Source: Sansert Sangsakawrat / Getty
As the housing market experiences a seasonal shift, Lafayette-West Lafayette, Fort Wayne, and Elkhart-Goshen are stand outs. They are on the list of notable markets according to the Winter 2024 Wall Street Journal/Realtor.com Emerging Housing Markets Index.
Source: Nicholas Klein / Getty
In this quarter’s list of the top 20 emerging housing markets, Lafayette-West Lafayette claims the 7th spot, boasting a 3.3% unemployment rate and a median home price of $310,000.
Following closely is Fort Wayne at 10th place, with a 3.4% unemployment rate and a median home price of $300,000.
Elkhart-Goshen ranks 12th, with a 4.1% unemployment rate and a median home price of $260,000.
Source: Nicholas Klein / Getty
These cities reflect a national trend where demand outweighs supply, resulting in price growth and a fast-paced market. Despite rising prices, Midwest cities like these continue to attract attention.
As buyers broaden their search, there’s a growing interest in looking beyond major cities. Lafayette-West Lafayette, Fort Wayne, and Elkhart-Goshen are drawing significant attention as buyers explore diverse options. Their inclusion in the top emerging markets highlights their appeal amidst changing market dynamics.
Source: Nicholas Klein / Getty
Here are the top 20 housing markets for Winter 2024:
| Rank | Metro | Population | Unemployment Rate (%) | Median Home Listing Price December 2023 |
| 1 | Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, Calif. | 443,837 | 4.1% | $1,795,000 |
| 2 | Jefferson City, Mo. | 150,350 | 2.7% | $302,000 |
| 3 | Canton-Massillon, Ohio | 399,316 | 3.8% | $230,000 |
| 4 | Racine, Wis. | 195,846 | 4.0% | $334,000 |
| 5 | Oshkosh-Neenah, Wis. | 170,718 | 2.9% | $295,000 |
| 6 | Springfield, Ohio | 134,831 | 3.7% | $200,000 |
| 7 | Lafayette-West Lafayette, Ind. | 226,452 | 3.3% | $310,000 |
| 8 | Columbus, Ohio | 2,161,511 | 3.2% | $360,000 |
| 9 | Johnson City, Tenn. | 210,256 | 3.6% | $370,000 |
| 10 | Fort Wayne, Ind. | 426,076 | 3.4% | $300,000 |
| 11 | Concord, N.H. | 156,020 | 2.3% | $575,000 |
| 12 | Elkhart-Goshen, Ind. | 206,890 | 4.1% | $260,000 |
| 13 | Rockford, Ill. | 335,342 | 6.7% | $200,000 |
| 14 | Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol, Tenn.-Va. | 311,272 | 3.6% | $319,000 |
| 15 | Akron, Ohio | 697,627 | 3.8% | $215,000 |
| 16 | Topeka, Kan. | 231,783 | 2.9% | $227,000 |
| 17 | Toledo, Ohio | 640,384 | 4.1% | $175,000 |
| 18 | Portland-South Portland, Maine | 561,576 | 2.5% | $600,000 |
| 19 | Manchester-Nashua, N.H. | 426,594 | 2.3% | $550,000 |
| 20 | Reading, Pa. | 430,449 | 3.7% | $317,000 |
