Realtor.com economists recently analyzed the 100 largest U.S. metro areas to see where typical home values grew the most between October 2019 and October 2025. The results show that, despite slower price growth in many markets recently, a small set of metros still recorded major rises over this six-year span.
The ranking highlights what Realtor.com describes as unexpected boomtowns. These places did not match the profile of long-standing high-cost coastal markets. Instead, they experienced sharp increases during a period that began before the pandemic and continued through more recent market shifts.
The 10 Metros With the Largest Increases
Realtor.com listed the following metros as the biggest gainers in typical home value from October 2019 to October 2025:
- Knoxville, TN — up nearly 86%
- Fayetteville, AR — up 84.5%
- Charleston, SC — up 81.3%
- Scranton, PA — up 78.4%
- Syracuse, NY — up 77.6%
- Portland, ME — up 75.7%
- Rochester, NY — up 75.2%
- New Haven, CT — up 73.8%
- Charlotte, NC — up 73.1%
- Chattanooga, TN — up 72.9%
Knoxville led the list. Realtor.com reports that typical home values there rose by almost 86%, which equals about $190,000 in added value over the period.
What Drove These Increases
The article points to several factors behind the growth in these metros. First, pandemic-era migration and remote work patterns increased demand in smaller and mid-sized markets that had previously been more affordable. As people moved from higher-cost areas, demand rose quickly.
Second, these metros faced supply challenges. The article explains that local housing stock did not expand fast enough to match demand, and this imbalance supported higher values across the six-year window.
Third, Realtor.com notes that many of the metros combine employment opportunities with lifestyle appeal. That mix helped sustain buyer interest over time.
Market Context Since 2019
Realtor.com also connects these long-term gains to the broader national picture. It explains that home price growth has cooled in many parts of the country. Higher mortgage rates, affordability pressures, and an increase in the number of homes available have reduced demand compared to the peak pandemic years.
Even so, these 10 metros remained leaders in cumulative growth since 2019. Additionally, the list is divided evenly by region. Five of the top metros are in the South, and five are in the Northeast. This regional balance indicates that the most substantial appreciation since 2019 has not concentrated in any one area of the United States.
Why Insurance Professionals Are Watching These Markets
For insurance industry audiences, the ranking provides a clear view of where property values have grown fastest since 2019. Rapid appreciation can significantly impact insured values over time, particularly in areas where typical home values have increased by more than 70%.
Because this analysis spans October 2019 through October 2025, it captures a full cycle that includes pre-pandemic conditions, pandemic-driven demand shifts, and the more recent slowdown tied to rates and affordability. As a result, it offers a way to track where value growth is concentrated during a major housing period.
Key Takeaway
Realtor.com’s review of the nation’s largest metros shows that 10 markets posted the biggest typical home value booms from October 2019 to October 2025. Knoxville, Fayetteville, and Charleston top the list, and the overall ranking divides evenly between Southern and Northeastern metros. Although national growth has moderated due to higher mortgage rates, affordability issues, and increased inventory, these markets still stand out for sustained long-term gains since 2019.
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