Zillow’s hottest housing markets for 2016

As the U.S. housing market continues its recovery, there are some markets that are leading the way based on income growth and steady employment. In this article, Catherine Sherman of Zillow highlights ten of the strongest housing markets for 2016.

Housing experts predict U.S. home value growth around 3.5 percent this year. But which markets are leading the charge?

To determine the hottest real estate markets for 2016, we looked at the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) Forecast, recent income growth and current unemployment rates. These variables were scaled and combined equally to form a “hotness score.”

Here’s a look at some of the top metros:

Denver, Colorado. The ZHVI is expected to increase 5 percent year-over-year in the Denver metro, where the unemployment rate is a low 3.1 percent. Neighborhoods in Aurora, CO – Delmar Parkway, Highline Villages and Centretech – are the hottest. Denver’s Ruby Hill is also among the metro’s hottest ‘hoods.

Seattle, Washington. In Seattle, the ZHVI is expected to rise 5.4 percent year-over-year. Northwest Bellevue is the area’s hottest neighborhood with the median home value predicted to increase 9.2 percent to $1.15 million year-over-year. Seattle’s University District, Holly Park and Olympic Manor are also hot spots.

Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. The Dallas-Fort Worth market is holding strong with a 4 percent unemployment rate and solid income growth. The median home value is also expected to go up by 5.6 percent year-over-year, according to the ZHVI Forecast. Holford, Oak Lawn and M Streets are the hottest neighborhoods.

Richmond, Virginia. Richmond, VA is seeing the strongest income growth of the top 10 markets, and unemployment is low. The housing market is also expected to be hot, with the ZHVI increasing 2.2 percent year-over-year. Church Hill, Carytown and The Fan should be the hottest hoods in terms of home value growth.

Sacramento, California. Sacramento’s median home value is predicted to rise 5.1 percent year-over-year. The Southeast Village, Folsom Road and Hagginwood neighborhoods should lead the way with a ZHVI Forecast over 8 percent.

Portland, Oregon. Portland, OR is the 10th hottest market for 2016 with the median home value expected to rise 5 percent. Woodlawn is predicted to have the most home value growth (7.2 percent year-over-year), followed by Parkrose (7.1 percent) and Sumner (7 percent).

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