An unassuming suburb in the Midwest has been crowned the hottest zip code in the country.
Gahanna, a leafy suburb in Columbus, Ohio, has been named Realtor.com’s most in-demand real estate destination for the second year in a row.
Located in central Ohio, Gahanna, with a population of just 35,000, is attracting homebuyers who are bidding furiously.
The area has affordable homes with a list price of $345,000 and is well connected to metropolitan Columbus, where several billion dollar companies such as Intel and Google are expanding.
The area also has good local schools for young families, plenty of shops and dining options in the bustling center, and a friendly neighborhood.
Gahanna, a leafy suburb of Columbus, Ohio, has a median list price of $345,000
The area has plenty of green areas and access to nature
Gahanna’s Vettes, Rods & Classics Car Show is a staple of the community’s social diary
“Located in the ever-popular Columbus metro area, ZIP 43230 in Gahanna, OH is the hottest this year, winning the crown for the second year in a row,” says Realtor.com Senior Financial Analyst Hannah Jones.
Gahanna offers a variety of home styles, including ranch, colonial, contemporary and split levels, offering something for every home shopping taste.
“Gahanna is so attractive because of its strong home values,” said local Realtor Lory Kim.
“The market here has remained strong over the years, which is a testament to the enduring appeal of the area,” he explained.
“Gahanna remains fairly affordable, making it a smart choice for families and anyone looking to invest in a community with so much to offer.”
Gahanna also draws parallels to California’s Palo Alto, as the two tech giants settle nearby — experts question whether it could become the “new Silicon Valley.”
Google’s data center is just 10 miles away in New Albany, Ohio, and Intel is currently spending $28 billion on new microchip factories covering nearly 1,000 acres about five miles away in New Albany, according to Realtor.com.
2. Ballwin, Missouri
Ballwin, Missouri is only half an hour away from the hustle and bustle of St Louis
The area has a selection of properties from sprawling country houses to more modest homes
Ballwin, an up-and-coming neighborhood just half an hour from bustling St Louis, was ranked as the second hottest zip code in the US.
It is best known for its quality of life, low crime rate and attractive place to raise a family.
The average listed home price is $409,000, which is higher than the national average, but Realtor.com reports that buyers can find well-maintained homes for around $250,000.
3. Salem, Massachusetts
Picturesque Salem is known as the site of the infamous 17th century witch trials
Salem has a lively beach and city center and a strong community atmosphere
Known for its infamous 17th century witch trials, Salem is one of the oldest cities in the United States – and now also ranks as the third hottest zip code in the US.
The city has combined its unique heritage with modern coastal living, offering events that celebrate both its historic past and today’s thriving arts scene.
With a median list price of $596,000, Salem has a vibrant waterfront and downtown area and a strong community feel.
Other popular zip codes include Basking Ridge and Mount Laurel in New Jersey, which offer good access to the Jersey Shore and are within commuting distance of Philadelphia and New York City.
Rochester, New York, the Highland suburb of Chicago and Macungie, Pennsylvania also made the top ten.
Realtor.com listed the hottest ZIP Codes in the United States for 2024
This year’s hottest ZIP Codes include three standout Midwestern metros, while the Northeast leads the charge with seven, including more expensive areas.
Massachusetts has the lion’s share of the hottest zip codes, three. New Jersey required two ZIP codes, while New York and Pennsylvania each have one.
Three Midwest ZIP codes repeat from last year, Realtor.com said.
“This year’s 10 hottest zip codes highlight trends we’ve seen in the housing market over the past year,” said Jones.
“Buyers have been snapping up affordable Midwestern and well-located Northeast metros that offer a combination of value and desirability.”
He added that the southern and western regions are not represented in the list because buyer interest has shifted away from affordable areas or places where prices rose during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Particularly in the south, inventory for sale has increased significantly, which has weakened buyer demand on a property-by-property basis, cooling and slowing the region’s market,” he added.
