The nation’s top housing market is familiar to Brewers fans

Wisconsin is experiencing significant positive momentum. Following the Milwaukee Brewers' historic victory in the World Series, the city of Appleton has been recognized as the leading housing market in the United States, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal and Realtor.com.

Situated approximately 100 miles north of Milwaukee and home to the Brewers' High-A affiliate, the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, the Appleton metropolitan area topped the housing market rankings due to its ample housing inventory, favorable pricing for buyers, a robust local economy, low cost of living, and an unemployment rate that is below the national average.

In her analysis, Realtor.com Senior Economist Hannah Jones noted, “Appleton’s housing market tells a story of improving supply and steady demand.” She highlighted that the number of active listings in the Appleton area has seen a significant increase year over year, currently sitting just 8.7% lower than pre-pandemic levels. Homes in the region are averaging 40 days on the market, which is three weeks shorter than the national average.

The rankings were determined using 12 different housing and economic indicators, divided into two main categories. The local real estate market was given a weight of 60%, while the remaining 40% evaluated economic health and quality of life.

The Midwest region performed exceptionally well, securing the second and third spots in the rankings, with South Bend, Indiana, taking second place and Canton, Ohio, coming in third. The report indicates that the Midwest remains “solidly seller-friendly,” characterized by strong demand and limited housing supply. In contrast, the Northeast region lacks any buyer's markets among the cities examined by Realtor.com.