While coastal enclaves and elite ski towns have become synonymous with high-end living, a dozen “under-the-radar” markets—primarily across the South and West—are rapidly emerging as the new frontiers of luxury.
Realtor.com® economists analyzed the latest housing data to identify the hidden-gem markets where luxury may not be the norm just yet, but where elite inventory is rapidly gaining ground. Their findings are outlined in the April 2026 luxury report.
Some markets on the list, such as Santa Fe, NM, and Hilton Head Island, SC, already have established luxury identities but are experiencing a second wind of growth. Meanwhile, dark horses such as Fayetteville, AR, and Knoxville, TN, are quietly becoming the nation’s newest wealth hubs…