A Pasco County community has earned a top national distinction in the real estate world: Land O’ Lakes has been named the “hottest neighborhood of 2026” in the U.S. by real estate brokerage Redfin.
The ranking is based on data from January through February 2026, with Redfin analyzing ZIP codes in the 100 most populous metro areas by year-over-year growth in listing views and its “Compete Score” — a measure of how difficult it is to win a home based on days on market, the share of homes sold above list price, and sale-to-list price ratios.
Land O’ Lakes saw home listing views jump nearly 91% year-over-year and home sales rise about 36%, with a median sale price of $425,000. Nearby Plant City came in at No. 2 on the list, and Oak Creek, Wisconsin took the No. 3 spot.
Redfin agents and economists point to affordability and space as the primary draws. Senior agent Angelo Dass noted that many buyers are relocating from high-tax states like New York and California in search of greater value. The community, known for its parks, quality public schools, and proximity to Clearwater beaches, offers a fast-growing suburb that blends new construction with established neighborhoods.
Redfin Senior Economist Asad Khan attributed the broader trend to affordability, saying these neighborhoods sit just outside major hubs and offer a lower cost of living without sacrificing access to highly rated schools, shopping, and dining.
Six of the 10 hottest neighborhoods nationally are in the Midwest, marking the second consecutive year the region has dominated Redfin’s annual ranking. Despite that trend, the two Tampa-area suburbs claiming the top spots highlight strong demand in parts of Florida even as several housing markets in the state cool.
The broader housing market remains constrained, with the average long-term U.S. mortgage rate at 6.3% — down from 6.76% a year ago — and economists cautioning that a robust spring buying season is unlikely.
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