Home prices have nearly doubled in these U.S. Opportunity Zones that offer tax breaks

November 11, 2025

5 5 minutes read

Home prices have nearly doubled in these U.S. Opportunity Zones that offer tax breaks

Home buyers and real estate investors are always looking for a deal, and some areas in the country are offering incentives.

Currently, 8,764 places have been assessed Opportunity zones in the US. They are federally designated census tracts where certain investments may qualify for tax benefits under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

“In these zones, investors can receive significant capital gains tax benefits in exchange for placing money in underserved communities,” Chad D. CummingsCPA and attorney, says Realtor.com®.

But with so many zones to choose from, what is the best investment?

According to a new study, prices rose year over year in 54.6% of zones with enough data to analyze Opportunity Zones Report Through ATOMa leading curator of land, real estate data and real estate analyses.

And in the top 10 opportunity zones, home prices have nearly doubled.

Topping ATTOM’s list are Lee County, FL (+97.8%), Laurens County, GA (+97.2%), Clark County, IL (+96.7%), Shawnee County, KS (+95.7%), Clay County, GA (+95.6%), Milwaukee County, WI (+95.6%), Philadelphia County, PA (+95%), Livingston County, NY (+94.3%), East Baton Rouge County, LA (+93.8%), and Fulton County, GA (+93.6%).

(realtor.com)

“Overall, these counties represent areas where low home values combined with favorable local dynamics are producing outsized price gains,” he explains. Hannah Jonessenior economic research analyst at Realtor.com.

The zones are spread across multiple US regions, including the South, the Midwest and the Northeast.

“While both the Midwest and Northeast have shown broad strength in home prices, parts of the South have experienced some price softening,” Jones says. “Yet, this data highlights that within these counties, specific Opportunity Zones have seen substantial appreciation despite broader market headwinds.”

Several Opportunity Zones are also in states “characterized by strong population and economic growth compared to more expensive coastal markets,” she adds.

Hottest Opportunity Zones

Broker and investor Ron Myersby Ron buys houses in Floridasays he has done a lot more business in Lee County, Florida this year.

Although the area tops the list for price growth, Myers tells Realtor.com, “home prices are still lower compared to other popular areas in Florida,” making it more attractive to buyers.

“I have more buyers asking about Lee County, especially because it’s in an opportunity zone,” Myers says. “These zones offer investors great tax benefits, such as deferring taxes on gains or saving money if they hold the property long enough – which is a key reason why investors want to buy there.”

Georgia has three Opportunity Zones in the top 10 – more than any other state.

“Georgia stands out as an overall favorable state for investors, offering attractive terms for rental income and long-term appreciation due to its growth trajectory and relative affordability,” says Jones.

However, the results are far from guaranteed.

“The success of investing in Georgia depends greatly on the specific county or metropolitan area, the property type, the entry price and the overall investment strategy,” Jones adds.

While strong valuation is possible, “investors should be selective and assess each area carefully, rather than automatically assuming high returns.” Rob KapperCEO of ATTOM, tells Realtor.com.

“Some Opportunity Zones saw sharp price increases. However, the broader report shows that Opportunity Zones generally grew at a rate comparable to non-Opportunity Zone areas, meaning these outsized gains are the exception, not the rule.”

Prices are rising

According to ATTOM, median home prices rose year over year in more than half (54.6%) of Opportunity Zones with enough data to analyze.

In the third quarter of 2025, 11.3% of Opportunity Zones recorded the highest median home price since the Great Recession in 2008.

Moreover, average house prices rose by at least 10% year-on-year in 36.2% of zones with sufficient data.

“Opportunity Zones were just as likely to see home prices rise as neighborhoods outside of these zones, showing that these areas are also benefiting from this continued home price increase,” Barber said. “But many of these zones still have a long way to go as their average sales prices are well below areas not earmarked for development.”

Affordability meets opportunity

The report notes that “homes in opportunity zones remain much more affordable.”

ATTOM found that only 20% of Opportunity Zone tracts had a typical home price above the national median of $370,000.

In fact, in the third quarter of 2025, 49.9% of Opportunity Zone census tracts reported average sales prices of less than $225,000.

This means “investors can get in at more affordable prices while still reaping potential upside,” Barber says.

Most opportunity zones in the Midwest (54%) had a median home value of less than $175,000, compared to 38% in the Northeast, 37% in the South and 5% in the West.

Opportunity Zones with the lowest median home values saw the weakest price increases, as only 39.7% of those with a median sales price under $125,000 recorded year-over-year growth.

One of the exceptions was Shawnee County, Kansas, which ranked fourth on the list.

The average sales price shot up year over year from $45,065 to $88,213.

Ben Allgeyera Kansas-based real estate investor and the real estate specialist at Fast Home Buyers in Kansas Citysays Shawnee County is popular with investors.

“There is an increase in population that needs housing, with an emphasis on rental,” he says. “With increased employment in the province, demand for mid-priced units continues.”

Allgeyer says investing in opportunity zones like the one in Shawnee County “provides the community with an opportunity for new jobs, improved economic growth, and restoration and renewal of blighted areas.”

And the tax write-off doesn’t hurt either.

“That is the main reason why many private investors participate in the projects offered by the zone program,” he admits.