Zillow and Redfin data reveal the fastest-rising home values in 2026, with Indianapolis leading a decade-long surge and Hartford named the hottest market.
Zillow’s decade-over-decade analysis shows Indianapolis posting the largest median-home-value gain among large U.S. cities, climbing 119.2 % between 2016 and 2026. The city ranks fourth on Construction Coverage’s large-city list, underscoring sustained demand in the Midwest despite elevated mortgage rates.
Redfin data for the twelve months ending October 2026 place Baton Rouge, LA at the top of the fastest-growing sales-price list with a 22.3 % increase. Akron, OH follows at 21.9 %, Charleston, SC at 20.6 %, and San Francisco, CA at 19.4 %. These year-over-year gains contrast with softer markets such as Cleveland, where Zillow’s Home Value Index fell 2.3 %.
Zillow’s 2026 outlook names Hartford, CT as the nation’s hottest market. The metro is projected to see continued price appreciation even as affordability improves across 41 of the 50 largest metros. The forecast assumes no broad depreciation; instead, rising wages and moderating price growth are expected to ease payment burdens.
Live FRED figures as of 15 October 2026 show the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at 7.4 %, the 15-year at 6.71 %, and the 10-year Treasury at 5.09 %, producing a 2.31 % spread. Higher-for-longer financing costs continue to favor markets with strong job growth and relatively affordable entry prices.
Redfin’s inbound-migration data for April–June 2026 illustrate shifting demand. Las Vegas recorded a net inflow of 9,600 households, followed by Sarasota (5,900), Orlando (5,700), Miami (5,200), and Sacramento (5,200). These inflows align with metros that appear on both appreciation and migration lists, reinforcing the link between population movement and price momentum.
| Metro | Net Inflow (Apr–Jun 2026) |
|---|---|
| Las Vegas, NV | 9,600 |
| Sarasota, FL | 5,900 |
| Orlando, FL | 5,700 |
| Miami, FL | 5,200 |
| Sacramento, CA | 5,200 |
Redfin also reports elevated cancellation rates in several high-growth metros, including Tampa, San Antonio, Atlanta, Orlando, Fort Worth, Riverside, and Fort Lauderdale. The data suggest buyers are becoming more selective as monthly payments remain elevated at current 7.4 % 30-year fixed rates.
Indianapolis leads long-term appreciation, Hartford tops Zillow’s 2026 hot list, and Baton Rouge leads one-year price growth. For the latest personalized rate scenarios and payment estimates, readers can run live scenarios at HomeRates.ai.
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