# The Hottest ZIP Codes in America: 2026 Report By Opendoor Editorial Team | 2018-12-22 > Here’s our list of the top 10 most popular ZIP codes for home buyers across a handful of our markets ## Key Takeaways # The Hottest ZIP Codes in America: 2026 Report Every year, certain ZIP codes pull ahead of the pack — attracting more buyers, selling homes faster, and reshaping where Americans choose to live. In 2026, Texas dominates the list, but the patterns reveal something bigger about [what homebuyers actually want](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/tales-from-the-market-where-people-are-moving) right now. This report breaks down the hottest ZIP codes in America by total moves, moves per capita, and emerging trends, plus what it all means if you're thinking about buying or selling. [See Homes Near You](#) ## Key findings from this year's report The hottest ZIP codes in America right now are concentrated in Texas, Florida, and the suburban rings around major metros. Texas leads the pack, with six of the top 10 ZIP codes by total moves located in the Lone Star State. Areas like Cypress (77433), New Braunfels (78130), and Leander (78641) continue to draw families and remote workers looking for space near big-city job markets. So what makes a ZIP code "hot"? Two things: how many people want to move there, and how fast homes sell once they hit the market. In the hottest areas, listings get multiple times more views than average, and homes often sell 30 to 40 days faster than the national norm. A few patterns stand out in this year's data: - **Texas dominates the rankings:** Job growth, [home values averaging $306,682](https://www.zillow.com/home-values/54/tx/), and room to spread out keep Texas ZIP codes at the top of the list year after year. - **Suburban growth continues:** Buyers are choosing areas just outside major metros, where they can reach urban amenities without paying urban prices. - **Affordability drives decisions:** With [over 75% of U.S. homes](https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/american-dream-of-homeownership-turning-into-luxury/) unaffordable to the typical household, many of the hottest ZIP codes are priced below their surrounding metro averages, even when they exceed national medians. ## The top 10 hottest ZIP codes in America ### 78130 New Braunfels, Texas New Braunfels sits right between Austin and San Antonio, which means residents can tap into two major job markets without living in either city. The [Hill Country setting](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/briefs/location-property-value), the Guadalupe and Comal rivers, and a median home price [well below Austin's $512,937](https://www.zillow.com/home-values/10221/austin-tx/) all contribute to the area's appeal. Families, in particular, have been drawn here for the outdoor recreation and the sense of community. ### 77433 Cypress, Texas Cypress is a master-planned suburb northwest of Houston, and it consistently ranks among the fastest-growing ZIP codes in the country. The area is known for top-rated schools, newer homes, and plenty of parks and green space. For families relocating to the Houston area, Cypress often lands at the top of the list. ### 78641 Leander, Texas North of Austin, Leander offers a mix of affordability and access. The Capital MetroRail connects residents to downtown Austin, which makes it popular with remote and hybrid workers who want suburban living but still want to get into the city when they need to. New development has been steady here for years. ### 32256 Jacksonville, Florida Jacksonville's 32256 ZIP code benefits from Florida's no-state-income-tax advantage and a business-friendly environment. Job growth in logistics, healthcare, and finance has kept demand steady. For people moving from higher-tax states, Jacksonville offers a combination of career opportunity and lower cost of living. ### 85142 Queen Creek, Arizona Southeast of Phoenix, Queen Creek has more than doubled its population in recent years. Buyers find larger lots, newer construction, and desert lifestyle appeal at prices below central Phoenix. The area attracts families looking for space and a slower pace while still being within reach of the metro. ### 20002 Washington, DC This is the only major urban core in the top 10. Washington's 20002 ZIP code, home to the H Street Corridor, draws renters and buyers who prioritize walkability and job access. Recent rental construction has fueled a surge in move-ins, and the neighborhood's bars, restaurants, and arts venues add to its appeal. ### 28269 Charlotte, North Carolina Northern Charlotte's 28269 ZIP code offers more affordable housing compared to the city center, plus proximity to UNC Charlotte and major employers in banking and healthcare. Young professionals and families find value here, and the area has seen steady growth as Charlotte's economy has expanded. ### 75071 McKinney, Texas McKinney combines a historic downtown with modern master-planned communities. Located north of Dallas, it's known for safe neighborhoods, strong schools, and a family-oriented atmosphere. The city has invested in parks and public spaces, which adds to its draw for young families. ### 98052 Redmond, Washington Redmond is home to Microsoft and Nintendo of America, and it attracts tech workers who want Pacific Northwest lifestyle and outdoor access. The median home price is high, but so is the median household income. For people working in tech, Redmond offers a short commute and a high quality of life. ### 77493 Katy, Texas West of Houston, Katy has long been a destination for families seeking top-rated schools and suburban comfort. The Katy Independent School District is frequently cited as a major draw. Proximity to the energy industry and established infrastructure keep Katy consistently popular. ## The hottest Houston ZIP codes Houston's sprawling metro area contains several of the nation's hottest markets. The city's diverse economy spans energy, healthcare, aerospace, and port operations, which creates steady demand for housing across multiple price points. ### 77094 Energy Corridor The western Energy Corridor area saw dramatic price increases in late 2025. Corporate campuses and executive housing drive demand here, and the area attracts professionals working in Houston's energy sector. ### 77433 Cypress Cypress appears in both national and Houston rankings, which reflects its broad appeal. Families seeking newer homes and strong schools continue to move here in large numbers. ### 77493 Katy Katy's reputation for excellent schools makes it a perennial favorite for families relocating to Houston from out of state. The area has a well-established suburban feel with plenty of amenities. ### 77459 Missouri City Southwest of downtown, Missouri City offers established neighborhoods with diverse housing options. Commute times to central Houston are shorter than many outer suburbs, which adds to the area's appeal. ### What is driving growth in Houston Houston's job market remains the primary engine. The energy sector continues to anchor the economy, while healthcare systems, the Port of Houston, and a growing aerospace presence add employment diversity. Compared to coastal metros, Houston's housing costs remain accessible, even in its hottest ZIP codes. ## How we define a hot ZIP code Different metrics tell different stories about market heat. Here's how to interpret the most common measures: | **Metric** | **What it measures** | **Best for understanding** | | Moves per capita | Movement intensity relative to population | Emerging small markets | | Total move volume | Overall relocation activity | Large established markets | | Days on market | Speed of home sales | Seller advantage | Moves per capita highlights hidden gems, meaning smaller markets experiencing intense activity relative to their size. Total move volume shows where the largest absolute flows of people are happening. [Days on market](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/why-days-on-market-matter) reveals how quickly sellers can expect to close. ## Hottest ZIP codes ranked by moves per capita When you adjust for population size, a different set of markets emerges. The ZIP codes below may not have the highest raw numbers, but they're experiencing exceptional growth relative to their current residents. ### 78616 Dale, Texas Just outside Austin, Dale offers rural character with metro proximity. Buyers find more land and lower prices than in the city, while still being within commuting distance of Austin and San Antonio. ### 34987 Port Saint Lucie, Florida Florida's Treasure Coast attracts retirees and remote workers seeking coastal living without Miami prices. Port Saint Lucie's 34987 ZIP code saw moves more than double month-over-month in late 2025. ### 37228 Nashville, Tennessee This urban Nashville ZIP code hugs the Cumberland River and has become a rental hotspot. Nearly all housing units are renter-occupied, drawing young professionals to its bars, restaurants, and music venues. ### 80019 Aurora, Colorado East of Denver and near the international airport, Aurora's 80019 ZIP code is undergoing rapid development. New construction and mixed-use projects attract newcomers seeking modern communities at prices below central Denver. ### 75166 Lavon, Texas This small lakeside community northeast of Dallas offers an alternative to pricier suburbs. Homes sell for well below the Dallas median, and the area's growth has been remarkable over the past two years. ## How these rankings compare to the hottest ZIP codes in 2025 Year-over-year changes reveal which markets are gaining momentum and which may be cooling. [Last year's rankings](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/opendoor-2024-hottest-zip-codes) show how dramatically some markets have shifted. ### Markets that rose in rankings Several ZIP codes climbed significantly this year. Aurora, Colorado (80019) jumped from ninth to fourth in per-capita rankings, driven by new development. Cypress, Texas (77433) saw a 121% increase in move volume between September and October alone, according to MovingPlace data. ### Markets that fell in rankings Some 2025 favorites cooled slightly, continuing patterns that began [back in 2023](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/2023-hottest-zip-codes). Lavon, Texas (75166) dropped from the top per-capita spot to fifth, though it still shows strong activity. Katy, Texas (77493) fell from second to seventh in total moves. Both areas remain hot, but they're facing more competition from emerging suburbs. ## ZIP codes heating up and cooling down ### Emerging markets to watch Eugene, Oregon saw extraordinary month-over-month spikes, over 700% in some ZIP codes, driven partly by university move-ins. Sioux Falls, South Dakota is attracting remote workers and young families with low housing costs, no state income tax, and a strong job market. ### Markets showing cooling signals ZIP codes that have been hot for several consecutive years may face affordability limits. When prices rise faster than incomes, buyers often shift to adjacent areas, spreading demand outward and creating new hot spots. ## What these trends mean for homeowners If you own a home in a hot ZIP code, you're likely sitting on strong demand. Homes in hot markets [sell faster](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/how-long-does-it-take-to-sell-a-house) and often attract multiple interested buyers. That can translate to a smoother sale with less time on market. For buyers, hot markets mean competition. Being prepared with financing in place and flexibility on timing can make the difference between landing a home and losing out. And if you're considering a move, it's worth checking whether your current ZIP code is heating up. Rising demand in your area could mean it's an opportune time to explore your options. ## How to sell your home in a hot market Hot markets create opportunity, but they also bring complexity. Coordinating a sale with a purchase, managing showings, and timing your move can feel overwhelming, even when demand is strong. One way to simplify the process is to start with a cash offer. You'll know your home's value upfront, choose your closing date, and skip the uncertainty of waiting for the right buyer. [Get a cash offer from Opendoor](https://www.opendoor.com/address-entry) and see how much your home is worth today. [See Homes Near You](#) ## Frequently asked questions about hot ZIP codes ### Is 11111 a real ZIP code? No. The number 11111 is not a valid U.S. ZIP code. It doesn't correspond to any geographic area. ### Is there a 12345 ZIP code? Yes. ZIP code 12345 is assigned to General Electric in Schenectady, New York. It's a real code, though it serves a specific corporate address rather than a residential area. ### How often do hottest ZIP code rankings change? Rankings shift monthly based on real estate activity, though major trends typically emerge over quarters or years. A ZIP code that's hot in January may cool by summer, or vice versa. ### What happens to home prices when a ZIP code becomes too hot? Sustained heat typically drives prices up until affordability limits slow demand. At that point, buyers often shift to adjacent areas, spreading growth outward and creating new hot spots nearby. ## Explore Opendoor guides to neighborhoods in your area | **City** | **Neighborhoods** | | **Raleigh** | [Brier Creek](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/brier-creek-raleigh), [Cameron Village](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/cameron-village-raleigh), Downtown Raleigh, [Five Points](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/five-points-raleigh), Glenwood South, Hayes Barton, Mordecai, [North Hills](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/north-hills-raleigh), Oakwood | | **Charlotte** | [Ballantyne](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/ballantyne-charlotte), [Dilworth](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/dilworth-charlotte), [Elizabeth](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/elizabeth-charlotte), [Myers Park](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/myers-park-charlotte), [NoDa](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/noda-charlotte), [Plaza Midwood](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/plaza-midwood-charlotte), [South End](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/south-end-charlotte), SouthPark, Uptown Charlotte, Cotswold, Fourth Ward, Chantilly | | **Plano** | East Plano, [West Plano](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/west-plano-plano), Central Plano, [Willow Bend](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/willow-bend-plano), [Legacy West](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/legacy-west-plano), Old Town Plano, Park Forest, Parkway Village, Preston Meadow, Windridge | | **Dallas** | Uptown Dallas, [Deep Ellum](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/deep-ellum-dallas), [Highland Park](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/highland-park-dallas), [Oak Lawn](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/oak-lawn-dallas), [Lakewood](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/lakewood-dallas), [Bishop Arts District](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/bishop-arts-district-dallas), White Rock Lake, [Preston Hollow](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/preston-hollow-dallas), [Lower Greenville](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/lower-greenville-dallas), [Knox Henderson](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/knox-henderson-dallas) | | **Fort Worth** | Downtown Fort Worth, Near Southside, Magnolia Avenue, [Fairmount](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/fairmount-fort-worth), Ryan Place, Sundance Square, West 7th, Mistletoe Heights, Berkeley, [Ridglea Hills](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/ridglea-hills-fort-worth) | | **Phoenix** | [Arcadia](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/arcadia-phoenix), Central Phoenix, Biltmore | | **Mesa** | Downtown Mesa | | **Scottsdale** | [Old Town Scottsdale](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/old-town-scottsdale-scottsdale) | | **Los Angeles** | [Silver Lake](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/silver-lake-los-angeles), Echo Park, Highland Park | | **Oakland** | Rockridge, Temescal | | **Seattle** | [Capitol Hill](https://www.opendoor.com/neighborhood-guide/capitol-hill-seattle) | ## Find homes for sale across the U.S. | **States with homes for sale** | | [Arizona](https://www.opendoor.com/homes/state/arizona), [California](https://www.opendoor.com/homes/state/california), [Colorado](https://www.opendoor.com/homes/state/colorado), [Florida](https://www.opendoor.com/homes/state/florida), [Georgia](https://www.opendoor.com/homes/state/georgia), [Massachusetts](https://www.opendoor.com/homes/state/massachusetts), [Michigan](https://www.opendoor.com/homes/state/michigan), [Minnesota](https://www.opendoor.com/homes/state/minnesota), [Missouri](https://www.opendoor.com/homes/state/missouri), [Nevada](https://www.opendoor.com/homes/state/nevada), [New Mexico](https://www.opendoor.com/homes/state/new-mexico), [New York](https://www.opendoor.com/homes/state/new-york), [North Carolina](https://www.opendoor.com/homes/state/north-carolina), [Ohio](https://www.opendoor.com/homes/state/ohio), [Oklahoma](https://www.opendoor.com/homes/state/oklahoma), [Oregon](https://www.opendoor.com/homes/state/oregon), [South Carolina](https://www.opendoor.com/homes/state/south-carolina), [Tennessee](https://www.opendoor.com/homes/state/tennessee), [Texas](https://www.opendoor.com/homes/state/texas), [Utah](https://www.opendoor.com/homes/state/utah), [Virginia](https://www.opendoor.com/homes/state/virginia) | **Read More** --- *Originally published at [https://www.opendoor.com/articles/hottest-zip-codes-for-home-buyers-this-year](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/hottest-zip-codes-for-home-buyers-this-year)*