5 Emerging Suburban Housing Markets for 2025

When looking for a long-term place to live, a suburb may be the perfect choice. Living in an area known for its easy commuting distance to a big city but with the perks of a small town can be the best of both worlds. As urban areas continue to become more expensive, living in a suburban area has become a top choice for both renters and homebuyers.

So, what can we expect to be the best emerging suburban housing markets in 2025? In this article, we’ll cover the top emerging suburban housing markets and why they are projected to be popular in the coming years. 

With under 45,000 residents, Schertz truly feels like a small town even though it’s located close to San Antonio, the Guadalupe and Comal Rivers, and Austin, Texas. This makes it a great location for anyone who wants a quieter lifestyle but also access to a bigger city. Additionally, military families will find this a great home base, as Randolph Air Force Base is only 20 minutes away.  

The median home price is $334,500, making it affordable to own a home. It’s also got top-rated school systems, a large population of families and a tranquil atmosphere.

“Schertz offers affordable housing, strong job growth and a family-friendly lifestyle,” said Daniel Cabrera, founder of Sell My House Fast SA TX. “Infrastructure improvements like the expansion of I-35 and the new Randolph Blvd interchange will reduce commute times. I’ve handled acquisitions and rehabs for investment properties in this area and expect values to climb steadily over the next few years.”

Photo is of San Antonio.

Located outside Phoenix, Chandler is a hot-spot destination with more than 280,000 residents. With golf courses, shopping, restaurants, museums, parks and pools, this area has tons of things to do, making it a great place for young professionals and families alike. With a median home price of $499,800, housing costs are higher than the national average, but below many of the more popular Phoenix suburbs.

The job market is pretty strong, with more than 100,000 jobs in software and tech alone. Plus, it’s located near two major highways, making commuting to other areas of Phoenix easy.

“Chandler continues to reinvent itself with a revitalized downtown, new corporate offices for major tech companies and destination resorts,” said Misty Spittler, team leader at Insurance Claim Academy. “Home values remain affordable compared to parts of Phoenix and Scottsdale. Chandler’s appeal for families and lifestyle amenities will drive demand there for years to come.”

Hockessin is a beautiful small town with many small businesses, restaurants, boutiques and antique stores. Located about 50 minutes outside of Philadelphia, Hockessin has a population of around 14,000 residents and a median home price of $526,800. Residents can also reach Delaware’s largest city, Wilmington, in only 20 minutes. The homes of Hockessin are well maintained, with many large homes and a lot of yard space. This town is also well-known for its thousands of acres of gardens, meadows and woodlands at nearby attractions like the Kennet Square Longwood Gardens and Mount Cuba Center. 

With an A+ ranking in crime, employment and friendliness, it’s clear that living in Hockessin is a great location to consider if you’re looking for a quieter and more peaceful pace of living.

“Hockessin, located just outside Wilmington, Delaware, is often overlooked, yet it combines small-town charm with proximity to two major metropolitan areas, Philadelphia and Baltimore,” said Johnny Austin, licensed real estate agent with Sell My House Now. “The region benefits from the attractive tax regime offered by Delaware, which includes no sales taxes and relatively low property taxes. Hockessin has a great public school system and population that makes it very inviting to live in, especially for young families.”

Apex is a charming city known for its gorgeous Victorian-style homes and stunning architecture. With only a 20-minute drive to the Raleigh Durham Airport and downtown Raleigh, Apex is a great spot to enjoy small-town living without the congestion or traffic. The location of Apex makes it easy to enjoy all our seasons without any extreme temperatures. 

Apex’s downtown area features many boutiques, bakeries, restaurants and wineries. Plus, with tons of nearby green spaces, including 14 miles of hiking, a 14,000-acre reservoir, multiple swimming beaches and thousands of campsites, there are many outdoor activities to enjoy.The median home price in Apex is $562,300. However, the job market is growing fast, making it a great spot for young professionals looking to settle down.

Photo is of Raleigh.

Ranked as one of the best places to live in Iowa, Ankeny is a fast growing suburb of Des Moines. With over 66,000 residents, this fast-growing area has already seen a huge amount of growth since 2000. It doesn’t hurt that the cost of living is roughly 13% lower than the national average. 

The housing market is also super affordable, with a median home price of $314,400. Plus, with many employers in the area, it’s a great spot for those who want to work in finance, insurance and software. An added bonus is that many neighborhoods are very walkable, featuring multiple fitness clubs, restaurants and parks around the area, making it ideal for those who are searching for a more active social life.