Best Real Estate Markets in 2025
Introduction to the Top Markets
Five of the nation’s top 10 real estate markets for 2025 are within Dallas-Fort Worth, and a Collin County city sits at the top of the list. Personal finance company WalletHub released its Best Real Estate Markets (2025) report earlier this week. McKinney took the top spot. The remaining four D-FW cities are in the northern portion of the region.
Top 10 Real Estate Markets
The top ten are:
- McKinney
- Cary, N.C.
- Irvine, Calif.
- Durham, N.C.
- Richardson
- Frisco
- Gilbert, Ariz.
- Nashville, Tenn.
- Denton
- Allen
Understanding the Rankings
WalletHub examined 300 cities of varying sizes across 17 key indicators of housing-market attractiveness and economic strength to determine the nation’s top local real estate market. Examined data sets include median home price appreciation to job growth.
McKinney’s Success
McKinney took the top spot in part because of its recent growth, said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo. “McKinney has the second-highest share of houses that were built between 2010 and 2023, at roughly 38%, which means that new buyers have a lot of options for houses that may not need major maintenance for a while,” he said. “In addition, McKinney ranks among the 40 least expensive cities for maintenance and telephone, and energy costs. To top things off, McKinney has the 11th-highest job growth rate in the nation, at nearly 21% annually.”
Affordability and Growth
The report notes that the median home price in McKinney is 365% of the median income — which ranks 74th out of the 300 cities. It’s not the cheapest city to move to, but it is far from the most expensive. Frisco, Richardson, Denton and Allen also showed similar strong new-construction activity, which supports long-term growth, Lupo said. North Texas is appealing to both buyers and investors.
Dallas-Fort Worth Metro Area
“The Dallas-Fort Worth metro area stands out as a strong real estate market largely because of a combination of new housing inventory, ongoing development and solid local economies,” he said. McKinney was also named the nation’s best place to rent by RentCafe earlier this year. That report noted that McKinney ranked high on affordability and quality of life. The city also has a large share of high-end apartments, consistent job growth, a large park system and excellent schools.
McKinney’s Population Growth
McKinney’s population is nearly 228,000, according to the latest U.S. Census estimates. Since 2020, the city’s population has increased by more than 16%. This growth is a testament to the city’s appeal and the strength of the local real estate market.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Dallas-Fort Worth area is home to some of the nation’s top real estate markets, with McKinney taking the top spot. The city’s recent growth, affordability, and strong job market make it an attractive option for buyers and investors. As the population continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how the real estate market in McKinney and the surrounding areas evolves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the top 10 real estate markets in 2025?
A: The top 10 real estate markets in 2025 are: McKinney, Cary, N.C., Irvine, Calif., Durham, N.C., Richardson, Frisco, Gilbert, Ariz., Nashville, Tenn., Denton, and Allen.
Q: Why did McKinney take the top spot?
A: McKinney took the top spot due to its recent growth, with the second-highest share of houses built between 2010 and 2023, and its strong job market, with the 11th-highest job growth rate in the nation.
Q: What makes the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area a strong real estate market?
A: The Dallas-Fort Worth metro area stands out as a strong real estate market due to a combination of new housing inventory, ongoing development, and solid local economies.
Q: What is the population of McKinney?
A: McKinney’s population is nearly 228,000, according to the latest U.S. Census estimates.
Q: How has McKinney’s population grown since 2020?
A: Since 2020, McKinney’s population has increased by more than 16%.
