Realtor.com Forecasts Northeast and Midwest to Lead U.S. Housing Growth in 2026
Realtor.com has released its annual housing forecast, predicting a significant shift in the U.S. housing market by 2026. The report suggests that affordable metropolitan areas in the Northeast and Midwest will surpass the traditionally dominant Sun Belt region in terms of growth in home sales and prices. Cities like Hartford, Connecticut; Rochester, New York; and Worcester, Massachusetts are expected to lead this trend. These areas, termed 'refuge markets,' are attracting buyers who are priced out of major coastal cities. The forecast indicates a pivot towards affordability and value, with buyers increasingly seeking secondary markets that offer lower financial barriers to entry. The top 10 list of projected growth areas includes cities such as Toledo, Ohio; Providence, Rhode Island; and Richmond, Virginia, among others. These markets are characterized by their relative affordability, with a median list price of $384,000, which is below the national median of $415,000. 
