4 Housing Markets in Mountain Towns Gaining Momentum
Rarely is there a better day spent than one doomscrolling through housing market content to see all the real estate you would like to add to cart. That said, in many cases, this is an aspirational hobby, as homeownership feels completely out of reach for many.
However, there’s a rumor that mountain towns are having a moment, and some of them still have entry points that make sense for first-time buyers and young investors. If you don’t put stock in rumors, you can at least listen to the real estate experts who recommend these fantastic finds.
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Here are four U.S. mountain towns worth paying serious attention to right now.
Bend, Oregon: The Pacific Northwest's Hottest Small City
Average home price: $735,193 (Zillow)
12-month change: Down 2.5%
Why it's a buy: Outdoor lifestyle appeal, tech migration, low inventory
Bend has been on the radar for a while, but 2026 is shifting it into a more strategic market — meaning less FOMO-fueled bidding wars and more room to actually think. It is a great mountain town for young professional residents and investors alike, according to Realtor Suzanne Moore, founder and owner of Central Oregon Investor Network (COIN).
"It has historically provided solid appreciation and some cash flow opportunities," she said. "People are moving here, vacationing here and generally attracted to the area for so many reasons, so there's excellent rental demand for a variety of investment strategies."
Blue Ridge, Georgia: The South's Best-Kept Real Estate Secret
Average home price: $512,473
12-month change: Down 0.4%
Why it's a buy: Lower barrier to entry, short-term rental goldmine, appreciation trajectory is just getting started
Charissa Bright, founder and owner of Bright Buys Houses in Watkinsville, Georgia, called Blue Ridge a "growing gem" whose charm, rising property values and year-round tourism make it an ideal choice for buyers in the next five years. Year-round tourism keeps short-term rentals booked solid, and the town is seeing steady population growth from both retirees and young families priced out of Atlanta.
Noting that Blue Ridge is experiencing steady population growth, Bright said access to jobs, quality healthcare, schools and extensive outdoor recreation opportunities add to the town's appeal.
"Home sales are booming, and they are driven by demand for primary residences and investment properties," Bright said. "It's a rental hot spot, too, with tourists keeping short-term rentals full year-round and retirees or families seeking long-term options."
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Fort Collins, Colorado: Stable, Educated and Underrated
Average home price: $568,389
12-month change: Down 1.3%
Why it's a buy: Diversified tenant pool, stable economy, no boom-bust volatility
Fort Collins doesn't get the hype that Denver or Boulder do, which is honestly the whole point. The secret is getting out, however, that it's a very desirable place to live, according to Fred Porter, broker and owner of Porter Real Estate. He sees a bright future for real estate, claiming, "The City of Fort Collins projects a demand of 30,220 housing units by 2040. Based on projected construction of new homes, there will be a deficit of 2,043 units in 2040.”
While Fort Collins also has a thriving short-term rental market, Porter advised you do your due diligence. “The city has put restrictions in place, so if you're considering purchasing a property for short-term rentals, you'll want to work with a local Realtor who knows the market," he said.
Seattle: Long-Term Thinking for a Big Payoff
Average home price: $871,599
12-month change: Down 2.5%
Why it's a buy: Tech-driven demand, geographic supply limits, condos as an accessible entry point
No, Seattle isn't necessarily a hidden gem, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t belong on your real estate radar. It is a mountain town unlike most, according to Chris Reis, real estate broker with PNW Residences/Compass Real Estate in Seattle.
Bolstered by its strong economy, educated workforce and high-paying jobs, the real estate market has experienced significant growth over the past decade, Reis said.
"The real estate market consistently finds itself in a shortfall between demand and supply, majorly amplified by the fact that adding additional housing is challenging given the topography of the region," Reis said.
And the growth is expected to continue. "With temperate weather and abundant natural resources, it is understandable why some population projections see the Puget Sound region adding 1 million additional residents by 2040," Reis explained. "Already faced with housing shortages, this high-earning population growth could offer promising returns to homeowners and investors alike."
Daria Uhlig contributed to the reporting for this article.
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Disclaimer: Average home price and 12-month change data was sourced from Zillow on June 11, 2026.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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