I
n many U.S. cities people are staying put, while in others they’re moving on. Realtor.com® economists examined the 50 largest metros from September 2024 to August 2025, ranking the ten with the highest home‑sale turnover. A higher turnover signals a healthier mix of buyers and sellers, often linked to affordability and ample inventory, especially from new builds.
**Top 10 metros by turnover**
| Metro | Median list price | Turnover rate (sales per 1,000 units) |
|-------|-------------------|----------------------------------------|
| Kansas City, MO | $380,000 | 45 |
| San Antonio, TX | $329,000 | 45 |
| Indianapolis, IN | $320,000 | 45 |
| Las Vegas, NV | $471,975 | 43 |
| Dallas, TX | $425,000 | 42 |
| Nashville, TN | $536,739 | 42 |
| Austin, TX | $489,859 | 42 |
| Charlotte, NC‑SC | $438,348 | 42 |
| Houston, TX | $358,000 | 40 |
| St. Louis, MO | $295,900 | 39 |
**Key drivers**
* **Affordability & new construction** – Texas metros such as San Antonio, Dallas, and Austin have seen steady building activity, keeping prices in check and giving buyers more choices.
* **Equity unlocking** – Homeowners in Kansas City, Indianapolis, and Austin are cashing out on the equity built since 2020‑22, often to pay debts, relocate, or upgrade.
* **Retiree relocation** – Nevada’s Las Vegas and parts of Texas see retirees moving to cooler climates, assisted‑living facilities, or family‑nearer homes.
* **Job and military moves** – San Antonio’s corporate hiring and military rotations drive frequent sales, while Indianapolis attracts workers from high‑cost states.
* **Investor activity** – Midwestern markets like Indianapolis and St. Louis attract national investors who buy, renovate, and sell quickly, boosting turnover.
* **Cost‑of‑living pressures** – Charlotte, Nashville, and Houston experience rising living costs, prompting residents to downsize or move to more affordable areas.
* **Lifestyle changes** – Empty‑nesters, new families, and those seeking better commutes or political climates are selling in all ten metros.
**Expert insights**
Hannah Jones, senior economic research analyst at Realtor.com, notes that high‑turnover markets “operate more fluidly, balancing active buyers and sellers.” She adds that these markets are usually more affordable and benefit from robust for‑sale inventories.
Real‑estate professionals echo this:
* Majid Ghavami (ReeceNichols, Kansas City) reports many retirees moving to warmer states.
* Daniel Cabrera (Sell My House Fast, San Antonio) says sellers are monetizing appreciation, not panicking.
* Jonathan Kile (Loyal Home Buyers, Indianapolis) cites affordability, in‑migration, and equity growth as the main turnover drivers.
* Robert Little (Re/Max Advantage, Henderson) highlights retirees downsizing and investors taking profits in Las Vegas.
* Harrison Polsky (Douglas Elliman, Dallas) observes a surge in listings tied to strong buyer interest.
* Jake Kennedy (Compass, Nashville) points to rising costs and a recent rate cut spurring moves.
* Noá Levy (The Boutique Real Estate, Austin) notes that post‑pandemic equity and lower rates encourage sellers.
* Kate Terrigno (Corcoran Horizon, Charlotte) sees cost‑of‑living hikes prompting long‑time residents to sell.
* Ahmed Harhara (HoustonHomeTools.com) attributes Houston’s turnover to rising rates, job shifts, and remote work.
* Heather Shepherd (Douglas Elliman, Houston) cites insurance, taxes, and construction pressures as common selling reasons.
* Jones also remarks that St. Louis’s affordability keeps inventory flowing amid its emerging tech scene.
These factors together explain why the ten metros listed above are experiencing the most home sales in the past year.
