The 18064 ZIP code in Nazareth is the 5th hottest real estate market in the nation, according to Realtor.com®.
Homes listed within the hottest ZIPs sold one month faster than average and received an average of 3.6 more online views per listing than in the rest of the country. 
“The Nazareth area has always been a gem, but the economic growth and cultural activity has really expanded over the last 5-10 years,” said Howard Schaeffer, President of Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®. “There is a farmer’s market that runs May to October, a state-of-the-art pool at borough park that reopened in 2015, interesting places to eat like Birthright Brewing Company and Rios Brazilian Steakhouse, plenty of things to do with venues such as Mountain View Family Drive-In & Miniature Golf and the Nazareth Center for the Arts, pocket parks and playgrounds for individuals and families, and easy access to Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton, and all nearby highways and getaways.”
In addition to Nazareth, the 18064 ZIP code includes parts of Bushkill, Lower Nazareth, Moore, Plainfield, Upper Nazareth, and Washington townships.
“When living in the 18064 ZIP, you can choose from living in the borough, which is more walkable, or you could look into Bushkill, Upper Nazareth, or Lower Nazareth townships, which are more rural and suburban, depending – but close to the action,” Schaeffer said.
This is the third consecutive year that a Lehigh Valley community has ranked high on the annual list of hottest ZIP codes.
In 2022, Bethlehem’s 18017 ZIP code ranked sixth. That ZIP code includes much of north Bethlehem, along with Freemansburg and parts of East Allen Township and Hanover Township, Northampton County.
In 2021, Bethlehem’s 18018 ZIP code ranked 12th. That ZIP code includes the historic Bethlehem district and surrounding area.
Six of the 10 hottest ZIP codes this year are in the Northeast, with four in the Midwest. They each boast of having homes that are priced at or below the U.S. median, or are larger in size than the U.S. average.
Realtor.com® said the data could indicate buyers have adjusted to mortgages at higher rates and are moving ahead with their home searches. It said affordable markets have gained popularity, with the typical buyer looking to achieve homeownership despite widespread unaffordability. Pricier markets in the suburbs of large cities may be attracting higher-earning buyers who are focused on finding a high quality of life.
Quality of life is an important component of economic prosperity. Companies want to locate in vibrant communities with quality housing and schools, and plenty of cultural and entertainment options for their employees. Employees who find their communities to be engaging and interesting are more likely to put down roots and stay, which helps companies maintain their workforce.
A desirable quality of life is one of the reasons the Lehigh Valley's population is growing. The region offers a variety of lifestyles, from thriving downtowns in cities and boroughs to rural suburban communities. The dining scene caters to many tastes, and recreational opportunities range from music and art to history and sports. The region is home to 11 colleges and universities and top-rated healthcare systems.
(Photo courtesy of Daniel R. Chiavaroli, Nazareth Borough Council President)