Connecticut Cities Dominate 2024 Most Popular Real Estate Markets
Connecticut continues to shine as a real estate hotspot, with four of our cities landing in Zillow’s Top 10 most sought-after markets in the U.S. for 2024. Manchester, New Hampshire, claimed the top position as the most popular real estate market in the Northeast for the second consecutive year.
How Cities Were Ranked
Zillow’s analysis focused on cities with populations exceeding 100,000, using metrics such as page-view traffic, home value growth, and how quickly properties sell. These factors collectively highlight consumer demand in each market.
“In another year of higher mortgage rates, areas of affordability and opportunity were center stage in 2024,” said Skylar Olsen, Zillow’s chief economist. She noted that hybrid work models have encouraged buyers to explore “hidden gem” cities that may have been overlooked in the era of daily commutes.
Connecticut’s Appeal
Many of the most sought-after markets in 2024 were exurbs - smaller towns located beyond traditional suburbs but still within commuting distance of major metropolitan areas. This trend played a significant role in the popularity of Connecticut cities, which offer affordability, accessibility, and lifestyle amenities.
For example, Stamford is just a 50-minute train ride to New York City via Metro-North Railroad. These transportation links make the state an attractive option for homebuyers seeking suburban charm with urban convenience. Greenwich, which has a population of 65,000 did not meet the criteria to make the list, but remains one of the hottest towns in Connecticut with its super low property taxes and its amazing schools and amenities. Greenwich boasts three beaches and every type of sport easily accessible either in town or nearby, shopping and dining and everything one may want to do is available here. And for more to do NYC is only 25 miles away – reachable by car or only 42 minutes by express train on Metro North.
Limited Inventory Fuels Competition
The demand for homes in these areas is further intensified by tight inventory. “New listings can remain sparse in the hottest spots as existing owners continue to hold on and hold back,” Olsen explained. This dynamic added additional pressure to prices in already popular markets like Stamford and Greenwich.
Connecticut’s Coastal Gems
In addition to the cities dominating the Top 10 list, the coastal town of Milford earned Zillow’s title as the “most popular coastal city” in the U.S. for 2024. Neighboring West Haven ranked second in the same category. Milford, with its 17 miles of shoreline along Long Island Sound, offers a range of seaside attractions, including beaches, parks, and boating opportunities.
These picturesque Connecticut towns edged out other coastal favorites such as South Portland, Maine (third), Santa Cruz, California (fourth), and Barnstable, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod (fifth).
Zillow’s 2024 Top 10 Real Estate Markets
1. Manchester, New Hampshire
2. Rockford, Illinois
3. Stamford, Connecticut
4. Columbia, Maryland
5. Bridgeport, Connecticut
6. Allentown, Pennsylvania
7. Peoria, Illinois
8. New Haven, Connecticut
9. Waterbury, Connecticut
10. Sunnyvale, California
Why Connecticut Stands Out
Connecticut’s combination of affordability, accessibility, and coastal charm has made it a go-to destination for homebuyers in 2024. With four cities in the Top 10 and coastal towns leading their category, the state continues to attract attention as a prime location for those seeking a balance of lifestyle amenities and proximity to major metropolitan areas.
Whether you’re exploring Stamford’s bustling downtown, Bridgeport’s cultural attractions, or Milford’s idyllic seaside, Connecticut offers something for every homebuyer.
For more real estate insights and updates, stay tuned to our blog!
Information from Greenwich Time and Zillow.
