News Summary
Cumberland, Rhode Island, has been ranked as the eighth hottest ZIP code for housing in the U.S. for 2025 by Realtor.com. This ranking is driven by strong market demand and rapid sales, with homes selling significantly faster than the national average. The median asking price for homes in Cumberland is $580,000, reflecting a broader trend in high-priced home sales. This surge underlines a shift in housing market dynamics in the Northeast, even as competition and buyer demand intensify amidst low inventory levels.
Cumberland, Rhode Island has been recognized as the eighth hottest ZIP code for housing in the United States, according to the latest rankings by Realtor.com for 2025. The designation is a result of a combination of strong market demand and rapid sales pace, making it a key player in the competitive real estate landscape.
The rankings are based on two main factors: the number of unique viewers per property and the time listings stay active on the site. Homes in the top ten ZIP codes experienced traffic that was between 3.3 to 5.2 times greater than the national average during the first half of 2025, illustrating a robust interest from potential buyers. Additionally, listings in these sought-after areas sold 30 to 42 days faster than the national average, highlighting the speed at which properties are moving off the market.
In Cumberland specifically, the median asking price for homes stands at $580,000, which is notably $60,000 higher than the overall state average. This increase aligns with a broader trend in high-priced home sales, as evidenced by the 27 homes sold for $750,000 or more in the first quarter over the past four years. A total of eight high-priced properties were sold in Cumberland during the first quarter of 2025, compared to six in 2024 and just three in 2023.
The current hottest ZIP code in the U.S. is Beverly, Massachusetts. However, Cumberland’s surge reflects a significant shift in housing market dynamics, particularly in the Northeast. While national housing inventory saw a raise of 28.9% year-over-year in June 2025, it is still 12.9% below pre-pandemic levels, contributing to tight market conditions in many areas.
Despite the increase in inventory nationwide, Cumberland faces a severe shortage, with listings in the area averaging 58.9% below 2019 levels. As competition among buyers escalates, home seekers are making quicker decisions and engaging in aggressive bidding wars, further intensifying the demand.
Community Appeal and Growth
Cumberland’s rapid growth has made it the third fastest-growing community by population in Rhode Island, according to U.S. Census data from 2020. Several factors contribute to the attractiveness of this town, including strong school performance, relatively low tax rates compared to other Rhode Island municipalities, its proximity to Boston, and ample recreational opportunities.
In the high-priced segment, Colonial homes have been particularly popular, with 20 out of the 27 sales in the last four years falling into this architectural category. The trend is indicative of the demand for larger homes, suitable for families or those seeking more space amidst evolving lifestyles post-pandemic.
Regional Trends in the Housing Market
Interestingly, the current rankings show a shift in regional dynamics, with the South and West being noticeably absent from the top list for the third consecutive year. Instead, the Northeast and Midwest regions continue to dominate the hottest housing market rankings. This trend indicates a potential shift in where people choose to live, driven by changing preferences and lifestyle choices in the wake of the pandemic.
As the housing market continues to evolve, Cumberland, RI’s designation as the eighth hottest ZIP code underscores its appeal and the competitive nature of its real estate market. With a blend of attractive community features, rising home prices, and robust buyer demand, the future of Cumberland’s housing market looks poised for continued growth and interest.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Valley Breeze: Home Prices Topping $750,000 in Cumberland
- Providence Journal: Train Cars Derail in Cumberland, RI
- Boston Globe: Serenity Now at Monastery Trails in Cumberland, RI
- Boston.com: Top Real Estate Brokerages in Rhode Island
- Providence Journal: Rhode Island Real Estate Transactions
- Wikipedia: Cumberland, Rhode Island
- Google Search: Cumberland Rhode Island real estate
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rhode Island
