Ten-X released its Top Single-Family Housing Markets Report for winter, which ranks the nation’s 50 largest housing markets according to current and forecasted housing fundamentals. The top five markets (in order) were Orlando, Fla.; Palm Beach County, Fla.; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Tampa, Fla.; and Dallas, each demonstrating a vigorous combination of consistently strong demand, home price appreciation and economic and demographic growth, the report stated.
Though Florida metros once again dominated the rankings, there was plenty of movement within the top five slots. Orlando jumped from fourth to first to overtake Fort Lauderdale as the hottest market, dropping Fort Lauderdale to third, while Palm Beach County remained unchanged in second. Tampa slipped from third place to fourth while Dallas climbed up to fifth, edging out Las Vegas.
“While most of the cities at the top of the list share common traits like job growth, population growth and economic expansion, many of the cities showing the greatest potential were among those hardest hit during the Great Recession,” Ten-X Executive Vice President Rick Sharga said in a press release. “The top 20 cities in our report include many that were devastated during the foreclosure crisis – especially in states like Florida – and as home prices continue to recover, they still represent buying opportunities for homeowners and investors alike.”
Healthy economic and demographic trends are fueling demand throughout much of the Sunshine State, keeping sales elevated and enabling significant price growth. Dallas, for its part, is benefiting from a more diversified economy than most other Texas metros, allowing it to withstand pressures emanating from low oil prices. Las Vegas, still a leader in terms of housing demand, sales and job growth, is now ranked ninth.
“The recovery – and future outlook – continue to be very regional. Like Florida, the Southwest, Coastal California and Pacific Northwest are all showing great promise, while the Midwest and Northeast are still struggling,” Sharga added.