Key Details:
- A Realtor.com® report reveals the 10 most popular neighborhoods in America, with Woodmont in Milford, CT, topping the list after drawing 3.5 times the views of a typical U.S. home.
- Other hotspots range from Beverly Crest’s ultra-luxury market to budget-friendly Central Norwich, CT.
- Many of the most sought-after areas are in the South, where inventory is higher and price growth is slowing, creating opportunities for buyers.
The numbers are in—Realtor.com just dropped its list of the 10 most popular neighborhoods in the U.S., and the trends are clear: affordability, lifestyle, and location are driving buyer demand in 2024.
Whether it’s beachside living, historic charm, or luxury estates, today’s buyers are zoning in on specific areas where home prices align with their budgets and preferences.
So, which neighborhoods are topping the charts?
And more importantly, what can real estate agents learn from this data to help their clients navigate the current market?
Let’s break it down.
America’s 10 Most Popular Neighborhoods
According to Realtor.com, these neighborhoods saw the highest number of listing views in January, compared to the median U.S. home:
#1: Woodmont – Milford, CT
- Most viewed neighborhood in the U.S.—3.5x more views than the median home
- Median home price: $625,000 ($387/sq. ft.)
- 30 active listings in January.
- Key attractions: Oceanfront properties, beach access, family-friendly environment, excellent schools.
- Commuter appeal: Easy access to New York City.
#2: Beverly Crest – Los Angeles, CA
- Listings received 3.2x more views than the U.S. median home.
- Median home price: $5.97 million (highest on the list!)
- Luxury appeal: Located in Beverly Hills 90210, home to celebrities like Taylor Swift, Jennifer Lawrence, and Leonardo DiCaprio.
- 113 active listings in January.
#3: Mt. Lebanon – Pittsburgh, PA
- Listings received 3x more views than the U.S. median home.
- Median home price: $383,725 (below the national median).
- Strong appeal: High-quality schools, walkable streets, and proximity to Pittsburgh’s top attractions like Acrisure Stadium & PNC Park.
#4: Wild Dunes – Isle of Palms, SC
- Median home price: $1.66 million (3rd highest on the list).
- Key attractions: Oceanfront views, Hyatt-owned Wild Dunes Resort, and sea turtle nesting beaches.
- Historical appeal: Nearby Fort Moultrie, a Revolutionary War and Civil War site.
#5: Aberdeen – Boynton Beach, FL
- Median home price: $341,250 (well below national median).
- South Florida affordability: A rare find in an otherwise expensive region.
- Key attractions: Proximity to Miami, beaches, parks, and museums.
- Appealing to families due to affordability and lifestyle options.
#6: Lake Ridge – Cedar Hill, TX
- Median home price: $847,000 (higher than the national median).
- Key value: Home sizes are larger than the national average, despite higher listing prices.
- Proximity: 16 miles from downtown Dallas, with access to Joe Pool Lake & Cedar Hill State Park.
#7: Preston Hollow – Dallas, TX
- Median home price: $2.47 million (2nd highest on the list).
- Famous residents: Former President George W. Bush, Mark Cuban, T. Boone Pickens.
- Key attraction: Close to Dallas’ booming tech, finance, and manufacturing industries.
#8: North Central Billings – Billings, MT
- Median home price: $445,250 (4th lowest on the list).
- Median price per sq. ft.: $165 (lowest among top 10 neighborhoods).
- Appeal: Affordable housing, strong economy, outdoor activities (hiking, biking, horseback riding).
#9: East Sandwich – Sandwich, MA
- Median home price: $924,750 ($433 per sq. ft.).
- New England charm: Cape Cod’s oldest town (founded in 1639), packed with colonial history, featuring colonial architecture and coastal scenery.
#10: Central Norwich – Norwich, CT
- Median home price: $257,472 (lowest on the list, 45% below U.S. median).
- Why it’s trending: Affordable homes, historic sites, and a thriving arts scene.
- Entertainment: Close to major casinos like Mohegan Sun & Foxwoods.
What’s Driving Buyer Interest?
While these neighborhoods vary in price and location, the data reveals some clear patterns in what today’s buyers are looking for.
Affordability is king
The top 5 most popular neighborhoods have median home prices below or near the national average. According to Realtor.com senior economic research analyst Hannah Jones, “The housing market remains expensive, and affordability remains the key constraint for many home shoppers.”
The South is thriving
Four of the top 10 neighborhoods are in Texas, Florida, and South Carolina, thanks to higher inventory levels and slower price growth compared to other regions.
Buyers want lifestyle perks
Proximity to beaches, historic districts, or scenic outdoor spaces is a common theme. “Buyers are looking for areas where they can get the best value for their money—whether that means oceanfront views, historic charm, or more space for their dollar,” says Jones.
What This Means for Agents
The takeaway? Understanding these trends can help you guide your buyers and position your listings more effectively. Here’s how:
- Highlight affordability. If your market offers homes below the national median, use this data to showcase why buyers should take advantage now.
- Lean into lifestyle. Whether it’s proximity to water, walkability, or unique community perks, these features matter. Make them a focal point in your marketing.
- Educate your sellers. If you’re listing a home in a high-demand neighborhood, emphasize the buyer demand to justify pricing and marketing strategies.
Use local data to your advantage. If you work in or near one of these trending areas, leverage the Realtor.com report in your conversations with clients.
Buyers are more data-savvy than ever, and these trends prove that affordability, location, and lifestyle will continue to shape demand in 2024.
What have you seen in your market? Are buyers emphasizing these traits in their home search?
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