Washington, D.C., September 23, 2025
News Summary
Recent data indicates a slight rise in homeownership among Americans, now at 66%. This trend is influenced by changing buyer behaviors and a shift towards lower-cost living areas. The U.S. real estate market is seeing increased interest in diverse neighborhoods, with some traditionally expensive areas regaining their allure. While homeownership rates are improving, affordability remains a challenge for first-time buyers, with median home prices significantly higher than in previous years.
Washington, D.C. – The percentage of Americans reporting homeownership increased slightly to 66% in early 2024, reflecting notable changes in the U.S. real estate market. Following a surge in activity since 2020, many individuals are now seeking lower-cost-of-living areas, causing shifts in both buyer behaviors and neighborhood popularity.
Real estate analysis firm, Find a Neighborhood, utilizing data and estimates from FindaNeighborhood.com, CNBC, and HouseFresh, found that some neighborhoods gained significant online traction, resulting in notable interest from potential buyers, investors, and sellers. Trends indicate that while house-hunting persists, the types of neighborhoods attracting interest are diversifying.
In early 2024, after a shrinking period in 2022, relatively expensive northeastern cities, towns, and neighborhoods began resuming their appeal. For instance, Woodmont, a coastal neighborhood in Milford, Connecticut, emerged as the most viewed neighborhood in January 2025, accumulating online listing views totaling 3.5 times the amount of the median U.S. real estate listing. Conversely, Beverly Crest, a luxury area in Los Angeles, has a median home price of $5.2 million, with listings receiving 3.2 times the traffic of the median U.S. listing.
Other neighborhoods capturing attention include Mt. Lebanon, a suburb of Pittsburgh with a median listing price of around $384,000, drawing three times the online traffic of the median U.S. listing. Boynton Beach, Florida, offers affordable listings starting at about $341,250, contrasting with the high-end resort community northeast of Charleston, South Carolina, which boasts a median home price of $1.66 million, attracting both casual browsers and serious buyers.
As urban areas become pricier, neighborhoods like Northeast Dallas received 36,113 daily views in 2023, indicating that many families are now priced out of more expensive urban spots. Hollywood Hills remains in high demand with 32,216 daily views in 2023, although its median home price hovers around $2.3 million. Other attractive neighborhoods witnessing significant interest include Camelback East in Phoenix, with over 30,000 daily views, and La Jolla in San Diego at 25,735 daily views, known for its scenic attractions.
Despite these fluctuations, the U.S. housing market continues to grapple with affordability challenges. First-time home buyers are at a historic low, attributed to the dominance of baby boomers in the housing market. Currently, more than 54% of homes are owned by seniors, many of whom do not hold a mortgage, thereby restricting housing inventory.
As costs soar, the median home price climbed from about $343,806 in inflation-adjusted 2006 to $410,100 in 2024. This price escalation significantly inhibits family expansion; economists have highlighted a correlation between home prices and family size, noting that the declining birth rate in the U.S. has fallen below 1.6 children per woman, partially driven by increasing housing costs.
Additionally, while there has been a reduction in mortgage rates, the housing market is still constrained by high existing home prices and limited new inventory, influencing overall demand and economic conditions. The changing trends signify that while homeownership rates are rising, the landscape of buyers, sellers, and neighborhoods remains dynamic and complex.
FAQs
What is the current homeownership rate in the United States?
The percentage of Americans reporting homeownership increased slightly to 66% in early 2024.
What has impacted the U.S. real estate market post-2020?
The U.S. real estate market experienced a surge in activity following 2020, with many individuals seeking lower-cost-of-living areas.
Which neighborhoods have gained online attention?
Some neighborhoods gaining significant online attention include Woodmont in Connecticut, Beverly Crest in Los Angeles, and Mt. Lebanon in Pittsburgh.
Key Features of the U.S. Housing Market in 2024
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Homeownership Rate | 66% as of early 2024 |
| Most Viewed Neighborhood (January 2025) | Woodmont, Milford, Connecticut – 3.5 times median U.S. listing views |
| Median Home Price | $410,100 in 2024 |
| Area with Highest Daily Views | Northeast Dallas – 36,113 views in 2023 |
| First-Time Homebuyer Status | At historic low due to high costs |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
South Carolina Achieves Record Homeownership Assistance
Fluctuations in Hilton Head Island Home Values
Rising Home Prices and Expanding Opportunities for Homebuyers
Savannah City Council Approves Zoning Amendment for Affordable Housing
Sun Belt Migration Slowdown: Key Insights
St. Helena Gullah Community Housing Project Tackles Urgent Repairs
Exciting Growth in Portland’s Real Estate Market: Home Sales Surge by 22%
Additional Resources
- Fortune: Boomers in the Housing Market
- Wikipedia: Housing Market
- HousingWire: U.S. Birth Rate Hits Record Low
- Google Search: Current Housing Market Trends
- Forbes: Housing Market Predictions
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Real Estate
- Redfin: Is Now a Good Time to Buy a House?
- Google News: Housing Market 2025
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
