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Buffalo thunders back as Zillow’s hottest market for 2025

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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. 

Buffalo, Indianapolis and Providence head Zillow's 2025 list of hottest housing markets, where competition among buyers will be strongest.
Buffalo, Indianapolis and Providence head Zillow’s 2025 list of hottest housing markets, where competition among buyers will be strongest.

“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.

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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
1Buffalo, NY0$260,5375.7 %2.8 %2.0-46.1 %
2Indianapolis, IN2$275,6393.6 %3.4 %0.5-16.1 %
3Providence, RI2$484,0196.7 %3.7 %1.3-62 %
4Hartford, CT15$363,2986.5 %4.2 %1.1-68.6 %
5Philadelphia, PA6$362,7444.6 %2.6 %1.5-46 %
6St. Louis, MO9$250,1414.2 %1.9 %1.3-43.8 %
7Charlotte, NC0$377,4501.6 %3.2 %-0.517.5 %
8Kansas City, MO10$299,1183.8 %2.7 %0.2-36 %
9Richmond, VA11$368,9574.1 %2.9 %-0.1-43.3 %
10Salt Lake City, UT18$543,3242.8 %2.3 %0.5-4.8 %
11Cincinnati, OH-9$281,8874.6 %2.9 %-0.2-32.8 %
12Columbus, OH-9$310,7463.8 %3.1 %-0.8-20.5 %
13Virginia Beach, VA23$349,1864.6 %2.5 %1.2-42.6 %
14Cleveland, OH-6$228,1406.4 %2.8 %0.6-52.6 %
15Miami, FL10$486,0561.0 %3.5 %1.0-4.4 %
16Boston, MA10$694,4944.7 %2.1 %0.1-45.8 %
17Oklahoma City, OK21$230,4662.5 %2.4 %0.7-2.5 %
18Detroit, MI6$248,1264.8 %1.7 %0.1-34.1 %
19San Diego, CA10$939,1743.8 %2.5 %-0.4-32.9 %
20Birmingham, AL21$247,5090.7 %1.3 %0.4-13.9 %
21Raleigh, NC-4$441,0661.1 %1.7 %-0.7-13.5 %
22Riverside, CA12$583,4203 %2.4 %-0.3-25. %
23Orlando, FL-14$391,924-0.3 %2.2 %-0.617 %
24Atlanta, GA-18$379,2620.3 %2.6 %-0.7-3 %
25Pittsburgh, PA-9$208,5832.8 %0.6 %1.0-32.3 %
26Louisville, KY-12$255,2064.7 %1.9 %-0.4-27.1 %
27Phoenix, AZ8$454,001-0.3 %1.7 %-0.4-7.9 %
28Washington, DC11$567,8254.4 %0.8 %-0.1-38.8 %
29Tampa, FL-19$372,170-2.5 %2.2 %-0.67.3 %
30Dallas, TX-9$368,683-0.4 %1.0 %-0.41.5 %
31Nashville, TN2$436,3011.7 %2.2 %-0.8-10.8 %
32Seattle, WA0$735,6835.1 %1.9 %-1.0-23.5 %
33Baltimore, MD10$386,0013.6 %0.8 %-0.2-46.9 %
34Los Angeles, CA-11$949,0574.6 %1.7 %-0.4-26.1 %
35Las Vegas, NV-23$428,7255.1 %1.1 %0.2-18.3 %
36San Antonio, TX13$280,603-1.8 %0.3 %0.222.7 %
37Sacramento, CA-10$577,6302.1 %0.0 %0.0-29.9 %
38Houston, TX9$306,1910.6 %0.6 %-0.31 %
39Chicago, IL-17$321,4845.4 %1.2 %-0.5-48.6 %
40Jacksonville, FL-9$353,501-0.9 %1.9 %-0.814.1 %
41New York, NY4$677,3686.4 %1.3 %0.3-55.9 %
42Milwaukee, WI2$343,9205.3 %2.4 %-1.6-27.1 %
43Memphis, TN-30$233,8851.1 %2.3 %-1.7-1.2 %
44Denver, CO4$579,6040.8 %0.1 %-0.64.3 %
45Minneapolis, MN1$368,5622.5 %0.2 %-0.8-26.7 %
46Austin, TX-6$444,248-3.2 %-0.4 %-0.633.7 %
47Portland, OR-10$543,8141.8 %0.3 %-1.3-19.3 %
48San Jose, CA-6$1,588,1867.9 %-0.2 %-1.3-34.8 %
49San Francisco, CA-19$1,140,7182.7 %-1.7 %-1.1-3.5 %
50New Orleans, LA0$235,657-1.4 %-3.8 %-0.961.1 %

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)

SOURCE Zillow

Consumer Corner

Understanding Auto Insurance for New Grads

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Last Updated on August 2, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Auto Insurance

(Family Features) Graduation is an exciting time, but it also means new responsibilities.

“Graduates are stepping into a world filled with opportunities and uncertainties,” said Kevin Quinn, VP, Auto Claims at Mercury Insurance. “Understanding your insurance needs is a crucial step in protecting your future.”

If, like many recent grads, you’ve been on your parents’ auto insurance and now need your own, consider these simple steps from Mercury Insurance to help you get the coverage you need.

1. Review Your Current Coverage
As a starting point, talk to your parents and their insurance agent to understand what coverage you currently have.

“Knowing what coverage you’ve had under your parents’ policy helps you understand what protections you might need going forward,” Quinn said.

2. Decide on Your Coverage
Understanding the different types of coverage available ensures you choose the right protection for your vehicle and situation. Different types of coverage include:

  • Liability: Covers damage you cause to others.
  • Collision: Covers damage to your car from accidents.
  • Comprehensive: Covers non-accident damage (like theft or weather).

17566 image embed 2

3. Check State Requirements
Every state has different auto insurance laws. Look up the minimum coverage requirements for your state or ask an agent to explain them.

4. Get Quotes
Shopping around is essential. Contact multiple insurance companies to get quotes. Different companies offer various rates and discounts, so take the time to compare prices and coverage options to find the best deal. For example, you can obtain a quote from Mercury Insurance online.

Many insurers also offer discounts for safe driving, good grades or combining policies. Be sure to ask about lower rates and potential savings for:

  • Good driving record
  • Completing driver education courses
  • Bundling with other insurance policies

 

5. Review and Choose
Look over the quotes and coverage options. Select a policy that provides adequate coverage without stretching your budget too thin.

6. Set Up Your Policy
Once you’ve chosen a policy, work with the insurance company to set it up. For example, Mercury Insurance has a team of agents ready to help make this process as seamless and easy as possible. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions to avoid surprises later on and contact an agent if you have any questions.

For more information, visit mercuryinsurance.com or contact your local agent.

 

Photos courtesy of Shutterstock

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SOURCE:
Mercury Insurance

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Food Truths

The Truth About the “Chemical” in McDonald’s Burger Buns: Should Consumers Be Concerned?

What’s in the Burger Buns:The “yoga mat chemical” controversy changed how consumers view food additives. Here’s what azodicarbonamide is, why McDonald’s removed it, and what the science actually says.

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The Truth About the "Yoga Mat Chemical" in McDonald's Burger Buns
Image Credit: Adobe Stock

For years, headlines and social media posts have warned consumers about a so-called “yoga mat chemical” found in hamburger buns served by major fast-food chains. The claims sparked widespread concern, prompted petitions, and eventually led several restaurant companies—including McDonald’s—to change their recipes.

But what was the chemical, and is there actually a health risk today?

What Was the Controversial Ingredient?

The ingredient at the center of the controversy was azodicarbonamide (ADA), a chemical used as a dough conditioner. It helped improve the texture of bread, making dough easier to handle and producing softer, more consistent buns.

Ironically, the same compound is also used in manufacturing certain foamed plastics, including some yoga mats and shoe soles. That connection gave rise to the viral nickname, “the yoga mat chemical.”

While the comparison was technically accurate, it also lacked important context. Food-grade azodicarbonamide and industrial applications are very different, and many chemicals have multiple uses across industries.

Why Did People Become Concerned?

The concern wasn’t simply that ADA was used in food. Scientists focused on what happens during baking.

When bread is baked, most azodicarbonamide breaks down into other compounds. Some laboratory studies involving animals raised questions about one of these breakdown products, called semicarbazide (SEM), when administered in high doses.

Those findings prompted some countries to take a more cautious regulatory approach.

mouthwatering close up of a double patty hamburger 2026 03 26 04 39 10 utc
Image Credit: Adobe Stock

Why Is It Banned in Some Countries?

The European Union and Canada do not permit azodicarbonamide as a flour treatment agent. Their food safety policies often follow the precautionary principle, removing ingredients when safer alternatives exist or when scientific uncertainty remains.

In contrast, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has determined that azodicarbonamide is safe when used within approved limits.

These differing regulations don’t necessarily mean one side believes the ingredient is dangerous while the other believes it is harmless. Instead, they reflect different philosophies about regulating food additives.

Does McDonald’s Still Use It?

No.

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McDonald’s removed azodicarbonamide from its U.S. hamburger buns in 2014 following growing consumer demand for simpler ingredient lists.

Today’s buns no longer contain the ingredient, joining a broader trend among food manufacturers to eliminate additives that have become controversial with consumers.

Are There Other Ingredients Consumers Should Know About?

Modern commercial bread still contains ingredients designed to improve freshness, texture, and shelf life.

These may include:

  • Calcium propionate to prevent mold
  • Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) as a dough conditioner
  • Enzymes that improve consistency
  • Emulsifiers that help maintain softness

These ingredients have been evaluated by food safety agencies and are generally recognized as safe when used according to regulations.

The Bigger Health Picture

Nutrition experts generally agree that focusing on one ingredient can distract from the larger issue.

The greatest health risks associated with fast food are more closely linked to:

  • High sodium intake
  • Excess saturated fat
  • Added sugars
  • Large portion sizes
  • Frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods

An occasional fast-food meal is unlikely to determine someone’s long-term health. Overall dietary patterns, physical activity, sleep, and other lifestyle factors have a much greater impact.

Consumer Awareness Is Changing the Food Industry

Whether or not an ingredient poses a measurable health risk, public concern can influence corporate decisions.

Over the past decade, many food companies have reformulated products to remove controversial ingredients, reduce artificial additives, and simplify ingredient labels. In many cases, those changes have been driven as much by consumer preferences as by regulatory requirements.

The Bottom Line

The “yoga mat chemical” story captured public attention because it combined science, food safety, and memorable marketing. While azodicarbonamide was once used in some hamburger buns, including those supplied to McDonald’s, the company removed it from its U.S. buns years ago.

Current evidence suggests consumers are better served by paying attention to their overall diet rather than worrying about a single ingredient that has already disappeared from many products.

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Being an informed consumer means looking beyond the headlines, understanding the science, and recognizing that nutrition is about the complete picture—not just one ingredient.

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Automotive

The 2027 Jeep Wrangler Laredo Is Back — What That Means for Buyers in Arizona

Jeep unveiled the 2027 Jeep Wrangler Laredo, blending Southwest-inspired heritage styling with standard Xtreme 35 capability. Here’s what Arizona buyers should verify before ordering.

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Jeep is bringing back a familiar name with a very modern twist. In a July 12 PR Newswire release, the brand unveiled the 2027 Jeep Wrangler Laredo, describing it as a heritage-inspired trim that revives an iconic 1980s-era nameplate—then pairs that nostalgia with serious off-road hardware based on the Wrangler Willys.

The 2027 Jeep Wrangler Laredo
The 2027 Jeep Wrangler Laredo

For Arizona drivers, this one lands differently than it might in cooler climates. The Laredo’s headline features—a tan soft-top option, 35-inch tires, and a lifted stance—touch the daily realities of desert heat, freeway commuting, monsoon-season visibility, and weekend trail access. Here’s the Consumer Corner breakdown: what’s real, what to verify, and who this trim actually makes sense for.

The quick takeaway

The 2027 Jeep Wrangler Laredo is essentially a Willys-based Wrangler with the Xtreme 35 Package baked in, wrapped in a distinctive Southwest-themed design and a premium interior. Jeep says orders open later this month, and pricing starts at $1,995 over a Wrangler Willys with the Xtreme 35 Tire Package.

That last line matters: this isn’t a “cheap Wrangler.” It’s a value comparison against a specific build (Willys + Xtreme 35). If you were already planning that setup, the Laredo may be a relatively small step up for a lot of visual and interior differentiation.

What Jeep is highlighting (and what it means in plain English)

1) Standard Xtreme 35 Package: the capability is the point

Jeep says the Laredo includes the Xtreme 35 Package as standard equipment, including:

  • 35-inch BFGoodrich KO2 tires
  • 1-inch lift
  • Bronze beadlock-capable wheels

Consumer translation: this trim is not just decals. The tire size and lift change the stance, trail clearance, and replacement costs. If you like the look and you’ll actually use the traction/clearance, it’s a meaningful upgrade.

Arizona angle: 35-inch all-terrains can be great for dirt roads and rocky trails, but they can also mean more road noise and higher replacement costs. In extreme heat, tire condition matters—ask what the replacement set runs installed and how often you realistically drive on surfaces that justify the upgrade.

2) The tan soft-top is back (and the roof choice affects daily life)

Jeep is reintroducing the “highly coveted” tan soft-top. Roof options mentioned include:

  • Tan soft-top (heritage-inspired)
  • Sky One-touch powertop (four-door only)
  • Black hardtop (two-door and four-door)

Consumer translation: roof choice isn’t just aesthetics—it’s noise, heat management, convenience, and long-term wear.

Arizona angle: if you park outside in Phoenix-area sun, your roof choice affects cabin temperatureUV wear, and how quickly the interior feels like an oven. Before you commit:

  • Sit in one on a hot day if possible (or at least after it’s been outside)
  • Ask about warranty coverage for top materials and seals
  • Consider how often you’ll actually run top-down versus how often you’ll be fighting heat and glare

3) Southwest styling: you’re paying for a specific identity

Jeep leans hard into “American Southwest” cues:

  • Gobi accent grille
  • Laredo hood decals (center + side)
  • Bodyside decals and a rear lasso-style “4WD” decal
  • Bronze tow hooks and bronze-accented badging

Consumer translation: this is a trim for people who want their Wrangler to look like this from the factory—without aftermarket guesswork. If you’d delete the decals on day one, you’re probably not the target buyer.

Arizona angle: decals and exterior finishes live a harder life in intense sun. Ask about care guidance (and whether the dealer is pushing paint/graphics protection as an add-on you don’t need).

Inside the Laredo: premium touches (but confirm what’s truly standard)

Jeep says the cabin is built around a Bison Brown interior with:

  • Bison Brown Nappa leather seats with front heat and power adjust
  • Mayan Gold accent stitching
  • Exclusive Laredo badging, including a rear swing gate plaque with coordinates of Laredo, Texas
  • A subtle cowboy hat motif in HVAC pad prints

Consumer Corner note: “premium materials” can be real, but trims sometimes vary by package availability and dealer ordering. When you see the vehicle in person, verify:

  • Seat material and whether it’s true leather vs leather-trimmed surfaces
  • Exactly which seats are heated (and whether ventilation is offered)
  • Whether any interior elements are tied to optional packages

Arizona angle: leather and dark interiors can feel premium, but they also absorb heat. If you’re sensitive to hot seats and steering wheels, ask about:

  • Remote start availability (where applicable)
  • Sunshade options
  • Tint legality and pricing (and whether the dealer is bundling it)

The money question: what does “$1,995 over Willys + Xtreme 35” really mean?

Jeep’s pricing line is smart marketing because it anchors the Laredo as a modest step up—if you were already buying that exact Willys configuration.

Before you decide it’s a bargain, ask the dealer for two itemized build quotes:

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  1. Wrangler Willys + Xtreme 35 Tire Package (as close as possible to the referenced build)
  2. Wrangler Laredo (same drivetrain/doors where possible)

Then compare:

  • Out-the-door price (tax, title, registration, doc fees)
  • Dealer add-ons (tint, nitrogen, paint protection, wheel locks)
  • Insurance quote by VIN/trim (35-inch tires and higher replacement costs can affect premiums)

Arizona angle: don’t skip the insurance quote. Larger tires, higher replacement costs, and theft/vandalism risk can shift premiums. Get a quote using the exact trim before you fall in love with the look.

Who the 2027 Jeep Wrangler Laredo is best for

Best fit

  • You already want a Willys + 35-inch tire Wrangler and prefer a factory-finished heritage look
  • You care about distinctive styling and plan to keep the vehicle long enough for that identity to matter
  • You want something that feels “special edition” without going full custom
  • You do Arizona-style weekends: desert roads, trailheads, camping routes—where clearance and traction actually matter

Maybe not

  • You’re shopping for the lowest-cost Wrangler payment
  • You don’t want larger tires (replacement cost and ride feel can be different)
  • You’d remove the graphics or prefer a clean, minimal exterior

Consumer Corner: what to watch for before you sign

Use this checklist when the Laredo hits lots.

  • Confirm what’s standard: Xtreme 35 equipment, roof type, interior features
  • Ask about tire replacement cost: 35-inch KO2s aren’t economy tires
  • Check towing details: Jeep mentions an available trailer hitch and up to 3,500 lbs towing—confirm your exact configuration
  • Verify roof options by door count: Sky One-touch is four-door only
  • Get an out-the-door quote in writing: include add-ons and “market adjustment” if any
  • Test daily comfort: cabin noise, seat comfort, visibility, parking practicality
  • Arizona reality check: where will it park (garage vs outside), and how will you manage heat, glare, and interior wear?

Bottom line

The 2027 Jeep Wrangler Laredo is a nostalgia-forward trim that looks designed to be instantly recognizable—and it backs up the look with real off-road hardware via the standard Xtreme 35 Package. For buyers already leaning Willys + 35s, the Laredo’s pricing claim suggests it could be a relatively efficient way to get a more distinctive exterior and a richer interior without piecing together aftermarket parts.

For everyone else, treat it like any special trim: verify what’s standard, price it against the closest comparable build, and make sure the “icon” factor doesn’t distract from the monthly payment and long-term ownership costs—especially in Arizona, where heat and sun can turn small comfort details into daily dealbreakers.

Follow Jeep and company news and video on:
Media website: media.stellantisnorthamerica.com
Jeep brand: jeep.com
Facebook: facebook.com/jeep
Instagram: @jeep
X: @jeep
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/jeep
YouTube: youtube.com/thejeepchannel or youtube.com/StellantisNA

SOURCE Stellantis/ PR Newswire

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