wallingford is one of the hottest ZIP codes in connecticut-here's why

via SFGATE

By Realtor.com Team | Published on August 28, 2025

Wallingford, Connecticut homes for sale (ZIP 06492) rank No. 18 on Realtor.com®'s 2025 Hottest ZIP Codes list . This central Connecticut town offers a blend of historic charm, commuter access, and relative affordability in a region known for high housing costs.

From January to June 2025, Wallingford listings received 7.2 times more views per property than the U.S. average and sold in a median of just 29 days. The median listing price was $394,000, about 13.8% below the Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford metro's $440,000 median.

A strong player in Connecticut's housing market

Wallingford is one of three Connecticut markets in the Top 20, alongside Trumbull (No. 7) and South Windsor (No. 9). Its location midway between Hartford and New Haven makes it appealing to commuters working in either city, and its mix of older homes and newer developments offers a variety of options for buyers.The town's pricing advantage compared with other Connecticut suburbs continues to attract interest from both in-state and out-of-state shoppers. And the goal is continue expansion in the area.

A new 66-unit affordable housing development was recently approved for downtown in August 2025 near the railroad in hopes of offering more options for working families looking to stay in the area.

"It's a tough market for everybody. I get calls literally weekly from either past clients or referrals…they want to stay in town and they have nowhere to go, so they're really stuck," Kristen Butts, a member of Wallingford Works For Housing and a realtor in town for 23 years told a local outlet CTInsider. "I have several folks who've been looking for years. There's just not enough that that fits the bill, if you will."

Northeast's high demand

Wallingford's performance is part of the Northeast housing market's strong showing this year. Limited supply and continued buyer interest are driving competition across the region.

According to June 2025 housing data, national listings remain 12.9% below pre-pandemic levels, while the hottest ZIP codes average nearly 59% fewer listings than in 2019. Wallingford's market mirrors that trend with a fast-moving pace and multiple-offer scenarios.

Suburban character with historic appeal

Wallingford's historic downtown features shops, restaurants, and community events, while surrounding neighborhoods offer tree-lined streets and parks. Buyers value the town's blend of history, convenience, and suburban amenities.

Its central location in Connecticut also makes it a strategic choice for buyers needing access to multiple regional job hubs. Hoping to meet demand, Mayor Vincent Cervoni had put forward the initiative to pursue a large senior housing complex along Community Lake where the boathouse for Choate Rosemary Hall was once located to provide options for retirees looking to downsize and stay in the community.

Why Wallingford's market is moving fast

At $394,000, Wallingford's median price is well below the national median, giving it a competitive edge. Homes typically sell in about a month, much faster than the national median of 53 days.

While some markets have cooled, existing-home sales trends show that Connecticut suburbs with commuter appeal remain in high demand.

Wallingford's inclusion in the Top 20 underscores Connecticut's ability to attract a wide range of buyers seeking suburban lifestyles with urban accessibility. If these trends continue-low inventory, steady demand, and a balance of affordability and location-Wallingford will remain a strong competitor in the state's housing market.