Redfin Predicts the Hottest Neighborhoods of 2016

Will Fassinger

“Real estate pioneers are flocking to West End because it’s in a great location, situated on the Weside Trail with plenty of green space, parks and close proximity to the Beltline. People also like West End because it has beautiful, historic Queen Anne, Folk Victorian and bungalow homes with lots of character that are being restored with modern amenities.”

Andrew Vallejo

“Hyde Park is a quiet, tree-lined neighborhood with a mix of modern and classic Craftsman homes that suit many types of buyers. It has always been a popular neighborhood, but it has become even more competitive over the last few years due to the revitalization of the surrounding area. Austin’s community college system recently purchased a nearby vacant mall and has developed a portion of the complex into a new campus, and will develop the remaining portion into private mixed-use space. As a result, new eateries, retail shops, bars and public spaces are cropping up in the area. Hyde Park residents are a short distance from the action, and still have the benefit of their subdued neighborhood to come home to.”

Chris Calabretta

“While Hampden has always been home to locally-owned shops and restaurants, the food scene has taken off over the past few years and I think that has attracted more buyers to the neighborhood. The major appeal for my buyers is that houses are relatively affordable and have a historical touch and lots of potential to upgrade into a dream home. Hampden is a village in the city, which appeals to buyers who want to live in the city, but like the sense of community of a small town. When I think of the Hampden area, I think of good food, great art and a community of quirky, but extremely welcoming people.”

Antonia Ketabchi

“For a long time, it seemed like people didn’t know about the homes in Parkside, but that’s changing. Buyers are drawn in by the highly-ranked schools and proximity to transit – the Grosvenor Metro station is really the heart of this nieghborhood. Located on the thouroughfare connecting Bethesda and Rockville, it lacks its own character, but is convenient to both of those communities. With condos priced around $300,000 and newer four-level luxury townhomes running from $1 million to $1.8 million, the neighborhood really has a mix of home prices that suit all types of buyers.”

Nancy McLaughlin

“I grew up in Medford and am excited to see that it’s widely desired for a number of reasons. It borders Cambridge and Somerville, two well-established cities that are too expensive for many buyers, making Medford the next best choice. For a long time Medford didn’t have commercial centers with shops, restaurants and other amenities. Due to the revitalization of Assembly Row and growth in Station Landing, Medford has more amenities that are drawing first-time buyers and empty nesters alike.”

Niko Voutsinas

“Ukrainian Village itself is tranquil, but bordered on all four sides by business and nightlife corridors. For someone who wants a single-family home while still enjoying city life, the location is ideal. Plus, the homes have very high curb appeal, as compared to adjacent neighborhoods. Much of Ukrainian Village is landmarked, so you’ll find brick and stone housing built in the late 1800s, rather than the trendier (and more expensive) new construction condos nearby and on the neighborhood’s main thoroughfares.”

Mark Riede

“There has been a recent influx of major companies relocating to Plano – Toyota being one of the most notable – which has caused a huge increase in the number of out-of-state buyers moving to the area. A lot of new residents begin their search in neighborhoods around Frisco, but the competition there is very steep right now and prices are skyrocketing. Many people shift their searches to other nearby neighborhoods that have easy commutes to Plano and more affordable housing options, and Park Forest is a great example of that. The houses are mature, yet well-kept and close to major highways, and the nearby school systems are all very highly ranked.”

Megan Leddy

“One of the few bang-for-your-buck neighborhoods left in Denver, Barnum allows easy access to the city, the foothills and the W-Line of the Light Rail. With amazing views of the city from Barnum Park and plenty of restaurant options along Federal Boulevard, this neighborhood offers a lot for people looking to buy a 1950s-era single-family home close to downtown.”

Tara Waggoner

“Norhill is one of the more charming neighborhoods in Houston, filled with classic Craftsman bungalows and plenty of character. Though most homes are older, the neighborhood is also undergoing major upgrades that have been drawing in new residents and families. Soon the light rail will extend to the neighborhood providing fast and easy access to the city center. New businesses have been popping up along Main Street and the city has been expanding local parks like the White Oak Bayou Greenway. Many buyers are moving to Norhill to take advantage of these improvements and stay within a short drive of downtown via the major highways that run just east and south of the neighborhood.”

Nicole Lazarski

“Las Vegas homebuyers are flocking to Desert Shores. This community, located west of the strip, is surrounded by four lakes, walking trails and parks. One of the reasons Desert Shoes is so attractive to buyers is its accessibility to the entire city – you’re just 20 minutes from Red Rock Canyon or the strip. Marche Bacchus, a favorite restaurant among locals, is just down the street. This community has a wide range of real estate options from condos to luxury homes, so there is something for every price range.”

Earnest Watts

“The neighborhoods of Northeast L.A. have been hot for a while now. In fact, Mt. Washington is located between two past winners of the “hottest neighborhood” title: Eagle Rock and Highland Park. Mt. Washington is actually one of the more expensive neighborhoods on the Eastside but many buyers are drawn to the area for the incredible city views and the stellar reputation of Mt. Washington Elementary School.”

Cecilia Cordova

“A lot of people want to live in Coral Gables but can’t afford the homes there, so they are turning to neighborhoods nearby like Coral Terrace, Sunset and Granada. In Coral Terrace and Granada you’ll find Spanish-style homes built in the mid-century, which would be much more expensive if they were located just a few blocks away in Coral Gables. The homes in Sunset are newer and have large lots and generous square footage. All three neighborhoods have easy access to the highways that go to downtown Miami and Brickell, making them attractive to commuters.”

Chris Prescott

“Located between Lake Hiawatha and Minnehaha Falls, Ericsson offers a multitude of outdoor activities in the summer and winter. Residents also find themselves along the METRO Blue Line, which provides easy access to downtown. Single-family homes in Ericsson tend to be on the small side, but the convenience and price are hard to beat.”

Mel Priess

“It’s no surprise to see Eastwood as the second hottest neighborhood in the nation, because it’s situated in East Nashville, which is absolutely on fire! Eastwood is seeing tons of interest from millennials and investors, many of whom are buying homes and offering them as rentals on sites like Airbnb or VRBO. Eastwood offers residents a short commute to downtown and is a destination itself with places like 3 Crow Bar, The Nashville Biscuit House, Red Door Saloon, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, The 5 Spot and The Pharmacy attracting people from all around Nashville.”

Davey Cetina

“Located just next to Trestle Glen and Crocker Highlands, Glenview boasts many of the same amenities as those already-hot areas, but has more affordable home prices.This neighborhood features many rennovated, single-family homes with three to four bedrooms on large lots. The commercial district is just a short walk, and with downtown San Francisco just a 30-minute bus ride away, many people are flocking to the area for the convenient commute and easy access to other popular Oakland neighborhoods.”

Kim O’Hare

“El Camino Real is located right in the heart of Irvine. Buyers are flocking there because it’s convenient to great restaurants and has easy freeway access. In addition to having great amenities nearby, the neighborhood is also within the highly-rated Irvine Unified School District. While Irvine has seen a lot of new development in recent years, consisting mostly of two-story houses on small lots, what’s really driving Camino Real’s popularity are the spacious single-level homes located on large lots.”

Maia Dubinsky

“Midtown is the hottest neighborhood in Ventura, primarilly due to its diverse architecture that includes popular mid-century modern, Spanish bungalow and Craftsman homes. Today’s buyers no longer care as much for the cookie-cutter style of tract homes that have become so prevalent, but instead have a greater appreciation for the local charm and unique character that this area has to offer. Combine the laid-back atmosphere of this peaceful beach town and its proximity to all that downtown Ventura has to offer, and it’s no suprise this neighborhood is seeing especially high demand.”

Minh Che

“Graduate Hospital has become one of the most popular neighborhoods in Philadelphia. It has the luxury of being a short distance from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, as well as UPenn and Drexel University. The city recently extended the Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk – a walking and biking trail that runs along the river from Graduate Hospital way up past the art museum and boat house row and into Manayunk. There is easy access to highways 676 and 76 to get yourself across or out of town and plenty of parks and squares throughout the neighborhood. Buyers won’t find a bargain here, but they’ll get a well-established neighborhood with tree-lined streets, restaurants, bars and pubs that sits quite close to Center City.”

Scott Dempsey

“I’ve lived in Clemente Ranch for the past eight years and people are growing fonder of the area because of its highly rated schools and improving home values. As the Valley continues to grow and homes are built further into the outskirts of the city, Clemente Ranch is becoming even more of a central location. It’s a mile from the freeway, with easy access to Tempe, downtown Phoenix and Scottsdale. It’s near Intel, a major employer in the area, and within a couple miles of Downtown Chandler and some incredible restaurants like San Tan Brewery, Vintage 95 Wine Lounge, Chops Steakhouse and the Perch Brewery. Tumbleweed Recreation Center and Snedigar park are within a two mile radius of Clemente Ranch, and  both offer open fields and courts for club and recreational sports, as well as enormous parks where people can enjoy outdoor activities at their own pace.”

Matthew Brennan

“Foster-Powell is undergoing a lot of revitalization. Many homes in the area have been renovated and many older commercial buildings are now mixed-use spaces including new condos, bars and restaurants. The area is just a few miles from the center of downtown but remains one of the more affordable parts of inner Portland, making it highly desirable.”

Allen Wyde

“Cary Park has newer homes, since the area has been developed over the past 15 years. It really became popular when I-540 was completed, giving residents easy access to the Research Triangle. With a variety of single-family homes and condo units for sale, it hits price points ranging from $100,000 to over $1 million, making it appealing to a variety of buyers. Throw in well-rated schools, several local parks, a community pool and an amenity-rich homeowners association, and it’s easy to see why Cary Park is hot.”

Roy Eriksen

“The Wood Streets is the most charming neighborhood in Riverside. Each of the streets is named after a different type of tree. The streets are wide and lined with mature palm trees and magnolias and the homes are a mix of Spanish and Craftsman bungalows set on large lots. While still a commute to L.A. and the O.C., many folks are moving here because you can still find a spacious, unique home for under $400,000. The neighborhood is also close to downtown and the rapidly growing community college.”

Melanie Salas

“Midtown has risen in popularity over the last few years due in part to its close proximity to The Pearl, an 1800s brewery that has been revitalized and transformed into a sprawling mixed-use residential, office, retail and entertainment district. The Pearl has become a mini-downtown of sorts for the Midtown neighborhood. Midtown is also a popular spot because it has a versatile inventory; you could easily find a historic mansion down the street from a quaint 2-bedroom home.”

Jordan Clarke

“People really want to live along the Highway 56 corridor because it’s situated close to major employers like Qualcomm and many biotech companies. Buyers have become priced out of other neighborhoods and are getting pushed further east, which is why Carmel Mountian is so hot right now. It’s still on the 56 corridor but you get more for your money there compared to neighborhoods closer to the coast.”

Mark Colwell

“More affordable than the Mission, the Outer Mission has continued to see a rise in popularity. This neighborhood is one of the few places in San Francisco where you can still find a single-family home for about $1 million. And with just a short five-mile commute to downtown and Silicon Valley to the south, many young professionals are attracted to the neighborhood for both its affordability and easy commute.”

Angela Langone

“The big draw to the Milpitas area is that it is located right across the 237 from Mountain View where many hi-tech companies operate, including of course, Google. But the real reason it’s gaining popularity right now has to do with all the new construction. There are a lot of condos and single family homes that have been built recently. These new construction properties are not only affordable, but they also boast a great commute. Many of my buyers prioritize this area for those very reasons.”

Dorothee Graham

“Redfin noted that Roosevelt was heating up in 2014, and it has gotten even more popular recently because its prime location offers a little bit of everything Seattle has to offer. Roosevelt has quick access to Green Lake, Cowen Park and Ravenna Park, where ravines, bridges overlooking streams and old growth Bigleaf Maple and Coast Redwood trees are minutes away. Many of the homes in Roosevelt have breathtaking views, and some of the best Green Lake views in the city can be found above 75th Street. Roosevelt touches the interstate, so people have easy access to downtown Seattle or can easily escape for the weekend, and it’s the future destination of a new light rail stop.”

Lindsay Weingart

“West End is seeing an uptick in interest because you can still find affordable homes with some of the best views of the Puget Sound in Tacoma. West Tacoma is really hot in general right now, especially among first-time homebuyers and people looking to upgrade from condos, due to its affordability and diverse available inventory.”

Kristi Penrod

“La Canada – Magee is seeing a lot of turnover right now as longtime homeowners downsize and create inventory for first-time buyers searching for homes outside of the city. Neighborhoods like this with large homes built 30 to 40 years ago often appeal to people who want more space than what you typically find closer to Tucson. Plus, La Canada – Magee has highly ranked schools and fast access to downtown via Route 77, making for a short commute.”

Rory Obletz

“Mount Pleasant has it all. The charming, Wardman-style townhomes tend to be larger than rowhouses in other parts of the city, and most have alley access with parking. The neighborhood has great tree cover and highly-ranked schools, offers retail on Mt. Pleasant Street, is next to Rock Creek Park and the National Zoo. It feels tucked away, but offers travel options for commuters via Rock Creek Parkway, bus routes and relatively easy access to the Columbia Heights Metro station. The market has been hot for the past few years and it shows no signs of slowing down. Bidding wars are the standard.”

Delray Valle

“People often start their searches in Wellington or Royal Palm, but quickly realize they can find the same style and similar floorplans in slightly older homes for a lower price in Riverwalk, because all three communities were built by the same developer. Just a 10-minute drive from Wellington, Riverwalk is one of DiVosta Homes’ most established communities, with smaller streets that help create a sense of community. It also has easy access to the highway and nearby amenities.”