Phoenix Real Estate Market Overview

By Robin Rothstein

(Last Updated – 4/2025)

The enduring appeal of Phoenix — including its modest cost of living and higher quality of life — is still going strong.

In fact, Phoenix is now the fifth largest city in the U.S., with some 4.8 million people residing in the Phoenix metro area as of 2025 — an increase of nearly 2 million residents in just the last 25 years.

That steady growth reflects some of the key factors that draw people to the Valley of the Sun. Thanks to its desert locale, the city hasn’t been as constrained by land limitations, so businesses have been able to expand and provide job opportunities across a diversity of sectors, from tourism to financial services.

While Phoenix has become known for its sprawl, the average commute time is still less than 25 minutes, and it has a well-deserved reputation for its access to nature — with 41,000 acres of desert parks and preserves, and 200-plus miles of hiking trails. No wonder younger people (the average age here is about 35) want to call Phoenix home. If you’re raising a family, you can rest easy knowing that Phoenix has 325 public schools and 200 charter and private schools to choose from.

Although Phoenix can be a competitive market — and home values remain high, as they are throughout most U.S. markets — real estate prices are showing a modest 1% drop in early 2025, according to Zillow, signalling some breathing room. In the past year, the median sale price of about $413,083 is notably lower than the median list price of about $469,667. Here’s what you need to know if you’re looking to buy in Phoenix.

Overall Phoenix Market Trends

When it comes to local housing market trends, it pays to keep an eye on various factors when considering a home purchase in Phoenix. Neighborhood prices can vary, and it’s important to bear in mind that the white hot surge — which brought median home prices up to $413,000 today from $279,000 five years ago — has eased.

Unlike some other metro areas, Phoenix has seen some welcome growth in available homes for sale, with some 23,699 listings in February 2025, a 45% increase over a year ago.

Still, homebuyers can have their work cut out for them, as houses go pending in around 32 days.

Phoenix Housing Market Forecast

Like the weather, the Phoenix housing market tends to be hot, although the boost to the housing supply has had a cooling effect. While February home prices went down 1% in the Phoenix metro area compared with the prior year, prices are projected to make up that difference and rise about 1.4% by January 2026.

Demand in Phoenix

With inventory kicking up and buyer demand still relatively high, real estate experts say that Phoenix continues to be a seller’s market. That said, interest rates have not fallen as much as some buyers might have hoped in 2025, hovering at about 6.63% for a 30-year fixed mortgage.

Despite competitive home prices, though, Phoenix remains a relatively affordable place to live, with a cost of living at only 6.3% above the national average, according to the Council for Community and Economic Research’s 2024 Cost of Living Index. It is also worth noting that median home prices in Phoenix are lower than some other big cities, like Los Angeles and Portland.

If you are looking to buy into the Phoenix market, real estate experts suggest that this could be a good long-term opportunity if you find a property in your budget.

Recommended: Home Ownership Resources

Demographics of the Phoenix Market

Popular Phoenix Neighborhoods

Phoenix offers a diverse group of neighborhoods to choose from, so do your research before deciding which may be right for you.

The cost of homes, median household income, amenities, and age of residents can vary greatly by neighborhood, of course, but chances are there is a spot that will check all your boxes. Here are five popular neighborhoods in Phoenix to explore.

Recommended: Price-to-Rent Ratio in 50 Cities

Ahwatukee Foothills

This quiet, family-friendly suburb lies south of Phoenix proper. While the cost of living here can run a little higher, it’s also got a lower crime rate than other areas — as well as good schools. Ahwatukee Foothills tends to be car dependent, with few people biking or walking.

Ahwatukee Foothills Housing Market

Desert View

This well-populated, affluent suburb lies north of downtown Phoenix, and is known for its views of the famous Sonora desert. The area includes a pleasant mix of city life and a more relaxed family vibe. Horse lovers can check out equestrian ranch properties, as well. With its cafes and parks, plus very good schools, this neighborhood is convenient, safe, and comfortable.

Desert View Housing Market

Paradise Valley Village

Paradise Valley Village is a bustling, outdoor-friendly neighborhood in northeast Phoenix (and not to be confused with the town of Paradise Valley, which is closer to Scottsdale). It’s known for its golf courses, as well as the Scottsdale Greenbelt trail — a favorite with cyclists. Residents consider it a highly walkable area as well, which adds to its community feel.

Paradise Valley Village also offers plenty of big city amenities: casual dining pubs, restaurants, local artisans, and indoor shopping plazas.

Paradise Valley Village Housing Market

Camelback East

With its stunning mountain views, Camelback East Village lies between the Phoenix Mountains to the north and the Salt River to the south. It’s known for its hiking trails, access to the renowned Desert Botanical Garden as well as the Phoenix Zoo. Compared with other Phoenix areas, Camelback East has a reputation for attracting young professionals — with a lot of the nightlife, bars, and other amenities this younger demographic enjoys.

Camelback East Housing Market

Deer Valley

Deer Valley Village, which encompasses the neighborhood of Deerview, is a dynamic residential neighborhood with one of the highest livability scores in Phoenix. There are a number of popular parks for hikers and bikers (as well as families out with the kids), including Cave Buttes and the Adobe Dam Regional Park, where you can find the Adobe Mountain Train Museum. The excellent school system here is another big draw for young families.

Deer Valley Housing Market

Houston Real Estate Market Overview

By Jacqueline DeMarco

(Last Updated – 4/2025)

Houston offers residents a unique blend of southern charm and a metropolitan feel. As the fourth most populous city in the U.S., Houston has over 2.3 million residents.

Houston was also named the fifth most diverse city in America by WalletHub, and there are more than 145 languages spoken in the city.

And of course, who can forget Houston’s history of supporting space travel? Home to the Johnson Space Center, Houston has been the home base for training American astronauts for more than three decades. Houston has even earned the nickname Space City.

Houston is one of the hottest hot real estate markets in the nation, largely due to its diverse economy, thriving energy industry, and strong demand for housing.

Redfin reports that the average house price in Houston remained the same compared to the previous year, as of February 2025. Homes typically spent 58 days on the market and received two offers.

Overall Houston Market Trends

Redfin’s real estate experts consider Houston to be a fairly competitive housing market, with the median sale price in Houston being $340,000.

Some homes in Houston receive multiple offers, and more in-demand homes sell in just around 14 days. About 13.2% of homes in Houston sold for above list price last year.

Houston Housing Market Forecast

If you’re looking to make Houston your longtime home, you may be curious about what the Houston housing market forecast looks like.

According to Zillow, Houston home values have remained around the same for several years after peaking in mid-2022. Houses are taking slightly longer to sell, which means if you’re looking for something in your budget, you may be able to get a home you fall in love with in Houston. The playing field for buyers and sellers is leveling out in Space City.

Demographics of the Houston Market

Popular Houston Neighborhoods

Many bustling neighborhoods make up the large city of Houston. This city is a melting pot of culture, art, food, and entertainment.

You may find it tricky to narrow down your top picks for neighborhoods in the expansive Houston, Texas housing market, so we did the work for you and rounded up some must-know facts about five popular Houston neighborhoods.

Afton Oaks – River Oaks

Enjoy a leisurely stroll amongst the rich canopy of old-growth hardwood trees that line the streets of Afton Oaks – River Oaks while you check out the single-family homes for sale in this historically rich combined “super neighborhood.”

River Oaks has been noted as one of the best neighborhoods for home appreciation in Houston, with homes appreciating 53% over the last decade. The area has historical, often deed-restricted homes, with the convenience of close proximity to thriving cultural, retail, and professional opportunities.

Afton Oaks – River Oaks Housing Market

Greater Heights

If you’re looking for close proximity to Downtown Houston, major freeways, and hubs of entertainment and employment, then Greater Heights may be the place you’ve been dreaming of.

This diverse neighborhood has plenty of single-family homes, bungalows, and townhomes to choose from and is known for having well-kept yards.

Greater Heights Housing Market

Neartown – Montrose

This eclectic and bohemian-feeling community enjoys a rich history of attracting free-spirited and creative residents, thanks to its affordable housing options that just so happen to be in close proximity to performance and entertainment venues. This evolving community offers vintage shops, trendy restaurants, and artistic pursuits galore.

Neartown – Montrose Housing Market

Museum District

With 19 cultural institutions to explore in Houston’s Museum District, art lover residents will never be bored. The fun doesn’t stop at just fine and contemporary art.

Movie buffs can stop by the 4D theater, and kids can enjoy the interactive Children’s Museum of Houston.

Museum District Housing Market

University Place

Proximity to Rice University and the Texas Medical Center is all part of the appeal of living in the University Place neighborhood—as are the amazing retail options in the Village shopping district.

This neighborhood is known for quite expensive homes that are deed-restricted.

University Place Housing Market

Denver Real Estate Market Overview

By Jacqueline DeMarco

(Last Updated – 4/2025)

Situated at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, the mile high city of Denver has become one of the fastest growing cities in the United States—with the population recently topping over 716,500 people. The Denver climate offers mild winters and warm summers, giving the city bragging rights for having about 245 days of sunshine a year. Alongside plenty of sunny days, Denver has had one of the hottest real estate markets in the country over the past few years.

It’s no wonder people love Denver; with over 250 parks in the city and 14,000 acres of parks nearby, it is an outdoors lovers’ paradise. As the 19th largest city in the country, Denver has a walkability score of 61/100, a transit score of 45/100, and a bike score of 72/100 (it’s the 6th most bike-friendly city in the U.S.).

Denver’s cost of living is 8.6% higher than the national average, with housing expenses in particular being 30.0% higher than the national average. Denver is 153 square miles, and the population has grown in the past 15 years, although that seems to be leveling off. Keep reading to gain insight into the Denver real estate market, including average home price, market forecast, and more.

Recommended: Cost of Living in Colorado (2025)

Overall Denver Market Trends

Home values in Denver went down by 1.2% in February 2025 compared to last year, but Denver is still considered a somewhat competitive housing market.

Typical homes in the area usually sell for 1% below list price and go pending in around 45 days. Highly sought after homes sell for around the list price and normally go pending in only around seven days.

Denver Housing Market Forecast

The Denver housing market has seen high growth over the past five years, but this has flattened out since its peak in 2022. The Denver market has a history of being considered one of the best long-term real estate investments, which has created affordability problems for interested buyers.

Demographics of the Denver Market

Popular Denver Neighborhoods

Denver has 78 different neighborhoods that boast different unique offerings, meaning there is more likely to be an ideal neighborhood waiting for you. Here are a few of the most popular neighborhoods to purchase a home in Denver.

Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill, the most populated Denver neighborhood, happens to perfectly combine history with modernity. For foodies, there are a ton of hip new restaurants and bars to choose from. Parking is notoriously tough in this area, but luckily, “Cap Hill” is the most walkable neighborhood in all of Denver.

Capitol Hill Housing Market

Washington Park

This neighborhood is south of Capitol Hill, and known for its major attraction: a huge greenspace named Washington Park. But even in a city known for its outdoors spaces, living in Washington Park won’t come cheaply. It has become a popular neighborhood, and home prices have soared.

Washington Park Housing Market

Cherry Creek

If you like to avoid driving, then Cherry Creek may be the walkable neighborhood for you. This area is known for being both pedestrian- and bike-friendly, with plenty of opportunities to literally “run” errands if you so wish. It’s also a very family-friendly area, with over 200 licensed child care spots to choose from.

Cherry Creek Housing Market

Park Hill

East of downtown Denver and adjacent to the lush City Park, Park Hill is bordered by East Colfax Avenue to the south, Quebec Street to the east, and Colorado Boulevard to the west, and stretches over I-70 to the north. The area’s rich history is evident in a diverse mix of residents and architectural styles. An abundance of green spaces in parkways help keep the neighborhood cool and shady through hot summers. In fact, notable landscape architect Fredrick Law Olmstead was the designer behind the 17th Avenue Parkway in the neighborhood.

Park Hill Housing Market

Downtown / Lower Downtown (LoDo)

As the third most walkable neighborhood in Denver, you’ll surely get plenty of exercise in the Downtown neighborhood. This is a populous area of Denver, with over 18,233 residents calling this neighborhood home.

There is plenty to do and see in Downtown, as there are over 650 restaurants, bars, and coffee shops to choose from. On average, you can walk to nearly 40 of these establishments in just five minutes.

Downtown/Lower Downtown Housing Market

Las Vegas Real Estate Market Overview

By Jacqueline DeMarco

(Last Updated – 4/2025)

For many, Sin City is a place to escape to and have some fun. But for an increasing number of people (the population has risen 3.64% since the last census), Las Vegas is home. And who wouldn’t want to live in one of the hottest vacation spots around? World-class restaurants, spas, shopping, and casinos are all available to Las Vegas residents.

There is plenty of excitement to be found in Las Vegas, but there are also a lot of career opportunities. As you might expect, entertainment and hospitality are key industries, but construction, transportation, and technology jobs are also available.

In terms of affordability, the cost of living in Las Vegas has bounced around a bit recently, sometimes a percentage or two below the national average, and other times a bit above. Here, you’ll take a closer look at the real estate market, which is a big component of daily living costs. With the median home value standing at $440,000 in early 2025, it may make a great home base for you.