The top 10 Zillow search terms of 2023

In 2023, millions of Americans typed into Zillow’s search bar looking for homes with features such as “swimming pools” and “stunning views.” Armed with curiosity and a lot of data, we analyzed 250 billion of these search requests to uncover the preferences of Zillow® surfers across the U.S.

Leveraging the power of Zillow’s AI-powered natural language search feature, we found that Zillow surfers had diverse and occasionally surprising home preferences. We offer you this unique glimpse into what Americans were searching for in a home in 2023:

Top 10 Zillow search terms

Largely shaped by where Americans are looking to live, these preferences showcase a variety of both modern and classic housing desires: 

1. Garage: Practical and convenient storage for vehicles — and more.
2. Backyard: A private outdoor retreat.
3. Fireplace: An amenity that exudes warmth and coziness.
4. Walk-in closet: Space and organization for storage.
5. Patio: An extension of indoor living for outdoor relaxation.
6. Open floor plan: Modern, interconnected living spaces.
7. Pool: A luxury, especially in warmer areas.
8. Family room: Space for shared moments.
9. Basement: Versatile extra space for various uses.
10. Granite counters: Durable elegance in kitchens and bathrooms.

Search standouts

Climate-control systems — centralized air conditioning and heating — emerged as one of the top three search terms in 22 out of 30 cities. Interestingly, central heating took the No. 1 spot in these southern cities with typically mild climates: Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Jacksonville, Los Angeles, Nashville, San Antonio and Tampa. This heightened interest in heating features might be a response to shifting climate patterns, influenced by recent extreme cold snaps.

From urban skylines to picturesque mountains, views hold a premium position for home buyers across cities. Buyers searching in Seattle stand out as the most view-obsessed, with mountain views, city views and water views ranking among the city’s top five searches, respectively, revealing an appreciation for the scenery that the city has to offer.

Miami has its focus on water views, alongside Atlanta, and San Francisco has an inclination toward city views. Meanwhile, in Colorado Springs, it’s no surprise that mountain views take precedence. 

In Atlanta, searches for double vanities made it into the top five, highlighting a unique focus on bathroom amenities. Naples sets itself apart with tennis courts, clubhouses and tile roofs in its top five searches, echoing a desire for a leisurely, resort-inspired lifestyle. Miami and New York City prioritize fitness areas and gyms.

Philadelphia leans toward practicality, with street parking and finished basements among the most sought-after features. San Antonio shoppers emphasize the significance of an “eat-in kitchen.” Tucson is the only city with an architectural choice among the top five searches across all cities, with searchers favoring “contemporary style” homes. 

Across warm-weather cities like Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Naples, Orlando, Phoenix, San Diego, Tampa and Tucson, the irresistible charm of the “pool life” shines through. Pools splash into the top five search terms for these cities, affirming their status as a highly prized amenity. 

Architectural style search trends by city

Contemporary and Ranch styles were among the most popular architectural style searches on Zillow, resonating in both urban and suburban areas, showcasing a preference for modern aesthetics and spacious, single-level living.

Contemporary-style home searches were more prominent in major urban centers like Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle, aligning with the modernity often associated with cities. In contrast, Ranch-style searches reflected a tendency toward traditional or suburban aesthetics, noticeable in cities like Colorado Springs, Indianapolis and Phoenix.

In New York, Philadelphia and Chicago, historical-style homes were the most sought after in searches, highlighting an appreciation for classic architecture. Cities like Naples, Miami and San Diego showed a greater interest in villa-style homes, displaying a penchant for Mediterranean-inspired designs.

Craftsman-style homes garnered attention in the Pacific Northwest, particularly in Seattle and Portland, as well as in southern cities like Atlanta, Dallas and San Antonio. The appeal of loft-style homes is evident in cities like Miami, Chicago and Dallas, reflecting a growing trend of transforming industrial spaces into stylish, open-concept living areas.