Consumer Corner
Buffalo thunders back as Zillow’s hottest market for 2025
Affordability and job growth are key drivers of competition
- Competition among buyers never cooled in Buffalo last year, and that heat should keep smoldering through 2025.
- Hot markets spread from the Northeast, Great Lakes and South regions into the Midwest and West.
- Virginia Beach jumped farthest up the list from 2024, leapfrogging over 23 markets.
SEATTLE, Jan. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Buffalo, New York, will be the hottest major housing market in 2025, according to a new analysis by Zillow®, the first time a market has held the title in back-to-back years. Relative affordability and few homes for sale are common threads among what should be the most competitive markets for buyers this year. 
“Construction that keeps pace with an area’s growth remains a crucial piece of keeping homes available and accessible. In chilly Buffalo, competition among buyers will remain hot, with employment growing far faster than builders are adding homes,” said Skylar Olsen, Zillow chief economist. “Shoppers nationwide should see more options for sale than in recent years, along with slow and steady price growth. That’s the good news. But both buyers and sellers should expect unpredictable mortgage rates.”
This hotness ranking of the nation’s 50 most populous metros takes into account Zillow’s forecast for local home value growth and how quickly homes are selling. It also considers job growth per new home permitted and expected growth in owner-occupied households.
Zillow forecast Buffalo to be the hottest market in 2024, and that prediction proved prescient. Sellers held a strong advantage in negotiations there throughout last year, according to Zillow’s market heat index.
Buffalo has the most new jobs per new home permitted — a measure of expected demand. New jobs often mean new residents, which raises competition and drives up prices unless builders can match the additional demand.
Although affordability has improved slightly compared to last year, it’s still top of mind for buyers. Lower-than-average home prices and rent costs in Buffalo as well as Midwest metros like Indianapolis, St. Louis and Kansas City have bolstered demand in these areas, helping push them to the top of the list.
Relative affordability is a powerful force, too. Nearby alternatives to expensive Northeastern metros like New York and Boston dominated Zillow’s list of the most popular cities among home shoppers in 2024. Metropolitan areas in the same vein — Providence, Hartford and Philadelphia — rank high on this list as well.
Hartford, Providence, Indianapolis and Charlotte are all among the top five in Zillow’s forecast for home value appreciation in 2025. Hartford leads the pack with 4.2% expected growth. But home value growth is set to largely level out this year — even these standout metros look tame compared to the double-digit annual appreciation seen in 2021 and 2022.
Rising fastest in the ranks from 2024’s hottest markets list is Virginia Beach, which leapfrogged over 23 markets to the No. 13 spot this year, driven by job growth that has far outpaced new home permitting. Memphis fell the farthest by the same token, dropping 30 places, as new home permitting has eclipsed low job growth.
After the entire western half of the country was shut out of last year’s top 10, Salt Lake City nudged its way onto this year’s list at No. 10. San Diego was the only other Western metro in the top 20, at No. 19.
Mortgage rates are likely to continue on their bumpy path in 2025, and swings will have a major impact on which homes shoppers can afford or even qualify for. Zillow Home Loans’ BuyAbilitySM tool tracks rates in real time to show users which homes fit their budget.
| 2025 Hottest Markets Rank | Metropolitan Area | Change in Rank from 2024 | Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) 2024 | ZHVI Year over Year Growth, 2024 | 2025 Home Value Growth Forecast | Jobs per New Home Permitted | Change in Inventory Versus 2018–2019 Averages |
| 1 | Buffalo, NY | 0 | $260,537 | 5.7 % | 2.8 % | 2.0 | -46.1 % |
| 2 | Indianapolis, IN | 2 | $275,639 | 3.6 % | 3.4 % | 0.5 | -16.1 % |
| 3 | Providence, RI | 2 | $484,019 | 6.7 % | 3.7 % | 1.3 | -62 % |
| 4 | Hartford, CT | 15 | $363,298 | 6.5 % | 4.2 % | 1.1 | -68.6 % |
| 5 | Philadelphia, PA | 6 | $362,744 | 4.6 % | 2.6 % | 1.5 | -46 % |
| 6 | St. Louis, MO | 9 | $250,141 | 4.2 % | 1.9 % | 1.3 | -43.8 % |
| 7 | Charlotte, NC | 0 | $377,450 | 1.6 % | 3.2 % | -0.5 | 17.5 % |
| 8 | Kansas City, MO | 10 | $299,118 | 3.8 % | 2.7 % | 0.2 | -36 % |
| 9 | Richmond, VA | 11 | $368,957 | 4.1 % | 2.9 % | -0.1 | -43.3 % |
| 10 | Salt Lake City, UT | 18 | $543,324 | 2.8 % | 2.3 % | 0.5 | -4.8 % |
| 11 | Cincinnati, OH | -9 | $281,887 | 4.6 % | 2.9 % | -0.2 | -32.8 % |
| 12 | Columbus, OH | -9 | $310,746 | 3.8 % | 3.1 % | -0.8 | -20.5 % |
| 13 | Virginia Beach, VA | 23 | $349,186 | 4.6 % | 2.5 % | 1.2 | -42.6 % |
| 14 | Cleveland, OH | -6 | $228,140 | 6.4 % | 2.8 % | 0.6 | -52.6 % |
| 15 | Miami, FL | 10 | $486,056 | 1.0 % | 3.5 % | 1.0 | -4.4 % |
| 16 | Boston, MA | 10 | $694,494 | 4.7 % | 2.1 % | 0.1 | -45.8 % |
| 17 | Oklahoma City, OK | 21 | $230,466 | 2.5 % | 2.4 % | 0.7 | -2.5 % |
| 18 | Detroit, MI | 6 | $248,126 | 4.8 % | 1.7 % | 0.1 | -34.1 % |
| 19 | San Diego, CA | 10 | $939,174 | 3.8 % | 2.5 % | -0.4 | -32.9 % |
| 20 | Birmingham, AL | 21 | $247,509 | 0.7 % | 1.3 % | 0.4 | -13.9 % |
| 21 | Raleigh, NC | -4 | $441,066 | 1.1 % | 1.7 % | -0.7 | -13.5 % |
| 22 | Riverside, CA | 12 | $583,420 | 3 % | 2.4 % | -0.3 | -25. % |
| 23 | Orlando, FL | -14 | $391,924 | -0.3 % | 2.2 % | -0.6 | 17 % |
| 24 | Atlanta, GA | -18 | $379,262 | 0.3 % | 2.6 % | -0.7 | -3 % |
| 25 | Pittsburgh, PA | -9 | $208,583 | 2.8 % | 0.6 % | 1.0 | -32.3 % |
| 26 | Louisville, KY | -12 | $255,206 | 4.7 % | 1.9 % | -0.4 | -27.1 % |
| 27 | Phoenix, AZ | 8 | $454,001 | -0.3 % | 1.7 % | -0.4 | -7.9 % |
| 28 | Washington, DC | 11 | $567,825 | 4.4 % | 0.8 % | -0.1 | -38.8 % |
| 29 | Tampa, FL | -19 | $372,170 | -2.5 % | 2.2 % | -0.6 | 7.3 % |
| 30 | Dallas, TX | -9 | $368,683 | -0.4 % | 1.0 % | -0.4 | 1.5 % |
| 31 | Nashville, TN | 2 | $436,301 | 1.7 % | 2.2 % | -0.8 | -10.8 % |
| 32 | Seattle, WA | 0 | $735,683 | 5.1 % | 1.9 % | -1.0 | -23.5 % |
| 33 | Baltimore, MD | 10 | $386,001 | 3.6 % | 0.8 % | -0.2 | -46.9 % |
| 34 | Los Angeles, CA | -11 | $949,057 | 4.6 % | 1.7 % | -0.4 | -26.1 % |
| 35 | Las Vegas, NV | -23 | $428,725 | 5.1 % | 1.1 % | 0.2 | -18.3 % |
| 36 | San Antonio, TX | 13 | $280,603 | -1.8 % | 0.3 % | 0.2 | 22.7 % |
| 37 | Sacramento, CA | -10 | $577,630 | 2.1 % | 0.0 % | 0.0 | -29.9 % |
| 38 | Houston, TX | 9 | $306,191 | 0.6 % | 0.6 % | -0.3 | 1 % |
| 39 | Chicago, IL | -17 | $321,484 | 5.4 % | 1.2 % | -0.5 | -48.6 % |
| 40 | Jacksonville, FL | -9 | $353,501 | -0.9 % | 1.9 % | -0.8 | 14.1 % |
| 41 | New York, NY | 4 | $677,368 | 6.4 % | 1.3 % | 0.3 | -55.9 % |
| 42 | Milwaukee, WI | 2 | $343,920 | 5.3 % | 2.4 % | -1.6 | -27.1 % |
| 43 | Memphis, TN | -30 | $233,885 | 1.1 % | 2.3 % | -1.7 | -1.2 % |
| 44 | Denver, CO | 4 | $579,604 | 0.8 % | 0.1 % | -0.6 | 4.3 % |
| 45 | Minneapolis, MN | 1 | $368,562 | 2.5 % | 0.2 % | -0.8 | -26.7 % |
| 46 | Austin, TX | -6 | $444,248 | -3.2 % | -0.4 % | -0.6 | 33.7 % |
| 47 | Portland, OR | -10 | $543,814 | 1.8 % | 0.3 % | -1.3 | -19.3 % |
| 48 | San Jose, CA | -6 | $1,588,186 | 7.9 % | -0.2 % | -1.3 | -34.8 % |
| 49 | San Francisco, CA | -19 | $1,140,718 | 2.7 % | -1.7 % | -1.1 | -3.5 % |
| 50 | New Orleans, LA | 0 | $235,657 | -1.4 % | -3.8 % | -0.9 | 61.1 % |
About Zillow Group:
Zillow Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: Z and ZG) is reimagining real estate to make home a reality for more and more people. As the most visited real estate website in the United States, Zillow and its affiliates help people find and get the home they want by connecting them with digital solutions, dedicated partners and agents, and easier buying, selling, financing, and renting experiences.
Zillow Group’s affiliates, subsidiaries and brands include Zillow®, Premier Agent®, Zillow Home Loans℠, Zillow Rentals®, Trulia®, Out East®, StreetEasy®, HotPads®, ShowingTime+℠, Spruce®, and Follow Up Boss®.
All marks herein are owned by MFTB Holdco, Inc., a Zillow affiliate. Zillow Home Loans, LLC is an Equal Housing Lender, NMLS #10287 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). © 2025 MFTB Holdco, Inc., a Zillow affiliate.
(ZFIN)
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Consumer Corner
Tackling Auto Insurance Myths: Misconceptions Drivers Should Know Before Making Coverage Decisions
Misinformation about auto insurance can lead to poor decisions. Mercury Insurance highlights common myths, such as negotiable premiums and misconceptions about coverage. Understanding realities helps consumers make informed choices, enhancing their confidence in selecting the right insurance policy.
Last Updated on March 4, 2026 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) Misinformation about auto insurance continues to circulate, leading many drivers to make decisions based on outdated or inaccurate assumptions.
“Even savvy drivers can be misled by insurance myths,” said Justin Yoshizawa, director of product management at Mercury Insurance. “Understanding what coverage actually does – and doesn’t – do can help people avoid unpleasant surprises after an accident.”
To help consumers stay informed, Mercury Insurance is sharing this lineup of auto insurance misconceptions that can affect coverage, cost and peace of mind – and the facts that stand in their place.
Myth No. 1: You Can Negotiate Your Auto Insurance Premium
Fact: Insurance rates aren’t like haggling for a car price. They’re calculated using approved rating formulas and risk models regulated by state insurance departments, so you can’t negotiate a lower rate directly with your carrier. What you can do is shop for discounts, adjust coverage levels or improve your risk profile to influence your premium.
Myth No. 2: You Don’t Need Medical Payments Coverage ifYou Have Health Insurance
Fact: Even if you carry health insurance, your auto policy’s medical payments or personal injury protection can still be valuable. These coverages may pay medical costs regardless of fault and can help cover expenses not covered by health insurance, including deductibles, co-pays, ambulance bills, lost wages and more, depending on state regulations.
Myth No. 3: Full Coverage Means You’re Covered for Everything
Fact: “Full coverage” is a common shorthand used to describe a policy that includes liability, comprehensive and collision coverage. Even with all three, coverage is still subject to limits, deductibles and exclusions, which means certain situations and expenses may not be covered unless additional protections are added.
Myth No. 4: All Insurance Companies are Basically the Same
Fact: Each insurer has different underwriting guidelines, risk models, discount structures, service levels and claims handling practices. Shopping only on price without comparing coverages and service reputation can lead to surprises when you need to file a claim.
Myth No. 5: A Not-At-Fault Accident Won’t Affect Your Rates
Fact: Even if you weren’t at fault, filing a claim can still influence your insurance score and possibly affect future pricing depending on your state and your carrier’s specific rating rules. Discuss the scenario with your agent before deciding whether or not to file.
Myth No. 6: New Cars are Always More Expensive to Insure
Fact: A new car often costs more to insure than an older one, but this isn’t automatic. A new vehicle with high-end safety features or strong crash-worthiness and theft-deterrent systems may be less expensive to insure than a different used model with poor safety ratings or costly repair costs.
Myth No. 7: Insurance Automatically Pays for a Rental After an Accident
Fact: Rental car reimbursement is an optional add-on. Unless you specifically select rental reimbursement coverage, your auto policy won’t pay for a temporary vehicle while yours is being repaired.
Myth No. 8: If Your Car is Totaled, Insurance Pays Off Your Loan or Lease
Fact: Car insurance settlement is based on the vehicle’s actual cash value at the time of loss, not what you originally paid – meaning depreciation can leave you owing money on your loan or lease even after a total loss. Gap insurance is a separate optional coverage that can help cover the difference.
“Dispelling myths is about more than just good information – it’s about building insurance confidence,” Yoshizawa said. “We want drivers to make choices based on reality, not rumor.”
To learn more and ensure coverage aligns with how and where you drive, visit MercuryInsurance.com.
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
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home improvement
Going Beyond Aesthetics: 7 Home Design Trends for 2026
Heading into a new year, home design is once again evolving. Homeowners are blending comfort, personality, sustainability and connections to the outside world this year. Whether you’re refreshing a room or planning a full-blown makeover, consider these ideas for inspiration that feels both timeless and fresh.
(Feature Impact) Heading into a new year, home design is once again evolving. Homeowners are blending comfort, personality, sustainability and connections to the outside world this year. More than just aesthetics, these trends are warm, intentional and rooted in real life.
Whether you’re refreshing a room or planning a full-blown makeover, consider these ideas for inspiration that feels both timeless and fresh.
Warm, Earthy Palettes
This year, say goodbye to whites and cool grays. Instead, cozy earth tones like clay, sage, caramel and rich neutrals create a grounded, inviting atmosphere. Refresh walls or cabinetry with these earthy hues or try color-drenching – using a single hue in varying tones across walls, trim and ceilings – for a bold new vibe that feels both timeless and modern.
Flowing, Curved Shapes
As homes trend more toward feeling lived-in rather than staged, hard edges and rigid forms are taking a backseat. In 2026, curves are everywhere: soft archways, rounded furniture and curved statement pieces – think circular mirrors or oversized armchairs – create fluid, comforting spaces.
Natural Materials and Textures
Designs this year celebrate materials that age beautifully, like natural stone, reclaimed wood and textiles that tell a story. Consider woven pillows and throws, handmade pottery, textured walls and wood with visible grain to enrich rooms with sensory detail and an artisanal feel.
Personalized Nostalgia
Blend vintage finds with contemporary art to create a space that’s truly your own. That means vintage finds, heirloom pieces and decor that evokes memory – even quilted textiles or classic checkered tiles – styled in fresh, modern ways to add warmth and individuality.
Attention to Statement Details
Small details are getting big attention this year. Swapping out basic cabinet hardware and lighting fixtures for artisanal, tactile metals can help elevate kitchen cabinets or bathroom vanities, turning them into design statements.
Flexible, Multifunctional Spaces
With hybrid work and lifestyle blending continuing into 2026, rooms should be designed to serve multiple purposes. Reading nooks can double as workstations. Living rooms effortlessly transition from day to night. Adaptable furniture, hidden storage and smart layouts help make multifunctional spaces feel intentional and uncluttered.
Outdoor-Inspired Interiors
The connection to nature grows stronger inside homes with greenery, natural light and materials that echo the outdoors. From indoor-outdoor flow to plant-rich spaces that feel alive and tranquil, biophilic design promotes calm, comfort and connection.
Visit eLivingtoday.com to find more design inspiration to make your home more personal and grounded in comfort.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!
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Southwest Airlines is about to make the “airplane WiFi” experience feel a lot more like home.
In a new announcement, Southwest Airlines Co. says it will begin rolling out Starlink ultra-fast inflight WiFi this summer. Starlink—engineered by SpaceX—will deliver next-generation connectivity across Southwest’s network of 11 countries, giving customers the ability to stream, scroll, share, and stay productive from takeoff to landing.
First Starlink-equipped aircraft launches this summer
Southwest says the first Starlink-equipped aircraft will enter service this summer, with a rapid integration plan behind it. By the end of 2026, Starlink WiFi is expected to be available on more than 300 aircraft.
The airline frames the rollout as a major step toward upgrading its fleet with high-speed, low-Earth-orbit satellite technology.
“An at-home experience in the air”
Southwest points to rising expectations around inflight connectivity—especially as travelers juggle work, entertainment, and messaging across multiple devices.
“Free WiFi has been a huge hit with our Rapid Rewards Members, and we know our Customers expect seamless connectivity across all their devices when they travel,” said Tony Roach, Executive Vice President, Chief Customer & Brand Officer at Southwest Airlines. “Starlink delivers that at-home experience in the air, giving Customers the ability to stream their favorite shows from any platform, watch live sports, download music, play games, work, and connect with loved ones from takeoff to landing.”
What Starlink brings to inflight internet
Starlink is described as a constellation of more than 9,000 satellites in low-Earth orbit. Southwest says the technology supports:
- High-definition streaming and live gaming
- Real-time messaging
- Productivity tools, including the ability to collaborate and upload large files quickly
SpaceX also emphasized the goal of making inflight connectivity feel comparable to (or better than) home internet.
“We’re thrilled to deliver a connectivity experience to Southwest Airlines and its Customers that really is similar, if not better, than what you can experience in your own home,” said Jason Fritch, Vice President of Starlink Enterprise Sales at SpaceX. “Starlink is the future of connected travel, making every journey faster, smoother, and infinitely more enjoyable.”
Part of a broader cabin upgrade plan
Southwest notes it is currently the largest U.S. airline offering access to free WiFi fleetwide to loyalty members, thanks to T-Mobile (where available on WiFi-enabled aircraft). The Starlink rollout is positioned as one piece of a larger cabin refresh that includes:
- Assigned and premium seating options
- New aircraft seats made by RECARO
- In-seat power at every seat, larger overhead bins, and seatbacks with a personal device holder
- An Extra Legroom experience (Southwest says up to five additional inches compared to Standard and Preferred seats; seat pitch varies by aircraft)
- Boarding process updates, including earlier boarding for Extra Legroom customers and select loyalty and credit card groups
Rapid Rewards tie-in
Southwest encourages travelers to join Rapid Rewards to unlock free WiFi and other benefits. The airline also notes members can purchase points to earn rewards and book destinations.
Learn more
Source: PRNewswire
Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!
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