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Raleigh tops Baby Chaser Index as boomers move closer to family
Raleigh added 24,000 households in 2025, helping it overtake Nashville and other top markets in the 2026 index.
Raleigh, North Carolina has been ranked the No. 1 “baby chaser” housing market for 2026, as more older Americans relocate near children and grandchildren, according to data released by NewHomeSource and Zonda, as covered by HousingWire.
The annual Baby Chaser Index tracks markets showing growth among both younger buyers and baby boomers, and this year’s report said one in four baby boomers plan to retire near family. Raleigh moved up from third to first, supported by household growth of 24,000 added in 2025, placing it ahead of Nashville, Houston, Dallas and Charlotte.
The report lists Nashville, Houston, Dallas, Charlotte, Boise, Idaho, Charleston, South Carolina, Austin, San Antonio and Atlanta as the top baby chaser markets in 2026. HousingWire data also points to rising inventory, longer days on market and price reductions in these areas, giving relocating families more negotiation flexibility.
NewHomeSource and Zonda linked the trend to family connections plus local quality of life factors such as jobs, education, healthcare and recreation. Housing affordability also played a role in the index, providing younger buyers with more accessible homeownership while older households can better manage long-term savings and living costs.