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Realtor.com reveals a dramatic geographic shift in America's top real estate markets with Rochester, New York claiming the number 2 position, reflecting strong fundamentals, affordability, and buyer demand. According to Realtor.com research released December 10, 2025, the top three housing markets for 2026 are: Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford Connecticut (1st), Rochester New York (2nd), and Worcester Massachusetts-Connecticut (3rd).
The 2026 market shift reflects changing buyer priorities. Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com stated we expect a more balanced housing market in 2026, leaning slightly in buyers favor compared with 2025. The top ten markets share key characteristics: relative affordability with median list prices averaging 384,000 (below national median of 415,000), persistent inventory shortages, lower mortgage lock-in pressure, and financially qualified buyers with stronger credit profiles.
For 2026, Realtor.com forecasts Rochester will see 5.3% growth in home sales and 10.3% appreciation in home values, combining for 15.5% total projected growth.
Geographic value migration is pronounced, with out-of-state buyer interest at 40% of listing views, nearly double the 31% rate from 2022. Buyers from New York City, Boston, and Washington D.C. seek the combination of affordability, stability, and space that Rochester offers.
Strong buyer demographics position Rochester favorably: average FICO credit scores of 742 (vs 737 nationally), down payments averaging 15.7% (vs 14.6% nationally), and conforming loan percentages at 74% (vs 58% nationally). In Rochester, today's buyers would pay 32.5-56.4% more in principal and interest payments compared to current homeowners (nationally 73.2%), reducing barriers to moving and supporting transaction volumes.
The median home in Rochester was built in 1966, with most homes smaller than national average. Limited new construction combined with older, smaller housing stock creates strong price support. Residents tend to be older than national average with demographic stability reinforcing price strength and market resilience.
When new homes become available in Rochester, they command significant price premiums at least double the national average of 10.2%, making development particularly attractive for contractors.
Rochester's ranking as 2nd top housing market signals opportunities for construction and real estate professionals: strong demand for renovation, development, and construction services; premium opportunities through new construction commanding significant price premiums; renovation market growth from limited supply and aging housing stock; and sustained demand from continued migration to Rochester from high-cost metros.
Rochester ranks second nationally for combined home sales and price appreciation growth, positioned between Hartford Connecticut (1st, 17.1% combined growth) and Worcester Massachusetts-Connecticut (3rd, 15.0% combined growth).
Sources: Realtor.com 2026 Top Housing Markets Rankings, released December 10, 2025
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