The Art of Distinction Blog by Encore Sotheby's International Realty

Indiana cities South Bend and Fort Wayne have secured top spots in the Winter 2025 Housing Market Ranking released jointly by the Wall Street Journal and Realtor.com. This report considers December 2024 inventory levels and market data, median home prices, and the projected market data for early 2025. They ranked the top 20 housing markets in the United States, highlighting in-demand regions that offer a lower cost of living and are in or near economic hubs. On the list, South Bend was ranked #7 and Fort Wayne was ranked #14.

Wall Street Journal/Realtor.com Housing Market Ranking

The Wall Street Journal and Realtor.com evaluated the 200 most populous core-based statistical areas as measured by the U.S. Census Bureau, and defined by March 2020 delineation standards for eight indicators:

• Real estate demand
• Real estate supply
• Median listing price trend
• Property taxes
• Climate risk to properties
• Unemployment rates
• Wages
• Regional price parities
• Share of foreign-born residents
• Small businesses
• Amenities
• Commute time

The report noted several significant trends, such as limited supply and growing buyer demand in the top twenty housing markets. The vast majority of the top markets were also deemed more affordable than the national market, though prices are rising in these markets. Most of this quarter’s top markets are located in secondary metros or within commuting distance of a large metro area. Additionally, Fort Wayne was mentioned as one of only two of the top twenty markets that had an inventory level higher than the national inventory level.

Hottest Housing Markets Ranking

• #7: South Bend, Indiana
• #14: Fort Wayne, Indiana

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Encore Sotheby’s International Realty is a boutique residential real estate brokerage providing home sellers and buyers with a luxury level of service in Indiana and beyond. Specializing in the central, northeast and northwest regions of Indiana, the firm operates out of offices in Carmel, Indianapolis, Zionsville and Fort Wayne. Backed by the world-class Sotheby’s International Realty brand, clients benefit from local expertise with global reach. For all of your real estate needs, call 317.660.4444 or visit encoresothebysrealty.com.