These are the 20 hottest ZIP codes in America

Millennials are making waves in the housing market, according to a new list of America's hottest ZIP codes from Realtor.com.

While much has been made of millennials' inability to move beyond renting into homeownership, Danielle Hale, the chief economist for Realtor.com, found that "the hottest housing markets are the ones that appeal to millennial preferences." In a press release announcing the list, she mentioned affordability and the quality of nightlife, restaurants, and outdoor activity opportunities as common features among the most popular ZIP codes.

The study also found that robust job markets, high salaries, large contingents of older millennials (ages 25 to 34), and high rates of millennial homeownership were common in the top markets.

These are the top 20 ZIP codes, ranked by how often their homes are viewed on Realtor.com and how quickly they sell.

20. Kennewick, Washington (99336)

Kennewick is an excellent neighborhood for outdoor enthusiasts, with its many parks and trails for hiking and biking.

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19. San Antonio, Texas (78247)

The third-fastest growing city in the United States, San Antonio is known for its rich variety of cultural and historical destinations.

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18. Wichita, Kansas (67212)

Wichita is an attractive destination for those who like spending time outdoors. The city's air quality is 21% better than the national average, and its pollution index is 95% better than the national average.

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17. Fort Wayne, Indiana (46815)

The second-largest city in Indiana, Fort Wayne is an ideal home base for those looking for affordable houses.

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16. Omaha, Nebraska (68144)

Omaha's riverfront and downtown area have received over $2 billion in new investments in the past few years, making its surrounding suburbs even more attractive to residents.

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15. Rochester, New York (14623)

Home to over 1 million residents, Rochester boasts cultural events year-round, including a lilac and jazz festival.

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14. Nashville, Tennessee (37214)

Beyond being the center of the country-music industry, Nashville is an affordable home for the budget-conscious. Its cost of living is 4.5% lower than the national average.

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13. Louisville, Kentucky (40220)

Louisville is building a reputation as a culinary hotspot, earning acclaim from Southern Living magazine and Zagat.

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12. Boise, Idaho (83704)

Boise is home to a diverse economy, which includes tech companies like Hewlett-Packard, medical facilities, and five higher-education institutions.

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11. Elk Grove, California (95758)

Elk Grove is home to plenty of high earners. Its median household income of $84,454 is over $20,000 higher than the state of California's.

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10. Hilliard, Ohio (43026)

Hilliard cracked the top 10 because of its standout schools, small-town vibe, museums, and excellent size-to-price ratios.

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9. Mira Mesa, California (92126)

Located in San Diego, Mira Mesa received high marks for its emphasis on local businesses, diverse residents, and proximity to a beach and nature reserve.

8. Overland Park, Kansas (66210)

Overland Park boasts an excellent school system, reasonably priced homes, and close proximity to Kansas City.

7. Colorado Springs, Colorado (80922)

Residents flock to this neighborhood for its excellent location — it's close to the Colorado Springs Airport, the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, and downtown Colorado Springs — and abundant options for outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and horse-riding trails.

6. Castro Valley, California (94546)

Castro Valley is an attractive option for those who want to work in Silicon Valley without having to pay prohibitive housing prices.

5. Littleton, Colorado (80123)

Littleton has an abundance of parks and trails as well as a vibrant downtown area with high-quality options for shopping.

4. Medford, Massachusetts (02155)

With easy access to downtown Boston, low tax rates, and great dining options, Medford is becoming an attractive option for Massachusetts residents.

3. Kentwood, Michigan (49548)

Located in Grand Rapids, Kentwood is developing a reputation for its restaurants and microbreweries. It also has a thriving economy and is close to Gerald R. Ford International Airport.

2. Livonia, Michigan (48154)

In stark contrast to this ZIP code's surrounding areas and much of the United States, over 86% of millennials living here own the home where they live. Livonia is one of Michigan's safest cities.

1. Watauga, Texas (76148)

Watauga tops this list for the second year in a row, excelling on just about every metric one could hope for: a growing economy, top-notch schools, strong restaurants, and a variety of cultural and entertainment options. It's no wonder homes in this ZIP code are being viewed 28% more often than last year.

These are the 20 hottest ZIP codes in America

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