SANTA CLARA, Calif., Oct. 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Realtor.com(®), a leading online real estate destination operated by News Corp [NASDAQ: NWS, NWSA]; [ASX: NWS, NWSLV] subsidiary Move Inc., today announced its third annual list of the Hottest ZIP Codes in America, which illustrates the power of millennial gravitation toward affordable suburbs with local "it" factors.

For the second year in a row, Watauga (76148) leads the list, followed by Livonia (48154); Kentwood (49548); Medford, Mass., (02155); Littleton, Colo. (80123); Castro Valley, Calif., (94546); Colorado Springs, Colo., (80922); Overland Park, Kan., (66210); Mira Mesa, Calif. (92126), and Hilliard, Ohio (43026).

Realtor.com(®) analyzed 32,000 ZIP codes based on the time it takes properties to sell and how frequently homes are viewed in each ZIP code. Homes in this year's top 10 hottest markets sell in an average of 21 days - 50 days faster than in the rest of the country. Realtor.com(®) users view home listings in these markets four times more often than those in the rest of the country. One ZIP code was included per metro area.

"While low inventory is a challenge, millennials are the largest generation in U.S. history and they are flexing their muscle when it comes to the housing market," said Danielle Hale, chief economist for realtor.com(®). "Increasingly, the hottest housing markets are the ones that appeal to millennial preferences, and right now the standouts are relatively affordable suburbs with local 'it' factors such as hiking trails, great restaurants, and nightlife. With the largest cohort of millennials turning 30 in 2020, we can expect these types of areas to stay in demand in the years to come."

Key factors heating things up in the top 10 hottest markets:


    --  Relative affordability. The median price for a home in these markets is
        $360,000 - 1.4 times more than the national median - with prices in five
        of the top 10 ZIPs exceeding the national average. However, when
        compared to their immediate surrounding metro area, the median home
        listing price is lower in six of the top 10 ZIPs and when compared to
        the county, eight are lower.
    --  Large shares of older millennials. Millennials aged 25 to 34 make up 17
        percent of households in the top 10 ZIPs, compared to 15 percent
        nationally. Older millennial households comprise a greater share of
        households than their national share in eight out of the top 10 ZIPs.
        They also make up the largest share of mortgage originations, with
        25-to-34-year-olds accounting for 36 percent of mortgages and
        35-to-44-year-olds making up 30 percent.
    --  High millennial ownership rates. Eight of the top 10 ZIPs have a higher
        home ownership rate among 25-to-34-year-olds than in their surrounding
        county as a whole. The average 25-to-34-year-old home ownership rate in
        top 10 ZIPs is 50 percent, compared to 39 percent in their respective
        counties and 41 percent nationally.
    --  Strong job markets. The top 10 ZIP codes are located in counties with an
        average unemployment rate of 3.6 percent, well below the overall
        national unemployment rate of 4.4 percent.
    --  High salaries. In nine out of the top 10 ZIPS, the median household
        income is higher than the national median. The average household income
        among the top 10 is $75,829, 1.3 times the $57,462 national median. This
        is true for millennial segment as well; the average household income for
        25-to-34-year-olds in the top 10 is $74,635, 1.3 times the $55,871
        national median.

Market Highlights - Top 10 ZIP Codes



    1.               76148 - Watauga, Texas - Named the
                     hottest ZIP code for the second
                     consecutive year, due to its highly
                     competitive housing market and
                     desirable amenities. Watauga is an
                     inner suburb of Fort Worth that has a
                     young population, a strong economy and
                     schools that have been rated among the
                     best in the state. Residents also
                     benefit from being part of a vibrant,
                     multicultural metropolis, with great
                     restaurants and cultural offerings
                     like the Kimbell Art Museum and Fort
                     Worth Zoo.
                    --------------------------------------


                    Key housing stats: Average home listing
                     views in ZIP 76148 are up 28 percent
                     over last year, with homes receiving
                     five times more views than those in
                     the rest of the country. Homes in
                     Watauga sell in 18 days, 5 percent
                     slower than last year, with a median
                     list price of $160,441, up 12.4
                     percent over last year. Tarrant County
                     is expected to add 28,000 jobs this
                     year, an increase of 3 percent.


    2.               48154 - Livonia, Mich. - A western
                     suburb of Metro Detroit, Livonia
                     combines the best parts of suburban
                     living with close proximity to the
                     great attractions of the resurgent
                     Motor City. It's just a half hour from
                     downtown destinations such as the
                     Detroit Institute of Art, the historic
                     Eastern Market commercial district and
                     the homes of four professional sports
                     teams. Livonia also is equally close
                     to many of the major employment
                     centers scattered throughout the
                     broader metro area, such as the
                     headquarters of Ford Motor Company in
                     Dearborn, Mich. and Beaumont Health in
                     Royal Oak, Mich. It has also been
                     ranked among the safest cities in
                     Michigan and boasts more than 60 parks
                     spread over 1,389 acres.
                    ---------------------------------------


                    Housing stats: More than 86 percent of
                     millennials living in the ZIP own
                     their own homes, compared to only 44
                     percent in the surrounding county.
                     Homes in Livonia sell in 21 days, 25
                     percent more quickly than last year,
                     with a median list price of $223,780,
                     up 12.3 percent over last year. Wayne
                     County is expected to add 7,000 jobs
                     this year, an increase of 1 percent.


    3.               49548 Kentwood, Mich. - Kentwood is
                     part of the Grand Rapids area, one of
                     the fastest-growing parts of the
                     country. In recent years, Grand Rapids
                     has become known for its booming
                     economy, huge annual public art
                     competition and a great local
                     microbrewery and dining scene.
                     Kentwood also is conveniently close to
                     the Gerald R. Ford airport, which has
                     been adding direct flights to major
                     destinations throughout the country.
                    --------------------------------------


                    Housing stats: The dominant buyer
                     segment in Kentwood is millennials,
                     who hold 42 percent of new mortgages
                     in the ZIP and have a 62 percent home
                     ownership rate. Homes in Kentwood sell
                     in 16 days, 49 percent more quickly
                     than last year, with a median list
                     price of $118,833, up 22.4 percent
                     over last year. Kent County is
                     expected to add 5,000 jobs this year,
                     an increase of 2 percent.


    4.               02155 Medford, Mass. - Once overlooked
                     as a sleepy city northwest of downtown
                     Boston, Medford is now known for its
                     lively dining options, ample
                     recreation opportunities at Wright's
                     Park and along the Mystic River, and
                     the annual Mystic River Celebration
                     devoted to the arts. The area is home
                     to the renowned Tufts University, and
                     the T provides easy public
                     transportation access to downtown
                     Boston. Residents also enjoy a low tax
                     rate compared to other cities in the
                     region.
                    ---------------------------------------


                    Housing stats: The dominant buyer
                     segment in Medford is millennials, who
                     make up 38 percent of new mortgage
                     holders. Homes in Medford sell in 19
                     days, roughly 41 percent more quickly
                     than last year, with a median list
                     price of $541,158, up 12.9 percent
                     over last year. Middlesex County is
                     expected to add 18,000 jobs this year,
                     an increase of 2 percent.


    5.               80123 Littleton, Colo. - Situated on
                     the southwest edge of Denver, ZIP
                     80123 spans communities including
                     Littleton, Marston and Columbine
                     Valley. This suburban hotspot boasts
                     great shopping options, a fun and
                     historic downtown area and plenty of
                     great condo and single-family home
                     options. That's not to mention its
                     natural beauty and perfect placement
                     for outdoor enthusiasts: Littleton
                     alone features more than 59 parks and
                     an active trail system. Plus, only a
                     30 minute drive to the base of the
                     Rockies, it's one of the Denver
                     suburbs with the best mountain access.
                    ---------------------------------------


                    Housing stats: The dominant buyer
                     segment in ZIP 80123 is millennials,
                     who hold 34 percent of new mortgages
                     in the area and have a median
                     household income of $72,126. Homes in
                     Littleton sell in 22 days, 19 percent
                     more quickly than last year, with a
                     median list price of $533,873, down
                     3.8 percent compared to last year.
                     Jefferson County is expected to add
                     5,000 jobs this year, an increase of 2
                     percent.


    6.               94546 Castro Valley, Calif. - Castro
                     Valley is a Bay Area community
                     perfectly located for those who want
                     to live close to the thriving tech
                     scene in San Francisco and Silicon
                     Valley at more affordable prices.
                     Because of its central location - it
                     takes about the same time to get to
                     San Francisco, Silicon Valley and
                     Berkeley - it's especially good for
                     couples who work in different parts of
                     the region.
                    ---------------------------------------


                    Housing stats: Millennials make up 35
                     percent of the new mortgage share in
                     ZIP 94546. Homes in Castro Valley sell
                     in 23 days, about 8 percent more
                     quickly than last year, with a median
                     list price of $728,267, up 6.9 percent
                     over last year. Alameda County is
                     expected to add 4,000 jobs this year,
                     an increase of 1 percent.


    7.               80922 Colorado Springs, Colo. - Located
                     less than 25 minutes from Downtown
                     Colorado Springs, the Colorado Springs
                     Airport, and the University of
                     Colorado at Colorado Springs, ZIP
                     80922 is about as convenient as it
                     gets. That's especially true for the
                     thousands who work at the nearby
                     Peterson Air Force Base, but the area
                     is also perfect for those simply
                     seeking an active lifestyle: El Paso
                     County has been called one of the
                     healthiest counties in America.
                     Recreational activity options abound,
                     with miles of nearby trails for
                     hiking, biking, and horse riding.
                    ---------------------------------------


                    Housing stats: The number of households
                     in the ZIP grew by 19.5 percent from
                     2010 - 2017, and it has a home
                     ownership rate of 80 percent among all
                     age groups and 68 percent among
                     millennials. Reflecting the high
                     concentration of military service
                     members in the area, 43 percent of new
                     mortgages in 80922 are guaranteed by
                     the U.S. Department of Veterans
                     Affairs. Homes in Colorado Springs
                     sell in 21 days, about 5 percent more
                     quickly than last year, with a median
                     list price of $273,322, up 4.6 percent
                     over last year. El Paso County is
                     expected to add 9,000 jobs this year,
                     an increase of 3 percent.


    8.               66210 Overland Park, Kan. - Overland
                     Park gets high marks for all the major
                     factors: Top-rated schools,
                     affordable homes, and easy access to
                     shopping and attractions like Kansas
                     City, Mo.'s highly rated Nelson-
                     Atkins Museum of Art. Near the
                     juncture of I-435 and I-69, ZIP
                     66210 also includes Sprint's
                     headquarters and the Kansas City metro
                     area's largest office park, the 50-
                     acre Corporate Woods.
                    ---------------------------------------


                    Housing stats: Millennials already
                     comprise 20 percent of the area's
                     households and are the dominant buying
                     group in the area, holding 39 percent
                     of new mortgages. Homes in Overland
                     Park sell in 24 days, about 22 percent
                     more quickly than last year, with a
                     median list price of $236,454, up 0.5
                     percent over last year. Johnson County
                     is expected to add 3,000 jobs this
                     year, an increase of 1 percent.


    9.               92126 Mira Mesa - ZIP 92126 encompasses
                     the San Diego community of Mira Mesa,
                     which was formerly populated mainly by
                     military families of the nearby Marine
                     Corps Air Station, Miramar - where
                     many Top Gun flight scenes were
                     filmed. Recently, Mira Mesa has become
                     a booming area with a diverse populace
                     and wide variety of independent
                     stores, restaurants and
                     microbreweries. Located 15 minutes
                     from the beach and bordered by a
                     5,800-acre nature preserve called
                     Mission Trails, Mira Mesa is also a
                     prime location for Southern
                     California-style recreation
                     enthusiasts.
                    ---------------------------------------


                    Housing stats: From 2010 - 2017, the
                     number of households in ZIP 92126 grew
                     by 7.4 percent, compared to 5.7
                     percent in the U.S. as a whole. Homes
                     typically sell within 22 days, about
                     30 percent more quickly than last
                     year, with a median list price of
                     $536,394, up 2.4 percent over last
                     year. San Diego County is expected to
                     add 5,000 jobs this year, an increase
                     of 0.4 percent.


    10.              43026 Hilliard, Ohio - A blend of
                     small-town historical charm, museums
                     and local eateries, Hilliard offers
                     great price-per-square-foot home
                     value and excellent schools. It also
                     provides residents a mix of small-
                     town historical charm, museums and
                     local eateries. On top of that, it's a
                     quick trip to Columbus, which is home
                     to Ohio State University, multiple
                     Fortune 500 Companies and the newly
                     opened Scioto Mile, a sprawling park
                     in the heart of the city.
                    ---------------------------------------


                    Housing stats: The dominant buyer
                     segment in ZIP 43026 is millennials,
                     who hold 41 percent of new mortgages
                     and have a 59 percent home ownership
                     rate. Homes in Hilliard sell in 25
                     days, about 37 percent more quickly
                     than last year, with a median list
                     price of $259,011, up 24.8 percent
                     over last year. Franklin County is
                     expected to add 16,000 jobs this year,
                     an increase of 3 percent.


                       Top 50 Hottest Markets in America


        Rank ZIP                         Name             Realtor.com

                                                         Hotness Score
    ---                                                  -------------

         1       76148               Watauga, Texas                    99.44
        ---      -----               --------------                    -----

         2       48154               Livonia, Mich.                    99.36
        ---      -----               --------------                    -----

         3       49548              Grand Rapids, MI                   99.19
        ---      -----              ----------------                   -----

         4       02155               Medford, Mass.                    99.11
        ---      -----               --------------                    -----

         5       80123              Littleton, Colo.                   98.76
        ---      -----              ----------------                   -----

         6       94546           Castro Valley, Calif.                 98.70
        ---      -----           ---------------------                 -----

         7       80922          Colorado Springs, Colo.                98.53
        ---      -----          -----------------------                -----

         8       66210            Overland Park, Kan.                  98.38
        ---      -----            -------------------                  -----

         9       92126             San Diego, Calif.                   98.35
        ---      -----             -----------------                   -----

         10      43026               Hilliard, Ohio                    98.33
        ---      -----               --------------                    -----

         11      95758             Elk Grove, Calif.                   98.03
        ---      -----             -----------------                   -----

         12      83704                Boise, Idaho                     97.85
        ---      -----                ------------                     -----

         13      40220              Louisville, Ky.                    97.78
        ---      -----              ---------------                    -----

         14      37214              Nashville, Tenn.                   97.72
        ---      -----              ----------------                   -----

         15      14623              Rochester, N.Y.                    97.44
        ---      -----              ---------------                    -----

         16      68144                 Omaha, Ne.                      97.10
        ---      -----                 ----------                      -----

         17      46815              Fort Wayne, Ind.                   96.76
        ---      -----              ----------------                   -----

         18      67212               Wichita, Kan.                     96.64
        ---      -----               -------------                     -----

         19      78247             San Antonio, Texas                  96.25
        ---      -----             ------------------                  -----

         20      99336              Kennewick, Wash.                   96.15
        ---      -----              ----------------                   -----

         21      02048              Mansfield, Mass.                   96.02
        ---      -----              ----------------                   -----

         22      27511                 Cary, N.C.                      95.57
        ---      -----                 ----------                      -----

         23      07016               Cranford, N.J.                    95.45
        ---      -----               --------------                    -----

         24      78758               Austin, Texas                     95.27
        ---      -----               -------------                     -----

         25      98121               Seattle, Wash.                    95.19
        ---      -----               --------------                    -----

         26      55423             Minneapolis, Minn.                  95.16
        ---      -----             ------------------                  -----

         27      63126              Saint Louis, Mo.                   94.63
        ---      -----              ----------------                   -----

         28      14150              Tonawanda, N.Y.                    94.34
        ---      -----              ---------------                    -----

         29       4106           South Portland, Maine                 94.14
        ---       ----           ---------------------                 -----

         30      28273              Charlotte, N.C.                    93.76
        ---      -----              ---------------                    -----

         31      53129              Greendale, Wis.                    93.72
        ---      -----              ---------------                    -----

         32      32807               Orlando, Fla.                     93.29
        ---      -----               -------------                     -----

         33      99203               Spokane, Wash.                    93.19
        ---      -----               --------------                    -----

         34      85225              Chandler, Ariz.                    92.89
        ---      -----              ---------------                    -----

         35      20715                 Bowie, Md.                      92.54
        ---      -----                 ----------                      -----

         36      01757               Milford, Mass.                    92.42
        ---      -----               --------------                    -----

         37      97005              Beaverton, Ore.                    91.92
        ---      -----              ---------------                    -----

         38      03060                Nashua, N.H.                     91.80
        ---      -----                ------------                     -----

         39      19341                 Exton, Pa.                      91.78
        ---      -----                 ----------                      -----

         40      45430                Dayton, Ohio                     91.66
        ---      -----                ------------                     -----

         41      46322               Highland, Ind.                    91.18
        ---      -----               --------------                    -----

         42      84123            Salt Lake City, Utah                 90.82
        ---      -----            --------------------                 -----

         43      55807               Duluth, Minn.                     90.51
        ---      -----               -------------                     -----

         44      45240              Cincinnati, Ohio                   90.46
        ---      -----              ----------------                   -----

         45      33624                Tampa, Fla.                      90.32
        ---      -----                -----------                      -----

         46      80631               Greeley, Colo.                    90.25
        ---      -----               --------------                    -----

         47      48197              Ypsilanti, Mich.                   90.20
        ---      -----              ----------------                   -----

         48      37034             Chapel Hill, Tenn.                  89.56
        ---      -----             ------------------                  -----

         49      28806              Asheville, N.C.                    89.43
        ---      -----              ---------------                    -----

         50      15209              Pittsburgh, Pa.                    89.41
        ---      -----              ---------------                    -----

For more information about the list, please visit: research.realtor.com.

About realtor.com(®
)
Realtor.com(®) is the trusted resource for home buyers, sellers and dreamers, offering the most comprehensive source of for-sale properties, among competing national sites, and the information, tools and professional expertise to help people move confidently through every step of their home journey. It pioneered the world of digital real estate 20 years ago, and today helps make all things home simple, efficient and enjoyable. Realtor.com(®) is operated by News Corp [NASDAQ: NWS, NWSA] [ASX: NWS, NWSLV] subsidiary Move, Inc. under a perpetual license from the National Association of REALTORS(®). For more information, visit realtor.com(®).

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