# The 10 Hottest U.S. Neighborhoods for 2026, According to Opendoor Data By Opendoor Editorial Team | 2020-11-12 > We uncover the most popular neighborhoods for homebuyers in five Opendoor markets. ## Key Takeaways # The 10 Hottest U.S. Neighborhoods for 2026, According to Opendoor Data The real estate market moves fast — with [existing-home sales forecast to rise 14%](https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/housing-market-5-year-forecast/) in 2026 — and right now, Brooklyn and the Midwest are leading the charge. Prospect Heights and Clinton Hill in New York top the list of hottest U.S. neighborhoods, while five Midwestern suburbs claim spots in the top 10. Whether you're looking to buy in a high-demand area or wondering if your neighborhood made the cut, this guide breaks down where buyers are flocking, what's driving the surge, and how sellers can take advantage of the momentum. [See Homes Near You](#) ## How Opendoor ranks the hottest neighborhoods in the country Prospect Heights and Clinton Hill in Brooklyn, New York, currently sit at the top of the hottest U.S. neighborhoods list, with home sales up 105% compared to last year. At the same time, Midwestern suburbs like Jenison, Michigan, and the Chicago-area communities of Campton Hills and St. Charles are pulling in families who want more space without breaking the bank. So what exactly makes a neighborhood "hot"? Three things: how fast homes sell, how many buyers compete for each listing, and whether prices are rising. When a home goes under contract in days instead of weeks, and multiple buyers submit offers on the same property, that's a hot market. To build rankings like this one, analysts look at ZIP codes across the country's largest metro areas and compare year-over-year changes in buyer interest and sale speed. For comparison, see [2024's most popular ZIP codes](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/opendoor-2024-hottest-zip-codes). The result is a clear picture of where demand is strongest right now. ## The top 10 hottest neighborhoods in America Five of the neighborhoods on this list sit in the Midwest. Three are in New York. That split tells a story: buyers are chasing both urban energy and suburban affordability, depending on what matters most to them. | **Neighborhood** | **Region** | **Key appeal** | | Prospect Heights and Clinton Hill | Northeast | Urban revival and transit access | | Jenison | Midwest | Affordability and family-friendly living | | Campton Hills and St. Charles | Midwest | Suburban charm near Chicago | | Fairport | Northeast | Small-town feel with city proximity | | Polk Gulch and Russian Hill | West | Walkability and San Francisco culture | | Great Kills | Northeast | Waterfront access and community feel | | Franklin | Midwest | Growing job market and schools | | Prairie Village and Mission Hills | Midwest | Established neighborhoods with green space | | Lakeville | Midwest | Outdoor recreation and commuter access | | Bowie | Mid-Atlantic | Proximity to Washington D.C. and affordability | ### Prospect Heights and Clinton Hill, New York Home sales in Prospect Heights and Clinton Hill jumped 105% from last year. The area mixes historic brownstones with newer apartment buildings, and multiple subway lines run through the neighborhood. Return-to-office policies have driven much of the demand. Workers who left New York during the pandemic are coming back, and many prefer Brooklyn's neighborhood feel over Manhattan's pace. Median sale prices hover around $1.4 million, though strong local incomes mean buyers here tend to worry less about [mortgage rates](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/impact-of-interest-rates-on-home-ownership) than their Midwest counterparts. ### Jenison, Michigan Jenison sits just 15 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids, and it offers something harder to find on the coasts: genuine affordability. The median sale price is around $356,500, and homes typically sell in about 16 days. Young families moving from pricier metros find [strong schools](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/how-school-ratings-impact-home-prices), low taxes, and room to grow. The broader Georgetown Township welcomes new development, which keeps inventory flowing even as demand climbs. ### Campton Hills and St. Charles, Illinois About 50 miles west of Chicago, Campton Hills and St. Charles offer suburban quiet with a reasonable commute. Home sales rose 38% year over year, and more than a third of listings sell above asking price. Downtown St. Charles has restaurants, entertainment, and the historic Arcada Theatre. The surrounding area feels almost like a vacation town, with green space, nature preserves, and well-regarded schools drawing families who want balance. ### Fairport, New York Fairport is a small village along the Erie Canal, about 15 minutes from Rochester. With a population of only 5,000, it delivers small-town charm alongside a surprisingly active waterfront scene. Home sales increased 48% since last year. Even more striking: 81% of homes here sell above list price. Walkable galleries, breweries, and parks combine with proximity to Rochester's healthcare and manufacturing jobs to create fierce competition. ### Polk Gulch and Russian Hill, California Polk Gulch and Russian Hill sit in the heart of San Francisco, stretching from the Tenderloin north to Fort Mason. Tech workers, especially those in AI, continue to drive demand. Polk Gulch buzzes with restaurants and nightlife, while Russian Hill moves at a slightly slower pace. Median sale prices reach $1.065 million, up 10% from last year. Views per listing jumped 129%, which signals renewed interest in urban San Francisco living. ### Great Kills, New York On Staten Island's south shore, Great Kills offers something unusual for New York City: a suburban feel with beach access. Home sales rose 19%, and the median price of $700,000 sits below the broader NYC metro average. The neighborhood has a marina, waterfront restaurants, and easy access to Brooklyn via the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. For families who want NYC schools and transit without Manhattan prices, Great Kills fits the bill. ### Franklin, Wisconsin Franklin, a Milwaukee suburb, saw home sales climb 25%. About 40% of listings sell above asking. The area isn't fully developed yet, so [new construction](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/splurge-or-save-what-new-construction-buyers-value-in-todays-market) attracts buyers who can't find the right price closer to central Milwaukee. Large lots set Franklin apart. Buyers tired of living close to their neighbors find breathing room here, along with quality schools and the Rock Sports Complex nearby. ### Prairie Village and Mission Hills, Kansas Prairie Village and Mission Hills are tree-lined neighborhoods about 15 minutes south of downtown Kansas City, straddling the Kansas-Missouri border. While home sales dipped 19%, views per listing surged 132%. That gap between interest and sales usually means pent-up demand is meeting limited inventory. Home prices range widely, from the mid-$300,000s in Prairie Village to over $10 million in Mission Hills. When affordable listings appear, they move fast, averaging just 21 days on market. ### Lakeville, Minnesota Beautiful lakes, well-regarded schools, and a 25-minute commute to downtown Minneapolis make Lakeville a magnet for families. Homes spend an average of 43 days on market, down 19 days from last year. Competition runs hot. Around 70% of sellers receive multiple offers, and buyers routinely bid $50,000 or more above asking price. Move-in-ready homes get snapped up almost immediately. ### Bowie, Maryland Bowie may be the last D.C.-area suburb with genuinely good housing deals. Located within 30 to 40 minutes of both Washington and Annapolis, the community saw home sales jump 31%. The median sale price of roughly $512,000 sits below the broader D.C. metro average. A mix of new development and older, more affordable homes gives buyers options at various price points. ## Why the Midwest and New York dominate the hottest housing markets Two distinct forces are reshaping [where Americans want to live](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/tales-from-the-market-where-people-are-moving). In the Midwest, affordability is the main draw. Buyers priced out of coastal cities find real value in Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Kansas— [6 of Zillow's 10 hottest markets](https://zillow.mediaroom.com/2025-12-16-Midwest-markets-surge-to-the-top-of-Zillows-2025-rankings) are in the region. A middle-class family can still afford homeownership in the Midwest, even with elevated mortgage rates. In New York, the story is different. Brooklyn and upstate areas are seeing renewed interest as remote work policies shift. Workers returning to offices two or three days per week want proximity to their jobs without Manhattan's intensity. Both regions share one thing in common: quality of life. Strong schools, low crime rates, and outdoor access draw families to the Midwest and New York alike. ## What makes a neighborhood one of the sexiest neighborhoods to buy in Understanding what drives a "hot" designation helps you evaluate any market, not just the top 10. ### Days on market and sale speed When homes sell quickly, it signals high demand. [Days on market](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/how-long-does-it-take-to-sell-a-house) refers to the time between when a home is listed and when it goes under contract. In the hottest neighborhoods, homes move in two to three weeks rather than two to three months. ### Price growth and buyer competition Rising prices and multiple offers indicate a competitive market. A [bidding war](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/buying-in-a-sellers-market-tips) happens when several buyers submit offers on the same property, often pushing the final sale price above the original list price. In Fairport, for example, 81% of homes sell above asking. ### Local economy and lifestyle appeal Job growth, walkability, school quality, and amenities all attract buyers. A neighborhood with a thriving local economy and genuine lifestyle appeal tends to stay hot longer than one riding a temporary trend. ## Affordable options among the hottest neighborhoods Hot doesn't always mean expensive. Several neighborhoods on this list offer relative value compared to their surrounding metros: - **Jenison, Michigan:** Median price of $356,500, well below coastal equivalents - **Bowie, Maryland:** D.C.-area access at roughly $512,000, a bargain by Mid-Atlantic standards - **Lakeville, Minnesota:** Midwest affordability with strong schools and community amenities - **Franklin, Wisconsin:** Large lots and new construction at prices below central Milwaukee For buyers watching their budget — with Realtor.com reporting it takes seven years to save for a typical down payment — hot markets and value can exist in the same place. ## How to sell your home quickly in a hot neighborhood If you own a home in one of the neighborhoods on this list, you're in a strong position. Demand is high, and buyers are ready to move. You have options. Listing traditionally lets you test the market and potentially spark a bidding war. Alternatively, [requesting a cash offer](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/sell-your-house-for-fast-cash-with-Opendoor) provides speed and certainty. You choose your closing date and skip the showings, repairs, and negotiations. [Get a free, no-obligation cash offer from Opendoor](https://www.opendoor.com/address-entry) and see what your home is worth today. [See Homes Near You](#) ## FAQs about the hottest neighborhoods in America ### Where is the hottest housing market in the United States right now? Prospect Heights and Clinton Hill in Brooklyn currently hold the top spot, with home sales up 105% year over year. Midwest markets like Jenison, Michigan, and Lakeville, Minnesota, are also surging as buyers seek affordability. ### What makes a neighborhood exclusive versus hot? Exclusive typically refers to luxury properties with limited inventory and high price points. Hot means high demand and fast sales at various price levels. The two can overlap, but a hot neighborhood isn't necessarily expensive. ### Are homes in hot neighborhoods a strong long-term investment? Hot markets often indicate sustained demand, which can support [long-term value](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/factors-that-influence-home-value). Local economic stability, job growth, and your personal financial goals all factor into whether a particular purchase makes sense for you. ### How can first-time buyers compete in a hot neighborhood? [Getting pre-approved for a mortgage](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/how-to-buy-a-house) puts you in a stronger position. Working with an experienced agent who knows the local market helps too. Some buyers also explore flexible options, like cash-backed offers, to stand out in competitive situations. ## 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/summers-hottest-neighborhoods](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/summers-hottest-neighborhoods)*