50 hottest US cities by momentum score

Momentum is a composite of recent price changes (1-year and 5-year), distance from the 5-year peak, population growth, and rent trend where available. Cities with limited data or under 25,000 population are excluded.

Higher scores indicate markets where multiple signals are pointing the same direction — prices up, rents up, population growing. That's the 'Hot' classification.

Note: a high momentum score is not a buy recommendation. Hot markets often mean tighter inventory, higher prices, and less room to negotiate. Use this list to know which markets are moving — not which are right for you.