Where are homebuyers directing their purchasing power in 2025? The answer spans from established master-planned communities in Florida to emerging markets in the Midwest, with sales data revealing distinct patterns that reflect shifting buyer priorities and regional economic conditions.
The Villages in Central Florida continues its dominance as the nation’s top-selling master-planned community, recording 1,759 sales through mid-2025 and marking its eleventh consecutive year in the top position. Lakewood Ranch in Sarasota, Florida, follows with 985 year-to-date sales and 569 transactions in the second quarter of 2025. Wellen Park, centered around an Atlanta Braves facility in the same region, posted 535 year-to-date sales.
Cadence in Henderson, Nevada, has risen in rankings with 702 sales, offering homes from the mid-$300,000s. Nexton in Charleston, South Carolina, achieved 500 year-to-date sales with price points ranging from the $200,000s to $600,000s.
Texas and Arizona markets demonstrate sustained buyer interest. Sunterra in Houston maintains its status as the top Texas seller following the addition of Crystal Lagoons amenities. Del Webb in Georgetown, Texas, developed by PulteGroup, logged 410 year-to-date sales and 201 in the second quarter of 2025.
Queen Creek in the Phoenix area, a joint venture between D.R. Horton and Brookfield, plans 70,000 homes across 28,000 acres. Victory at Verrado in Surprise, Arizona, by Lennar, recorded 349 year-to-date sales in its 55-plus resort-style community.
New construction inventory varies notably by metro area, with Boise leading at 51% of for-sale listings classified as new builds at a median price of $540,743. Raleigh-Cary, North Carolina, features 47.3% new builds at a median $450,767. Madison, Wisconsin, shows 25.1% new construction at a median $499,100.
Curiously, new construction is often priced lower than existing homes in several top metros. Fayetteville, Arkansas, exemplifies this trend with new homes carrying a negative 4.5% price premium compared to existing inventory. Buyers increasingly show preference for properties featuring smart homes and eco-friendly developments, reflecting growing environmental consciousness in the residential market.
Zillow’s 2025 most popular housing markets list identifies Rockford, Illinois, as the top market for buyer interest, followed by Berkeley, California, Albany, New York, Dearborn, Michigan, and Toledo, Ohio. These Midwest markets particularly appeal to buyers seeking affordable homes under $350,000 combined with proximity to larger economic hubs.
The National Association of Realtors projects existing home sales at 4.5 million for 2025, with median existing-home prices predicted at $410,700 and mortgage rates stabilizing near 6%.
