Buffalo, New York is expected to be the hottest major housing market in the U.S., for the second year in a row, according to Zillow.

Providence continues to be one of the hottest real estate markets in the country, as the state is in the grip of a housing crisis. In a Zillow ranking released on Tuesday, Providence and its metro area ranked as the third hottest market in the country,

While the national housing supply recently reached a four-year high, buying a home in some U.S. cities may be especially difficult in 2025, a new Zillow report suggests. To make its predictions, Zillow reviewed multiple factors — including how quickly homes have been selling,

Hartford, Conn., was also forecasted to be among the top markets by the real estate listing website, but Boston ranked 16th among the 50 metro areas compared.

Charlotte held the highest rank among Southern markets on Zillow's list. Richmond, Virginia, also appeared among the top 10, ranking at No. 9. Raleigh, the only other North or South Carolina metro in the analysis, ranked at No. 21 — down four spots from last year.

Zillow says relative affordability and job growth will be the key drivers among the most competitive markets for buyers in 2025.

The National Association of Realtors named Greenville, South Carolina, as a top housing market. Agent Nick Carlson explains affordability and migration.

Zillow’s 10 hottest housing markets of 2025 have just been released, and Charlotte made the list at #7, staying steady from last year. Zillow forecasts home values to rise 3.2% in the metro over the course of 2025.

With steep competition to find a home in the new year, these cities offer affordable options for buyers in the housing market.