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.

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.

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,

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.

For the second year in a row, Buffalo has topped Zillow’s annual list of hottest housing markets. Zillow Group Inc. (NASDAQ: ZG) recently released its 2025 hottest housing markets list, which analyzes the nation’s 50 largest metro areas. The Queen City ranked first, followed by Indianapolis and Providence, Rhode Island, respectively.

For the first time, the same metro area tops Zillow’s forecast of the hottest housing markets in back-to-back years. Where? Buffalo, NY, which is known for its relative affordability and limited housing supply,

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