsa Preston. “A huge percentage of Memphis’s housing stock is actually rentals, and a very large portion of these rentals is owned by out-of-state investors. Many of the views on Redfin.com may actually be coming from these potential investors, as well as first-time buyers.”
Median sale price: $499,995
Median sale price for metro area: $410,000
Percent of homes that sold above list price: 20.5%
Median days on market: 46
“Old Town Rocklin was not very populated in the past and used to have a lot of vacant strip malls. Now it’s the hub for the Rocklin community, with plenty of activities for families, family-owned restaurants and hip breweries,” said Redfin Sacramento agent Michelle Dane. “They built a massive adventure park called Quarry Park, with ropes courses and an amphitheater for concerts in the summer. The neighborhood hosts car shows, local food trucks and festivals. They’re also starting to do newer construction, and the houses tend to be a little less expensive. Old Town Rocklin rehabilitated a lot of older properties, and they typically don’t have all of those additional HOA and tax costs. Plus, it’s walkable and super convenient to the freeway.”
The Hottest Neighborhoods to Watch by Metro Area
Take a look at the list below to see the hottest neighborhoods to watch in your region. The rankings feature three neighborhoods each in many of the largest metro areas in the U.S., compiled using Redfin user data and agent insights.
| Metro area | Neighborhood | Median sale price | Median sale price of metro | % of homes that sold above list price | Median days on market |
| Anaheim, CA | Coto de Caza | $1.1 million | $715,000 | 13.3% | 80 |
| Santa Ana | $580,000 | $715,000 | 30.1% | 54 | |
| Westminster | $690,000 | $715,000 | 33.2% | 43 | |
| Atlanta, GA | Browns Mill Park | $155,000 | $249,000 | 37.5% | 19 |
| Garden Hills | $594,500 | $249,000 | 5.9% | 65 | |
| Centennial Lakes | $290,000 | $249,000 | 20.0% | 27 | |
| Austin, TX | Wells Branch | $300,000 | $317,000 | 35.7% | 6 |
| Brushy Creek | $352,000 | $317,000 | 32.4% | 10 | |
| Mueller | $578,000 | $317,000 | 29.7% | 10 | |
| Bakersfield, CA | Rio Bravo | $269,250 | $242,500 | 2.9% | 49 |
| Rosedale | $400,000 | $242,500 | 9.0% | 33 | |
| Masterpiece Estates | $423,500 | $242,500 | 7.1% | 23 | |
| Baltimore, MD | Constant Friendship | $215,000 | $285,000 | 27.4% | 23 |
| Hamilton | $175,000 | $285,000 | 31.0% | 64 | |
| Homeland | $525,000 | $285,000 | 18.5% | 47 | |
| Baton Rouge, LA | Jefferson Place-Bocage | $165,000 | $207,500 | 1.3% | 69 |
| Mid-City | $254,250 | $207,500 | 4.0% | 43 | |
| Santa Maria | $400,000 | $207,500 | 6.4% | 87 | |
| Birmingham, AL | Glen Iris | $175,500 | $211,000 | 26.9% | 39 |
| Cahaba Heights | $292,197 | $211,000 | 30.2% | 42 | |
| Brook Highland | $275,000 | $211,000 | 10.8% | 53 | |
| Boston, MA | Franklin | $425,000 | $500,000 | 38.9% | 21 |
| South Lawrence | $350,000 | $500,000 | 63.0% | 15 | |
| Topsfield | $638,508 | $500,000 | 33.9% | 23 | |
| Charleston, SC | Hamlin Plantation | $560,000 | $279,900 | 2.7% | 90 |
| Liberty Hall Plantation | $220,000 | $279,900 | 25.4% | 52 | |
| Carolina Bay | $350,000 | $279,900 | 7.8% | 72 | |
| Charlotte, NC | Wildwood | $181,000 | $259,900 | 35.7% | 32 |
| Nevin Community | $199,000 | $259,900 | 30.0% | 53 | |
| Highland | $95,000 | $259,900 | 33.3% | 43 | |
| Chicago, IL | Markham | $46,500 | $250,000 | 23.3% | 39 |
| Pullman | $80,000 | $250,000 | 24.6% | 48 | |
| Algonquin | $225,500 | $250,000 | 6.8% | 28 | |
| Cincinnati, OH | Carthage | $74,000 | $185,000 | 29.2% | 44 |
| Greenhills | $135,000 | $185,000 | 31.3% | 57 | |
| Withamsville | $166,000 | $185,000 | 25.7% | 46 | |
| Cleveland, OH | North Olmsted | $168,000 | $155,500 | 22.8% | 41 |
| Highland Heights | $282,500 | $155,500 | 13.1% | 56 | |
| Glenville | $26,000 | $155,500 | 20.3% | 38 | |
| Colorado Springs, CO | Rockrimmon | $323,500 | $317,000 | 29.0% | 32 |
| Pine Creek | $482,500 | $317,000 | 26.7% | 43 | |
| Indian Heights | $262,250 | $317,000 | 54.3% | 23 | |
| Columbus, OH | Blacklick Estates | $203,625 | $218,000 | 32.3% | 44 |
| Urbancrest | $167,650 | $218,000 | 39.3% | 40 | |
| Canal Winchester | $196,000 | $218,000 | 28.4% | 44 | |
| Dallas, TX | Rylie | $178,000 | $299,000 | N/A | 29 |
| Phillips Creek Ranch | $650,000 | $299,000 | N/A | 98 | |
| Lake Ridge | $420,950 | $299,000 | N/A | 70 | |
| Denver, CO | West Arvada | $376,500 | $415,925 | 17.9% | 41 |
| North Park West | $519,950 | $415,925 | 18.1% | 68 | |
| Stapleton | $554,200 | $415,925 | 23.0% | 22 | |
| Detroit, MI | Rivertown-Warehouse District | $255,000 | $137,000 | 14.0% | 68 |
| South Redford | $1.3 million | $137,000 | 57.5% | 16 | |
| Trenton | $165,500 | $137,000 | 28.9% | 16 | |
| Fort Lauderdale, FL | Bal Harbour | $747,500 | $270,000 | 4.8% | 109 |
| Sailboat Bend | $345,000 | $270,000 | 0.0% | 112 | |
| Cooper City | $370,000 | $270,000 | 15.8% | 40 | |
| Fort Worth, TX | Hulen Springs Meadow | $197,450 | $249,000 | N/A | 29 |
| Colleyville | $585,000 | $249,000 | N/A | 47 | |
| Eagle Mountain | $255,000 | $249,000 | N/A | 48 | |
| Houston, TX | Pointe West | $265,500 | $245,000 | 5.2% | 47 |
| Clear Creek Forest | $285,000 | $245,000 | 10.0% | 39 | |
| South Shore Harbor | $350,000 | $245,000 | 4.7% | 45 | |
| Indianapolis, IN | Poplar Grove | $182,300 | $190,000 | 28.3% | 10 |
| Noble | $362,000 | $190,000 | 2.0% | 33 | |
| Glenn’s Valley | $169,700 | $190,000 | 22.2% | 11 | |
| Jacksonville, FL | Arlington | $159,000 | $234,900 | 23.0% | 50 |
| Durbin Crossing | $314,945 | $234,900 | 5.9% | 51 | |
| Arrowhead | $176,250 | $234,900 | 16.4% | 34 | |
| Kansas City, MO | River Market/Cross Roads/Hyde Park | $215,000 | $225,000 | N/A | 42 |
| Platte Woods – Parkville | $312,450 | $225,000 | N/A | 53 | |
| Oaks Ridge Meadows | $139,000 | $225,000 | 1.1% | 29 | |
| Las Vegas, NV | The Cliffs | $670,000 | $285,000 | 7.0% | 86 |
| Whitney Ranch | $299,550 | $285,000 | 19.7% | 42 | |
| Queensridge | $712,500 | $285,000 | 5.0% | 81 | |
| Los Angeles, CA | Lakewood | $590,750 | $632,500 | 45.7% | 39 |
| North Hawthorne | $631,000 | $632,500 | 34.4% | 44 | |
| West Covina | $564,500 | $632,500 | 37.4% | 50 | |
| Louisville, KY | Beechmont | $126,000 | $199,000 | 25.8% | 20 |
| Shawnee | $45,000 | $199,000 | 12.1% | 43 | |
| Lake Forest | $500,000 | $199,000 | 3.6% | 72 | |
| Memphis, TN | North Parkway Village | $75,000 | $185,000 | 18.2% | 35 |
| Raleigh | $96,450 | $185,000 | 19.7% | 39 | |
| Springhill Community Civic Club | $75,500 | $185,000 | 12.3% | 34 | |
| Miami, FL | Doral | $248,000 | $309,000 | 2.8% | 72 |
| Coral Gables | $654,000 | $309,000 | 5.0% | 97 | |
| West Perrine | $253,550 | $309,000 | 19.7% | 54 | |
| Milwaukee, WI | Woodlawn Manor | $147,250 | $224,900 | 38.9% | 49 |
| Fernwood | $235,000 | $224,900 | 44.1% | 46 | |
| Nash Park | $125,000 | $224,900 | 43.1% | 52 | |
| Minneapolis, MN | Maplewood | $245,500 | $280,000 | 44.8% | 20 |
| Shoreview | $285,500 | $280,000 | 40.6% | 20 | |
| St. Paul Park | $232,000 | $280,000 | 47.4% | 22 | |
| Nashville, TN | The Gulch | $475,000 | $300,000 | 3.0% | 73 |
| Whitebridge | $418,000 | $300,000 | 13.7% | 53 | |
| Music Row | $450,000 | $300,000 | 3.9% | 91 | |
| Nassau County, NY | Moriches | $373,500 | $456,000 | 20.5% | 76 |
| Wheatley Heights | $410,000 | $456,000 | 37.9% | 57 | |
| Nesconset | $490,000 | $456,000 | 20.9% | 72 | |
| New Orleans, LA | Woodland Oaks | $191,000 | $226,000 | 19.6% | 31 |
| Country Club Estates | $338,000 | $226,000 | 13.2% | 45 | |
| Whitney Heights-Metairie Heights | $360,500 | $226,000 | 10.6% | 64 | |
| New York, NY | Pomonok | $508,000 | $501,000 | 27.0% | 65 |
| Garnerville | $325,000 | $501,000 | 27.1% | 43 | |
| Wood-Ridge | $425,000 | $501,000 | 19.8% | 93 | |
| Newark, NJ | Elmwood | $225,000 | $360,000 | 44.7% | 76 |
| Elmora | $340,000 | $360,000 | 28.8% | 64 | |
| West Side | $186,500 | $360,000 | 35.0% | 81 | |
| Oakland, CA | Danville | $1.3 million | $735,000 | 29.4% | 26 |
| El Sobrante | $575,000 | $735,000 | 60.9% | 19 | |
| San Leandro | $662,750 | $735,000 | 64.5% | 15 | |
| Omaha, NE | Papillion | $295,000 | $210,000 | 28.9% | 18 |
| Tiburon | $366,250 | $210,000 | 10.9% | 31 | |
| Keystone | $175,000 | $210,000 | 38.1% | 8 | |
| Orlando, FL | Lake Nona | $410,745 | $255,385 | 4.0% | 58 |
| Mount Dora | $260,000 | $255,385 | 9.1% | 53 | |
| Randall Park | $375,000 | $255,385 | 13.9% | 36 | |
| Philadelphia, PA | Bala Cynwyd | $430,000 | $215,000 | 18.2% | 52 |
| Haverford | $710,000 | $215,000 | 13.2% | 57 | |
| Ridley Park | $189,950 | $215,000 | 28.6% | 35 | |
| Phoenix, AZ | Citrus | $700,000 | $280,000 | 13.7% | 59 |
| Meridian | $337,500 | $280,000 | 15.7% | 55 | |
| Sienna Hills | $278,000 | $280,000 | 10.3% | 53 | |
| Pittsburgh, PA | Beechview | $129,450 | $175,000 | 40.0% | 50 |
| Downtown Pittsburgh | $291,155 | $175,000 | 0.0% | 106 | |
| Coraopolis | $96,500 | $175,000 | 27.2% | 52 | |
| Portland, OR | Countryside Woods | $373,750 | $402,000 | 41.1% | 11 |
| Cully | $375,500 | $402,000 | 38.0% | 18 | |
| Robinwood | $550,300 | $402,000 | 46.0% | 15 | |
| Providence, RI | Adamsdale | $400,000 | $286,000 | 39.5% | 41 |
| Lakewood | $220,000 | $286,000 | 38.6% | 49 | |
| Slatersville | $297,500 | $286,000 | 28.8% | 62 | |
| Raleigh, NC | Traditions | $352,330 | $291,000 | 23.0% | 108 |
| Municipal Park | $212,250 | $291,000 | 35.4% | 102 | |
| Central Raleigh | $412,500 | $291,000 | 33.0% | 65 | |
| Riverside, CA | Skyline Ranch | $300,000 | $377,500 | 32.8% | 75 |
| East Walnut | $380,000 | $377,500 | 55.2% | 45 | |
| Wilson | $260,000 | $377,500 | 38.8% | 50 | |
| Sacramento, CA | Old Town Rocklin | $499,995 | $410,000 | 20.5% | 46 |
| Natomas Crossing | $365,000 | $410,000 | 26.7% | 25 | |
| Bryte | $309,000 | $410,000 | 34.9% | 35 | |
| Salt Lake City, UT | Sandy | $389,975 | $340,000 | 31.8% | 28 |
| Butler | $462,500 | $340,000 | 17.2% | 34 | |
| East Granger | $265,500 | $340,000 | 44.3% | 19 | |
| San Antonio, TX | West Canyon Lake | $284,000 | $231,844 | 25.2% | 75 |
| Downtown San Antonio | $415,000 | $231,844 | 2.7% | 100 | |
| River Chase | $460,327 | $231,844 | 15.5% | 51 | |
| San Diego, CA | Sunset Cliffs | $1.7 million | $580,000 | 16.2% | 41 |
| Rolling Hills Ranch | $745,000 | $580,000 | 22.2% | 30 | |
| Rolando Park | $509,000 | $580,000 | 37.0% | 19 | |
| San Francisco, CA | Hillside | $983,000 | $1.4 million | 66.7% | 27 |
| Central San Mateo | $1.3 million | $1.4 million | 57.5% | 16 | |
| Excelsior | $1.1 million | $1.4 million | 80.6% | 17 | |
| San Jose, CA | Southwest Santa Clara | $1.6 million | $1.1 million | 60.8% | 15 |
| Northeastern Milpitas | $1.1 million | $1.1 million | 59.3% | 20 | |
| Sunnyvale West | $1.8 million | $1.1 million | 62.8% | 14 | |
| Seattle, WA | West Ridge | $934,997 | $562,300 | 14.7% | 36 |
| West Hill | $509,475 | $562,300 | 32.1% | 22 | |
| Port Gardner | $382,000 | $562,300 | 37.2% | 13 | |
| St. Louis, MO | Marine Villa | $103,900 | $186,900 | 13.2% | 32 |
| Oakville | $195,000 | $186,900 | 28.5% | 29 | |
| Wildwood | $400,000 | $186,900 | 13.2% | 54 | |
| Tampa, FL | Plant City | $203,000 | $234,900 | 21.0% | 25 |
| MacFarlane Park | $230,000 | $234,900 | 26.1% | 35 | |
| Roser Park | $150,000 | $234,900 | 8.9% | 26 | |
| Tucson, AZ | Corbett | $155,250 | $225,500 | 22.2% | 49 |
| Rillito Bend | $206,000 | $225,500 | 13.2% | 51 | |
| Starr Pass | $260,000 | $225,500 | 12.4% | 56 | |
| Urban Honolulu, HI | Kam Heights | $740,000 | $593,250 | 20.9% | 87 |
| Ala Moana | $689,440 | $593,250 | 7.3% | 94 | |
| Royal Kunia | $505,000 | $593,250 | 23.6% | 63 | |
| Virginia Beach, VA | Ocean Lakes | $274,900 | $238,000 | 20.4% | 38 |
| Lafayette-Winona | $259,900 | $238,000 | 18.2% | 47 | |
| Windsor Oaks | $230,000 | $238,000 | 20.0% | 27 | |
| Washington, D.C. | Willowsford | $918,059 | $412,433 | 16.3% | 51 |
| Waverly Hills | $322,500 | $412,433 | 50.8% | 6 | |
| Clarendon-Courthouse | $614,250 | $412,433 | 43.0% | 18 | |
| West Palm Beach, FL | Paddock Park of Wellington | $1.1 million | $284,000 | 2.3% | 159 |
| Jupiter Village | $232,500 | $284,000 | 17.6% | 65 | |
| Mallory Creek | $430,000 | $284,000 | 2.1% | 70 |
Methodology
Redfin’s hottest neighborhoods to watch algorithm is a prediction based on year-over-year growth in median pageviews of listings by neighborhood on Redfin.com from Jan. 1, 2018 through Nov. 30, 2018 to Jan. 1, 2019 through Nov. 30, 2019, and on agent insights. Neighborhoods had to have at least 50 listings in both 2018 and 2019, and 20 median views per listing to make the list. To ensure the most accurate data, we excluded some markets where Redfin has recently expanded, including Spokane, WA and Connecticut.
Redfin receives neighborhood data from a third party. Names of some neighborhoods have been changed to reflect local parlance. For instance, we changed the name of De Anza in the San Jose metro area to Sunnyvale West.
This post first appeared on Redfin.com. To see the original, click here.