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The National Association of Realtors (NAR) calls it a “renaissance.” Redfin called it a “reset.” Both say the US housing market is poised for a turnaround in 2026 as mortgage rates continue their slow decline, home sales are rising and prices remain stable.
But real estate markets are local, so what’s happening nationally may look very different from the conditions in any given market.
With that in mind, here are the contenders for America’s best emerging markets for 2026, based on the analyses. ZillowRedfin and National Association of Realtors.
suburbs of new york city
New York, New Jersey and Connecticut suburbs within easy commuting distance of New York City are emerging as hot markets, thanks to an increase in the number of companies implementing return-to-work policies. newsweek.
Specifically, this region includes Long Island and the Hudson Valley in New York; Bergen, Hudson, Essex, Passaic, and Union counties in New Jersey; and Fairfield County, Connecticut.
new york city
As for the city, Zillow named it one of the hottest markets for 2026 based on lower inventory compared to pre-pandemic levels, a higher number of homes selling above the asking price in 2025 (49%) and a lower number of homes with price reductions (13.5%).
Buffalo, New York and Syracuse, New York
According to it, high demand, strong economies and affordable prices below the national average are driving growth in Upstate New York riskwire.
Buffalo (according to Zillow) and Syracuse (according to Redfin) are particularly well positioned to take off this year. While New York is seeing an influx of residents statewide, according to Allied Van Lines 2025 US migration reportAllied marketing director and resident moving expert Ryan Cox told GOBankingRates that “medium-sized cities are preferred that offer stable job markets and lifestyle preferences.”
Hartford, Connecticut
Hartford is not within commuting distance of New York City, but prices are cheaper and about two-thirds of homes sold above their asking prices last year. Additionally, according to Zillow, inventory is 63% lower than before the pandemic, making for a highly competitive market. Zillow predicts higher than average price growth for 2026.
Richmond, Virginia
district and Male Both named Richmond as a hot spot for 2026. Zillow notes that more than 40% of homes sold above the asking price last year, and 24% had their prices cut. Home values increased slightly despite flat pricing nationally.
NAR’s forecast cites metrics such as improving price-to-income ratios, job growth and an increase in the number of households that will qualify for a mortgage loan on a median-priced home.
Columbus, Ohio
All three reports say the Midwest is desirable because homes are relatively affordable. According to Redfin, the region is also less vulnerable to natural disasters such as floods and wildfires compared to other areas of the US.
Robert Dietz, chief economist for the National Association of Home Builders, told NAR that he sees areas of strength developing in the Midwest, where affordable markets, such as Columbus, located near major universities, “are showing tremendous growth.”
Madison, Wisconsin
Madison is another Redfin pick for the hottest markets. The growing population could increase by 37% in the next 25 years, according to milwaukee journal sentinel And historically low inventory is a potential growth driver, especially for higher-income buyers.
Kansas City, Missouri
New construction is increasing housing inventory in Kansas City and giving buyers more opportunities to take advantage of slowly falling mortgage rates.
in an interview with KCTVDietz said Kansas City’s market is growing faster than the rest of the U.S. and the city is well-positioned for the future.
salt Lake City
Salt Lake City made the NAR list due to the increase in the number of households qualifying for mortgage loans, as well as the improved relationship between price and income due to 6.5% income growth. Additionally, the Millennial generation, which comprises the second largest group of home buyers (per). Male), make up about 41% of the Salt Lake-area’s households.