Ohio’s housing market is seeing a sharp shift as home prices surge well beyond their usual pace. According to the Zillow Home Value Index, a wave of investor activity is transforming once-stable towns across the Buckeye State. Rapid buying, flipping, and speculative demand have fueled price spikes that often double historical growth rates, leaving local buyers struggling to compete.
These shifts carry real consequences. Affordable neighborhoods are tightening, first-time homebuyers are being squeezed out, and communities are changing faster than many residents ever expected. The following 30 towns show the clearest signs of this investor-driven surge as of July 2025.
30. New Lebanon – Investor Feeding Frenzy Factor 16.19% (July 2025)
- Historical annual growth rate (2012–2022): 4.87%
- Recent annual growth rate (2022–2025): 5.66%
- Investor Feeding Frenzy Factor: 16.19%
- Current 2025 price: $187,636.33
New Lebanon’s recent growth of 5.66% annually outpaces its decade-long average of 4.87%, pushing its Feeding Frenzy Factor to over 16%. That may not sound like much at first glance, but in a community where growth has historically been modest, even a small surge can signal early investor interest. This kind of acceleration can quietly reshape affordability trends for local buyers.
New Lebanon – Modest Prices, Rising Pressure
Tucked just west of Dayton in Montgomery County, New Lebanon has long been considered a budget-friendly suburb with a close-knit feel. The 2025 average home price of $187,636 still ranks well below the Ohio state average, but recent pricing momentum hints at growing investor appetite. Schools in the area are served by the New Lebanon Local School District, and the town’s easy access to US Route 35 adds appeal for commuters.
With a historically slow-but-steady market, even a 16% spike in price growth above baseline could mean trouble for first-time homebuyers. If investor activity continues to heat up, this once-sleepy market may not stay quiet for long.
29. Poland – Investor Feeding Frenzy Factor 18.05% (July 2025)
- Historical annual growth rate (2012–2022): 5.51%
- Recent annual growth rate (2022–2025): 6.51%
- Investor Feeding Frenzy Factor: 18.05%
- Current 2025 price: $250,382.66
Poland’s Investor Feeding Frenzy Factor just cleared 18%, signaling a measurable uptick in housing demand. While the recent 6.51% annual growth doesn’t seem extreme in isolation, it’s notably higher than the previous decade’s rate of 5.51%. That kind of shift can put pressure on an already competitive market.
Poland – A Classic Suburb Feeling the Heat
Located in Mahoning County near the Pennsylvania border, Poland is known for its highly rated schools and picturesque residential neighborhoods. Home prices in 2025 hover around $250,000, reflecting the area’s enduring appeal. Investors may be betting on continued demand from families looking for stability and quality of life without the cost of urban living…