With steep competition to find a home in the new year, these cities offer affordable options for buyers in the housing market.

Providence continues to be one of the hottest real estate markets in the country, as the state is in the grip of a housing crisis. In a Zillow ranking released on Tuesday, Providence and its metro area ranked as the third hottest market in the country,

While the national housing supply recently reached a four-year high, buying a home in some U.S. cities may be especially difficult in 2025, a new Zillow report suggests. To make its predictions, Zillow reviewed multiple factors — including how quickly homes have been selling,

Charlotte held the highest rank among Southern markets on Zillow's list. Richmond, Virginia, also appeared among the top 10, ranking at No. 9. Raleigh, the only other North or South Carolina metro in the analysis, ranked at No. 21 — down four spots from last year.

Affordability remains a barrier after the pandemic-era boom as home prices continue to rise and mortgage rates stay high.

Hartford, Conn., was also forecasted to be among the top markets by the real estate listing website, but Boston ranked 16th among the 50 metro areas compared.

Zillow's analysis considers such factors as home construction, the local job market and the percentage of homeownership.

Buffalo, N.Y., will for the second year in a row be the hottest housing market in the country due to its job market stability and affordable home prices, according to a report released Tuesday by

Zillow says relative affordability and job growth will be the key drivers among the most competitive markets for buyers in 2025.

ZIllow ranks the City of Brotherly Love as the 5th hottest market for this year, where home value growth is expected to jump 2.6%.