PEABODY, Mass. — Homebuyers considering a move to Massachusetts have another North Shore community to put on their radar.
ZIP code 01960 in Peabody, Massachusetts, has been ranked the No. 1 hottest ZIP code in the United States for 2026, according to Realtor.com’s Hottest ZIP Codes analysis.
The national recognition puts Peabody at the top of a list of competitive housing markets across the country and highlights the continued demand for homes in communities within the Greater Boston region.
For families, professionals and other newcomers planning a move to Massachusetts, the ranking also offers an important indication of what to expect when shopping for a home in Peabody: strong buyer interest and homes that can move quickly.
Peabody Takes the No. 1 Spot in the Country
Realtor.com’s Hottest ZIP Codes ranking evaluates housing markets based largely on two factors: buyer demand and how quickly homes sell.
Peabody’s 01960 ZIP code performed strongly in both categories.
Homes for sale in Peabody spent approximately 20 days on the market during the first half of 2026, compared with roughly 57 days nationally, according to Realtor.com’s analysis.
Online shopping activity also demonstrates how much attention Peabody is receiving from buyers within Greater Boston. Approximately seven in 10 viewers looking at Peabody properties came from the Boston area.
That means newcomers interested in Peabody may be competing not only with other relocating households, but also with existing Greater Boston residents searching for their next home.
Massachusetts Places Two ZIP Codes in the National Top Five
Peabody was not the only Massachusetts community to receive national recognition.
The five hottest ZIP codes in the country for 2026 were:
- 01960 — Peabody, Massachusetts
- 07042 — Montclair, New Jersey
- 08080 — Sewell, New Jersey
- 14450 — Fairport, New York
- 01085 — Westfield, Massachusetts
With Peabody taking the top position and Westfield ranking fifth, Massachusetts placed two communities among the five hottest ZIP codes in America.
The rankings also demonstrate the continued strength of housing demand in communities outside major Northeast cities.
Why Are Homebuyers Looking at Peabody?
For newcomers unfamiliar with Massachusetts, Peabody is located in Essex County on the North Shore, approximately 20 miles north of downtown Boston.
Its location puts residents within the Greater Boston economic region while providing an alternative to living directly in the city.
Peabody is surrounded by several well-known North Shore communities, including Salem, Danvers, Beverly and Lynn. Its location can make it particularly attractive to households looking for access to employment centers throughout northeastern Massachusetts.
For relocating buyers, Peabody also provides a mix of residential neighborhoods, shopping, services and access to major regional roadways.
The city’s position within the North Shore makes it worth considering alongside neighboring communities when determining where to live while working in or around Greater Boston.
What Does the Peabody Housing Market Look Like?
Housing market data provides additional context for newcomers considering ZIP code 01960.
In June 2026, the ZIP code recorded a median listing price of approximately $649,900 and a median sold price of approximately $673,000, according to Realtor.com market data.
The median listing price per square foot was approximately $392.
Realtor.com classified 01960 as a seller’s market, meaning demand from buyers was greater than the available supply of homes.
Properties were also selling for an average of approximately 103% of their asking price.
For someone relocating from a housing market where homes routinely sell at or below asking price, that distinction can be important.
A $650,000 asking price, for example, should not automatically be viewed as the final purchase price when preparing a relocation budget.
What Peabody’s Ranking Means for Relocating Homebuyers
Being named the hottest ZIP code in America does not mean Peabody is the country's most expensive housing market.
Instead, the ranking reflects the combination of strong buyer attention and the speed at which available homes are selling.
That distinction matters for newcomers.
Buyers moving to Massachusetts may begin their home search months before arriving in the state. In a fast-moving market such as Peabody, waiting until after a relocation to begin learning about neighborhoods, financing and local market conditions could make the purchasing process more difficult.
Prospective buyers should consider obtaining mortgage preapproval, establishing a realistic purchase budget and researching Peabody neighborhoods before actively touring properties.
Buyers relocating from outside Massachusetts should also become familiar with the Commonwealth’s home-buying process and work with professionals who understand the local market.
Peabody vs. Other North Shore Communities
Relocators interested in Peabody should also compare the city with surrounding North Shore housing markets.
Nearby communities can offer different combinations of home prices, property styles, transportation options, school districts, downtown environments and commuting patterns.
Peabody may appeal to buyers looking for a North Shore location with convenient access to major highways and nearby employment centers, while neighboring communities may offer different lifestyle or transportation advantages.
For newcomers, expanding a home search beyond a single ZIP code can be particularly valuable when inventory is limited.
A Broader Shift Toward Northeast and Midwest Communities
Peabody’s ranking is also part of a larger national housing trend.
Many of the country's hottest ZIP codes are concentrated in the Northeast and Midwest, including communities located within commuting or economic reach of major metropolitan areas.
Limited housing inventory in many established communities continues to contribute to competition for available properties.
For Massachusetts relocators, that means suburban and smaller-city housing markets should not automatically be considered less competitive simply because they are located outside Boston.
Peabody is a clear example.
Planning a Move to Peabody, Massachusetts
For people considering a move to Greater Boston or the North Shore, Peabody’s position as the No. 1 hottest ZIP code in America for 2026 makes 01960 a housing market worth watching.
But national recognition can also bring additional buyer attention.
Relocating households considering Peabody should be prepared to move quickly when the right property becomes available and should develop a housing strategy before beginning their search.
Understanding home prices, available inventory, commuting options and neighboring communities can help newcomers determine whether Peabody is the right fit for their Massachusetts relocation.
The Bottom Line
Peabody’s 01960 ZIP code has emerged as one of the most closely watched housing markets in the country.
With homes selling substantially faster than the national average, strong interest from Greater Boston buyers and Massachusetts placing two ZIP codes among the national top five, the ranking reinforces the strength of housing demand across parts of the Commonwealth.
For newcomers planning to move to Peabody, Massachusetts, the city offers a North Shore location within the Greater Boston region—but prospective homebuyers should be prepared for a competitive housing market.
Let’s Move to Massachusetts News will continue covering Massachusetts housing market trends, communities and relocation developments to help newcomers make informed decisions about where to live in the Commonwealth.