MACUNGIE, Pa. — The hottest ZIP codes in America are in the Midwest and Northeast, a new report said Tuesday, including one right here in the Lehigh Valley.
Realtor.com unveiled its Hottest ZIP Codes list — as its done every year since 2017 — to showcase the top markets attractive to homebuyers looking for a combination of value and desirability.
Macungie ranked 10th, with an average of 2.7 times the page views per property vs. other ZIP codes across the country, with homes spending just 16 days on the market.
The median list price for a home in the 18062 ZIP code is $462,000.
“It’s always special for any region to be nominated in that light — a desirable area to live,” said John Brown, Macungie Borough manager.
“We’ve seen a lot of development and population moving into the area for the very reasons they cited. It’s a small community feel but you have access to all you really want access to — shopping, good school districts and moderate taxes.”
Lehigh County Commissioner Ron Beitler also weighed in, highlighting Lower Macungie's "long-standing commitment to preserving farmland and open space."
Beitler represents District 2, which includes Macungie Borough and Lower Macungie on the Lehigh Co. Board of Commissioners and served as a Lower Macungie Commissioner for 8 years prior.
"Despite significant development pressure, the township, in partnership with Lehigh County, has preserved over 1,000 acres of farmland and thousands more acres of protected open space, including active parks and passive recreation areas.
"This preservation effort is directly linked to higher home values, enhancing the quality of life and providing abundant recreational opportunities across the area," Beitler said via email.
Lehigh Valley a repeat highlight
The Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ metro area is no stranger to the Top 10 list. Last year, the Nazareth area (18064) came in at No. 5, and Bethlehem landed at No. 6 (18017) in 2022 and at No. 12 (18018) in 2021.
"While we've seen big changes in the housing market, such as a growing number of homes for sale, this year's hottest ZIP codes in America show common factors are driving interest in these highly competitive areas," Realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale said in a release.
"Although mortgage rate relief is starting to materialize, this year's hottest ZIPs reflect the focus on affordability that home shoppers have had over the last few years in the face of high housing costs.
"Concentrated in larger metros across the Northeast and Midwest, these top 10 ZIPs attracted highly qualified home buyers seeking more space without relinquishing proximity to urban amenities."
The 2024 Hottest ZIP Codes in America, in rank order, are:
- 43230 Gahanna, Ohio
- 63021 Ballwin, Mo.
- 01970 Salem, Mass.
- 07920 Basking Ridge, NJ
- 14609 Rochester, NY
- 08054 Mount Laurel, NJ
- 01453 Leominster, Mass.
- 01085 Westfield, Mass.
- 46322 Highland, IN
- 18062 Macungie, Pa.
Inventory increases, rates drop
While no other Lehigh Valley ZIP codes made the list, July data from the Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors showed positive increases in key housing metrics, it said last week.
That included closed sales up 9.7% to 600 listings, and an inventory increase of 19.3%, with 802 units for Lehigh and Northampton counties.
The numbers suggest a "remarkable resilience" for the area, GLVR Chief Executive Officer Justin Porembo said.
It came as mortgage rates dipped to their lowest weekly level — 6.47% for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage — since May 2023, while representing the largest one-week drop in nine months.
As a result, applications to refinance mortgages surged to a level not seen since spring 2022, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.
Additionally, the number of Americans applying for a mortgage hit its highest level since January 2023.
Addressing Macungie's ranking on Tuesday, 2024 GLVR President-elect Michael Bernadyn said the borough's growing appeal "is a testament to its vibrant community, excellent opportunities for education, and proximity to key amenities, making it a prime destination for homebuyers.
“The demand for homes in the area has continued to surge, and it’s no surprise that Macungie was named to Realtor.com’s Hottest ZIPs for 2024," Bernadyn said.
