A number of cities in the Midwest topped Zillow’s list of the most popular housing markets, but one community in Illinois stood out above the rest.
In 2025, Rockford was named the most popular city for home shoppers in America by the housing and real estate website.
Zillow ranked the top housing markets across the nation, with six of the top 10 located in the Midwest, one in Texas, one on the West Coast, and two in the Northeast.
According to Zillow, homebuyers prioritized affordability, as most of the top 10 markets feature homes priced under $350,000.
These markets also offer growing job opportunities, providing “more breathing room and less financial strain,” as well as “big-city opportunities without big-city costs.”
Located about 90 miles from Chicago, Rockford was one of the fastest-moving housing markets, with homes typically going under contract in just 5 days. Zillow noted that more than three out of five page views for Rockford homes came from shoppers outside the area.
While Rockford claimed the top spot, Springfield also made the list, ranking ninth.
Find the complete list below:
- Rockford, Illinois
- Berkeley, California
- Albany, New York
- Dearborn, Michigan
- Toledo, Ohio
- Carmel, Indiana
- South Bend, Indiana
- Abilene, Texas
- Springfield, Illinois
- Allentown, Pennsylvania
