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Realtor.com just dropped its ninth annual list of the 50 hottest zip codes in America, and this year’s data reveals a significant shift: For the first time in half a decade, suburbs from five major metropolitan areas (heavily concentrated in the Northeast and Midwest) made a triumphant return to the spotlight. The top-ranking zips are determined by two factors: market demand, as measured by unique viewers per property, and the number of days a listing remains active. These are the top 10 in the U.S. right now:
- Gahanna, Ohio (43230)
- Southington, Connecticut (06489)
- Ridgewood, New Jersey (07450)
- Andover, Massachusetts (01810)
- Nazareth, Pennsylvania (18064)
- Highland, Indiana (46322)
- Trenton, Michigan (48183)
- Norwalk, Connecticut (06851)
- Pittsford, New York (14534)
- Ballwin, Missouri (63021)
So what’s the draw? Realtor.com notes that listings in these areas are priced at (or below) the national median and offer more square footage, resulting in an impressive average of 3.6 more views per listing compared to others in the country. In addition to the stats above, the guess is that a return-to-the-office surge contributes to this shift. Buyers are searching for a balance of cost of living and a reasonable commute time. If you can’t resist the metropolitan allure but are craving the comfort of suburban life, take notes from these former urbanites who successfully brought their city style to the outskirts.
Bringing New York City to the Ocean
No driftwood or sea glass was allowed in this family’s New Jersey beach house. The directive for Britt and Damian Zunino of Studio DB was simple: Bring the comforts of their primary residence on the Upper East Side to their summer getaway. Instead of relying on traditional coastal elements, the pair went with custom wood consoles and cutout mirrors to add organic touches to the space with influences from their Manhattanite style.
Going From High-Rise to Family Home
Meg Kelly, founder of Nashville’s Clella Design, had to pivot mid-project when her client’s girlfriend moved into his high-rise apartment. Within a year, the couple, a pair who loves to entertain, purchased a new house. While they didn’t need help melding their styles, they enlisted Kelly again to reverse the builder-grade vibe, add some drama to the dining room, and design a tiled bar that’s perfect for parties.
Shifting to the Suburbs of Atlanta
When vintage seller Melissa Cattaneo Fontaine was faced with “a sprawling house I had no idea what to do with”(aka her family’s new Colonial), she called on her best friend, Misfit House designer Monica Stewart. Together they started to infuse the space with generous doses of green, scalloped edges, and brass accents.
Swapping the Shoebox for a (Long) Island
Having outgrown their tiny apartment in Queens, New York, Nusaiba Ally, her husband, and their new baby traded the borough for the suburbs—Nassau County, Long Island, to be exact, to gain more square footage. Ally took advantage of all the home’s quirks by turning awkward nooks and niches into smart storage space; sunlit vanities; and in the primary bedroom, a clever headboard moment.