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For the second year in a row, Realtor.com has named zip codes in Ohio, Missouri and Indiana the most popular zip codes in the United States.

Gahanna, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus, took the top spot thanks to its relative affordability compared to median home prices in the metropolitan area and across the country—home prices in the area were 11 percent below the Columbus metropolitan area average and 19.4 percent below the national median in the first half of 2024.

The median asking price in Gahanna was $400,000 in July; however, the median home sales price was $357,500, making the Columbus suburb a solid buyer’s market. Aside from affordability, Gahanna offers numerous amenities and entertainment options that have attracted a growing number of buyers from New York City.

Rounding out the top 10 are Ballwin, Missouri, Salem, Massachusetts, Basking Ridge, New Jersey, Rochester, New York, Mount Laurel, New Jersey, Leominster, Massachusetts, Westfield, Massachusetts, Highland, Indiana, and Macungie, Pennsylvania. Each of these markets offers a median list price or median asking price per square foot that is between 24.6 percent and 28.8 percent below the national median.

Danielle Hale

“Although we’ve seen big changes in the real estate market, such as an increasing number of homes for sale, this year’s most popular ZIP codes in America show that common factors are driving interest in these highly competitive areas,” Danielle Hale, chief economist for Realtor.com, said in a prepared statement Tuesday. “Although mortgage rate relief is on the horizon, this year’s most popular ZIP codes reflect the focus on affordability that homebuyers have placed in recent years amid high housing costs.”

“These top 10 zip codes are concentrated in the larger metropolitan areas of the Northeast and Midwest and attract highly qualified homebuyers seeking more space without sacrificing proximity to urban amenities,” she added.

While these markets are currently affordable havens, that may change as more homebuyers, both local and out of state, realize the value they can find in these markets. Homes in these zip codes spent an average of 13 days on the market – 32 days less than the national average of 45 days on the market.

“The high risk in these areas means that successful buyers are well qualified and well equipped to purchase a home,” the report says. “Successful buyers in these areas had an average credit score of 757 in the first half of 2024 compared to the U.S. average of 734, as well as an average down payment of 16.7 percent compared to the national average of 14 percent.”

“Not only are homes going fast in these hottest markets, but during the first four months of the year homes sold an average of 3.3 percent above asking price, while during the same period nationwide they sold an average of 2.3 percent below asking price,” it continues.

According to the report, mortgage rates and inventory fluctuations will continue to drive the market and these markets are expected to outperform more expensive locations even during the quieter fall and winter months.

“Active inventory increased annually starting in November 2023, but growth picked up pace this spring,” the report said. “In June, there were 36.7 percent more homes for sale than a year earlier, and an impressive 50 percent more homes in the $200,000 to $350,000 price range.”

“While shoppers across the country have more choice, this year’s hottest postcode areas show that demand remains concentrated in markets that offer good value for money,” it added.

Email Marian McPherson