Hottest neighborhoods to watch in 2019

Hey there, Heartland. After years of the hottest neighborhoods in the U.S. showing up along the coasts, the 2019 housing market is heating up in the heart of the country. Looking at the year-over-year change in home values, median days on market, and the change in days on market since the previous year, our research suggests that the neighborhoods to watch in the New Year range from the Midwest to the Southwest. Here’s a peek at what’s available in the hottest neighborhoods in the U.S. right now.

This home’s finished basement even has a stylish shiplap wall. See more photos here.

Southeast Colorado Springs

$350,000

Home values grew 12.6% in 2018

Strong job growth and a young buying market pushed Colorado Springs to the top of our list of hottest hoods. But with neighborhoods like Southeast Colorado Springs, the job growth and young buyers are only part of the picture. This is a place where neighbors smile, wave, and even stop for a chat and where all the greenspace (dog parks, horse parks, neighborhood parks and, of course, Pike National Forest) makes getting outdoors a pleasure. There’s also a view of majestic Pikes Peak within walking distance from any home in the neighborhood.

Take a tour of this cozy, Arts and Crafts home for a peek at its pass-through kitchen, huge finished basement, and all-American backyard.

You’re going to want to pull up a chair in this sunroom. See more photos here.

Alger Heights

$219,000

Where home values grew 16.2% in 2018

Located just 30 miles east of Lake Michigan, Grand Rapids, Michigan is known for its proximity to some of the world’s most beautiful shorelines, its thriving arts community, and its affordable homes. Alger Heights, in the heart of the metro area, is a neighborhood the locals love for its walkability to parks and grocery stores. With well-cared-for houses, friendly neighbors, and fun restaurants like The Old Goat and Sweet Melissa’s Ice Cream, it’s a good place to call home.

This four-bedroom, three-bath home has some seriously delightful features: skylights, a finished basement, and a very chic fireplace. What more could you ask?

Wait until you see the view of the river from the backyard. See more photos here.

Normandy Estate

$219,000

Home values grew 13.2% in 2018

There’s a lot to love about Jacksonville, Florida’s beachy vibe and young energy (the median age there is 38). But it’s also a green city, with nearly half of the town under a tree canopy. If that unbeatable combo of sun, surf, and shade weren’t enough to draw you, the conveniently located Normandy Estate neighborhood might seal the deal. Locals love this safe, dog-friendly area where kids can often be seen playing outside.

Speaking of playing outside, this sweet brick ranch’s treelined streets are begging you to come over and soak up that Florida sunshine. As are its French doors the lead to a cookout-ready deck.

You gotta love a bathroom with a separate tub and shower. See more photos here.

Southeast Austin

$249,500

Home values grew 16.0% in 2018

Austin draws people to it like a big, Texas-sized magnet. Home to the original Whole Foods, Barton Springs and SXSW, it’s also a town of beautiful neighborhoods. Locals love Southeast Austin‘s easy access to Zilker Park and Town Lake. Packed with restaurants and coffee shops, and across the street from McKinney Falls State Park, this is the neighborhood to browse for an affordable Austin home in the middle of everything.

This tidy home is full of modern touches. It also has a brand-new fence around its spacious backyard, and a great community pool nearby.

This unique home is full of mini windows that let in so much natural light. See more photos here.

Agritopia

$288,000

Where home values grew 14.6% in 2018

The planned community of Agritopia is located in Gilbert, Arizona, which is in the metro area of one of our hottest cities, Phoenix. From the way locals describe it, Agritopia is as close to an actual utopia as neighborhoods get, with tree-lined streets, friendly neighbors, outdoor lifestyle amenities, and picket fences. Gilbert is also home to Power Ranch, the winner of the 2018 Trulia Neighborly Award for being the kid-friendliest neighborhood in the country.

Find your own little slice of heaven in this three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom home with its modern open floor plan, beautiful wood-plank tile floors, and a sky-high living room ceiling.

This cutie makes great use of space and is budget-friendly. And the big backyard is definitely fun-friendly. See more photos here.

South Kilbourne

$125,000

Home values grew 14.5% in 2018

Columbia, South Carolina is a thriving southern city with excellent restaurants, a vibrant nightlife, and sporting events ranging from basketball’s March Madness to college football. Located in the middle of town is South Kilbourne. This affordable neighborhood gives homeowners easy access to the city center and places like the Williams-Brice Stadium (home of the Gamecocks) and the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

At 1,350 square feet, this starter home is priced just right. It’s perfect for people who prefer the simplicity of a smaller home but want a backyard big enough to throw some Carolina-style barbecues.

Ready to come home to one of the country’s hottest neighborhoods? See what’s available, here on Trulia.