Imagine searching for your dream home by typing “roller coaster” or “haunted house” into Zillow—and actually finding results. Thanks to Zillow’s AI-powered natural language search, that’s exactly what 2024 home shoppers have been doing.
This technology, launched to mimic natural conversation, has unlocked a treasure trove of insights into what Americans are really looking for in their next home. From practical must-haves like garages and patios to unconventional wishes like “laser tag” and “spooky houses,” these trends reveal not just where users want to live but how they want to live.
I mean, Zillow was pretty much asking for it when they launched the new tech in 2023.
Here’s what this technology uncovered about this year’s most-searched-for-home features, unusual requests, and location-based priorities.
Which ones have you looked for?
Most-Searched-For Home Features
Natural language search functionality allows users to look for homes as naturally as they’d describe them to a friend. This has led to fascinating patterns in how Americans prioritize home attributes:
Design & Style
- Ranch/Ranch-style homes: The top choice for their charm and single-story convenience.
- Modern and Mid-Century Modern designs: Rising stars for those seeking sleek aesthetics.
Scenic & Unique Living Spaces
- Lakefront properties: A perennial favorite for scenic retreats.
- Cabins: Perfect for those wanting a cozy, rustic vibe.
- Barndominiums and horse properties: Capturing the growing interest in unique, flexible spaces.
Practical Features
- Garages and patios: Essentials for blending practicality with style.
- Duplexes and lofts: Offering flexible living arrangements for modern buyers.
Luxury & Convenience
- Luxury homes: A must-have for buyers with a taste for high-end living.
- Furnished properties: Gaining traction among those seeking move-in-ready options.
Geographic Preferences: What’s Trending Where?
Zillow’s data also shed light on how geography, climate, and lifestyle shaped home search terms across the U.S.
Nationwide Trends
- “Pool”: A top search term in 38 states.
- “Garage”: Appearing in the top three searches in 46 states.
Shared State Preferences
- Alabama, Connecticut, South Carolina, and Tennessee: Shared the top three terms—“Pool,” “Garage,” and “Lake”—in that order.
- Coastal California and Indiana: Saw a surge in searches for homes that “allow small dogs.”
Unique State-Specific Trends
- Maine: The only state where “Farms” cracked the top three.
- Mississippi: “Backyard” was a uniquely popular term.
Unconventional and Fun Searches
Some home shoppers took a more creative approach to their searches:
- A Colorado shopper searched for a home with a roller coaster.
- Michigan saw a search for a house with laser tag.
- Nationwide, someone was on the hunt for a party barn, setting the tone for 2025 house parties.
- “Haunted” homes made the list in at least 22 states, while “spooky” houses were a hit in Illinois, Ohio, and Oregon.
Lifestyle-Driven Searches: Tailoring Homes to Passions
Zillow’s data highlighted how lifestyle preferences influenced home searches, showing that homes are more than just places to live—they’re reflections of personal passions.
Nature Lovers
States like Michigan, Hawaii, Idaho, North Carolina, and Alaska drew searches for:
- “Lake”
- “Beachfront”
- “Cabin”
City Enthusiasts
In New York, Pennsylvania, and Georgia, searches centered on:
- “Downtown”
- “Loft”
- “High rise”
Pet Parents
Pet-friendly searches were popular in Arizona, Tennessee, Florida, and Colorado, with terms like:
- “Pet-friendly”
- “Barn” (to accommodate four-legged family members)
Luxury Seekers
Luxury homes captivated buyers in California, New Jersey, Texas, and Nevada, with searches for:
- “Luxury”
- “Mansion”
- “Views”
Scenic Destinations: Top Points of Interest
Home shoppers gravitated toward scenic and waterfront destinations, with some standout locations topping the list:
- Myrtle Beach, SC
- Lake Tahoe, NV
- Long Island, NY
- Lake Minnetonka, MN
- Lake of the Ozarks, MO
- Smith Mountain Lake, VA
- Flathead Lake, MT
- Lake Oconee, GA
- Amelia Island, FL
StreetEasy’s NYC Insights: A Focus on Amenities
In New York City, where every square foot counts, renters and buyers used StreetEasy to prioritize amenities that enhance urban living:
- In-unit laundry: The most sought-after feature.
- Pet-friendly spaces: Essential for city-dwelling pet owners.
- Outdoor areas: Offering a much-needed escape in the concrete jungle.
The Future of Home Searches
Natural language search has opened the door to a more personalized and intuitive home-shopping experience.
Whether buyers are looking for practicality, luxury, or something uniquely their own, this technology is changing how Americans find their dream homes. And if 2024 is any indication, we can expect even more surprising and creative searches in the years ahead.
Have you used this feature to help a buyer find their dream home?
