Move Over Florida, The Hottest Housing Market In 2024 Will Be – In New York

Much has been said about the relocation of people from states like California and New York to the southern states of Texas and Florida. But as affordability declines, needs change. And with interest rates much higher than they were a couple of years ago, that situation is compounded. "Housing markets are healthiest where affordable home prices and strong employment are giving young hopefuls a real shot at buying and starting to build equity," said Anushna Prakash, data scientist for Zillow Economic Research. The housing market in Florida, with escalating rents and home prices, have caused many to begin looking elsewhere.

United Van Lines supplied data from last year from the 50 largest metro areas. The top 5 places people using their service moved to were Charlotte, Providence, Indianapolis, Orlando and Raleigh. The data showed that overall, people tended to move to an area with more affordable housing than where they were coming from. I can relate. If I could work a job fully remote, moving from Florida to North Carolina would be on the table.

According to Zillow, affordability will be the main driving factor in housing markets in 2024. That's definitely a hinderance to those relocating to Florida. We have beaches, sunshine, and an amazing lifestyle. At a cost. So, to find the hottest housing market this year, they analyzed the 50 largest U.S. metro areas. Zillow took into account expected home value appreciation, new jobs per new housing unit permitted, an estimate of the net new number of home owning households, and other factors. With all this in mind, they chose Buffalo. Yes, Buffalo, New York, as the hottest housing market of 2024.

If you can look past all the snow, and the football fans jumping on tables and setting themselves on fire, I think Buffalo is a solid place to be. And very affordable based on stats from Zillow. Personally, I'd much prefer Cincinnati or Indianapolis if you're going that route. Here's the numbers.

Buffalo is certainly more affordable than most parts of Florida. But do keep in mind - these will be your neighbors.

Related Gallery: The Photos Are Starting To Come In, Buffalo Is Getting CRUSHED With Snow

Florida still makes the list, albeit a little further down. Orlando and Tampa come in at 9 and 10 respectively. Zillow only measured the top 50 markets, so Southwest Florida was not included. Data from Redfin shows the median home price for Fort Myers/Cape Coral to be $385,000, and with the issues we have with high rent, it's unlikely we would have been in their top 10.

Florida is a dream destination for a lot of people and 3 cities here in the Sunshine State land on a list of the best places to live in America.

Growing up in Chicago, it was always my dream to one day live here. It's been almost 6 years since I arrived, first in Sarasota. I've been in Fort Myers now for almost 5 and my only regret is that I didn't do it sooner. You really can't beat the fact that the weather is always nice (even on these days of 50 degrees in the morning..brrr), there's SO much to do year-round and the beauty of palm trees and our beaches is something you can never get tired of. For some, it's a retirement dream and for others it's a state where you want to put down roots and blossom. I really can't imagine, now, living anywhere else.

The list surprises me, considering my love for living here, with only 3 cities in Florida included. Money put their list together looking at factors including economic opportunities, quality of live and diversity, among others. Atlanta landed in the #1 spot. 3 cities in Florida made the list coming in at #'s 9, 33 and 43. You can see the full list here.

Money said Tampa is "a rare combination of action-packed and affordable". Home sales average just over $380,000. The publication said the downsides of the city include traffic and climate. (If you don't like the heat- stay out of the kitchen!)

Altamonte Springs isn't a city I've visited, though it's only about 30 mins from Disney and about an hour to the beach, so it's close to a lot of fun. Definitely worth bragging about, if getting a good education is important, the area has a 93% graduation rate.

Sarasota was the city I first landed in upon moving to Florida, and I absolutely love it. Money says Sarasota is a "paradise for beach, culture and wildlife lovers". But be ready to pay. The average home price last year was over $565,000.