Two New England metros beat Boston on Zillow's list of hottest housing markets for 2026

Boston Falls Short in Zillow's 2026 Housing Market Forecast

Zillow has announced its forecast for the hottest housing markets in the US, and while Boston made a significant leap from last year's No.16 ranking to this year's No.7, it still trails behind two neighboring cities: Hartford, Connecticut, and Providence, Rhode Island.

The top spot goes to Hartford, which saw inventory levels plummet 63% below pre-pandemic levels, a testament to strong buyer competition. With prices rising by 4.3%, Hartford is now the fastest-growing major metro in the country. In contrast, Boston's home values grew at a slower pace of 1.2%.

Providence, meanwhile, dropped from No.3 to No.4 but still boasts higher home values and faster growth than its Massachusetts counterpart. The Providence metropolitan area saw a 2.5% year-over-year increase in home values, while Boston's was 1.2%.

Zillow chief economist Mischa Fisher notes that "affordability is all-important" in the current market, and any improvements will depend on location. With mortgage rates expected to rise to 6%, buyers will need to act quickly to tap into the resources they have.

The report highlights Hartford's advantages over other major metros, including Buffalo (No.2) and New York City (No.3). The study ranks cities based on three factors: home price growth, market competition, and job growth related to each new home permitted.

For buyers looking to succeed in these fast-moving markets, it will require a well-coordinated strategy that leverages their team of experts, technology, and financial assistance.

Boston's still got some catchin' up to do with Hartford and Providence takin' the top spots I mean, 1.2% home value growth is solid, but it's no match for those other two cities' insane competition . And don't even get me started on mortgage rates gonna bump up to 6%! That's just a major speed bump for anyone lookin' to buy or sell in Boston. Still, gotta give credit where credit's due – Zillow's forecast is always worth keepin' an eye on

Boston is still trying to catch up with its neighboring cities . I think Hartford's numbers are insane - 63% below pre-pandemic levels? That's like, a whole different market . And yeah, affordability is key right now... it's like the ultimate game of musical chairs for homebuyers .

I'm kinda surprised Providence didn't take the top spot though . Those Rhode Island vibes are super attractive, and I can see why people would wanna move there . But I guess you gotta have a good team of experts, tech, and financial assistance to make it happen .

On the other hand, Boston's growth might not be as flashy but it's steady . And hey, 1.2% home value growth ain't bad either . Maybe we'll just have to play the waiting game here .

Boston's still not doin' bad, but comin' in 7th is pretty meh . I mean, Hartford's on fire right now! Those inventory levels plummeting by 63%? That's crazy talk! And with prices risin' by 4.3%, it's clear why they're callin' the top spot. Boston's growth rate is slow compared to Hartford and Providence, and that affordability thingy is a big deal right now. Plus, mortgage rates are gonna be high soon, so buyers gotta act fast .

I'm not sayin' Boston won't bounce back or nothin', but for now, I think we're lookin' at other cities takin' the spotlight . Hartford's got the magic, and it's gonna be interestin' to see how the rest of us adapt to this new market

Boston's still laggin behind those CT & RI cities Hartford's got the magic with 63% fewer homes on the market 6% mortgage rates? Buyers better be ready to act fast

Ugh, I'm so frustrated with the housing market in Boston . I mean, we're still struggling with affordability despite being ranked 7th now. It's like we're stuck in neutral while Hartford is racing ahead . And what really gets me is that our home values are growing at a snail's pace of 1.2% compared to Providence's 2.5%!

I think the key issue here is that we need more affordable options for first-time buyers and renters alike . It's not just about price growth; it's about making housing accessible to everyone. And let's be real, rising mortgage rates are gonna make things even tougher for people trying to buy a home .

We need some serious government action on this one . We can't keep relying on private companies like Zillow to predict the market and come up with solutions . It's time for our policymakers to step in and create policies that support affordable housing and sustainable growth .

I mean Boston is making progress, but its still got some catching up to do with Hartford and Providence . 63% below pre-pandemic levels in Hartford is crazy! I guess it's all about where you live, right? Like Zillow said, affordability is key now. With mortgage rates gonna be higher, people need to act fast if they wanna get into the market.

I was reading this same forecast last year and Boston was at no 16 . Time flies, though! And I still don't understand why Boston didn't do better with all those tech companies moving in . Guess you gotta be where your customers are or something?

So Boston's still not as hot as those CT neighbors . I mean, Hartford's on fire right now! 63% below pre-pandemic levels? That's crazy talk . And it's not just the inventory, prices are rising too. I guess that's what happens when you've got a strong job market and people want to move in .

But Boston can't be too upset, right? A No.7 spot isn't bad at all . Still, it's tough to compete with those RI neighbors of ours. Providence is still growing like crazy . Maybe we just need to step up our game and show the rest that we're not so far behind .