According to a recent report from The Wall Street Journal and Realtor.com, Northeast Ohio is officially on the map. Two of our local cities landed in the top 5 of their national Housing Market Ranking for 2025. This list highlights areas that offer the most opportunity for today’s homebuyers. And it’s no surprise to us because we’ve long known what makes this corner of the Midwest special.
The report, which analyzed the top 200 metro areas across the country, focused on regions that strike a balance between affordability, economic access, and buyer demand. With home costs continuing to rise across the nation, buyers are increasingly looking for value. This means places where their money goes further without sacrificing quality of life.
Why the Northeast Ohio Housing Market Is Attracting Attention
This quarter’s top-ranking city was Toledo, Ohio, praised for its strong demand, quick-moving market pace, and impressive price growth. With a median listing price of just $235,000, almost $200,000 below the national average, it’s clear why buyers are turning to the Midwest for opportunity.
But the momentum doesn’t stop in Toledo. Northeast Ohio is seeing the same trends:
- Competitive yet accessible pricing
- Proximity to thriving economic hubs like Akron, Cleveland, and Canton
- A growing population of buyers aged 55+ seeking smarter, more sustainable housing options
As The Wall Street Journal notes, older buyers and repeat buyers are more likely to find success in today’s housing market. Many of whom are looking to rightsize into homes that offer flexibility, low-maintenance living, and long-term comfort.
What This Means for You
If you’ve been thinking about making a move, there’s no better time to act. The housing market in Northeast Ohio isn’t just hot, it’s practical. It’s filled with options that make financial sense, particularly for active adults who want a home that supports how they live now and in the future.
At New Leaf Homes, we’re proud to offer that next step. Our homes that are thoughtfully designed for aging in place, built with transparency, and nestled in communities where connection comes naturally. Our buyers gain a sense of belonging and the freedom that comes from low-maintenance, high-value living.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Single-story ranch floorplans with open-concept layouts and zero-step entries
- Standard features like landscaping, tankless water heaters, security packages, and gourmet kitchens. All included in the base price
- No hidden costs or upgrade surprises, just real value built in from the start
And because we know space is important, our homes include:
- Attic storage, flex rooms, and oversized garages to help you rightsize without sacrifice
- Private courtyards that offer outdoor space without the upkeep (Read more about that in this blog post)
The Next Step: The Retreat at Cobblestone
Our first development, The Retreat at Rosemont is down to only one lot left. This makes our newest community in Medina, The Retreat at Cobblestone, is a rare opportunity to get in on one of the region’s most exciting developments. Whether you’re actively searching or simply starting to explore, now’s the time to start the conversation.
Learn more about what makes New Leaf different, and explore your options before homesites are spoken for.