Ranking neighborhoods is a difficult task, particularly in real estate. Affordability, school districts, potential price growth … Which attributes matter most to prospective buyers?

For those focused on seeing their home value increase, specifically, the Rogers Park ZIP code of 60626 is worth considering. According to data from Realtor.com, the area had the best year-over-year numbers, overall, when it came to price increases, active listings and new listings.

“Taking a long-term view of price trends helps buyers better understand potential value appreciation,” Cody Horvat, an agent with Compass’ Scott Group, told Chicago Agent, reflecting on the data. “Another key factor to consider is inventory levels, or how many homes are actually on the market. In today’s competitive market, many buyers struggle to find options as open houses have lines out the door and homes in good areas are receiving multiple offers. Finding areas with steady new listings and a healthy inventory can help buyers find a home [without needing] to pull the trigger with an aggressive offer.”

Of the 57 ZIP codes recognized as Chicago by Realtor.com, 60626 ranked high in all three categories. Home prices grew about 17.5% between January 2024 and January 2025, recently hitting a median of $223,100. Meanwhile, active listings rose 36.84% and new listings rose 62.5%.

“In Rogers Park, the combination of strong annual price growth, balanced inventory levels, and a consistent flow of new listings makes it an excellent area for buyers,” Horvat said. “Here, buyers can secure a home without the stress of intense bidding wars while still making a solid investment in their future. It’s a real sweet spot for buyers.”

Coming in at No. 2 was the ZIP code 60603, in the Loop, where home prices increased about 11.6% year over year, reaching a median of $650,000. Active listings rose 53.85%, and new listings rose 33.33%.

The Hegewisch ZIP code of 60603 ranked No. 3. That ZIP code showed the highest growth in active listings, an 88% increase year over year, while new listings were up 50%. At the same time, the median price in ZIP code 60603 grew 8.1%, hitting $206,150.

The Loop/West Loop ZIP code of 60606 came in at No. 4, with a median price of $449,750 in January, reflecting a 7.1% annual bump. Year over year, active listings there grew 73.91%, and new listings grew 33.33%.

Two ZIP codes tied for the No. 5 spot: 60649, which spans South Shore and Jackson Park, and 60651 in Humboldt Park.

The 60649 area showed smaller price gains, just a 1.38% increase year over year for a recent median of $147,450, but inventory growth was strong. Active listings there increased 33.6% year over year; new listings were up 25%.

Meanwhile in Humboldt Park, the 60651 ZIP code showed extreme growth in new listings: a 150% increase over year. However, active listings fell by 25%. Prices increased a modest 6.19% for a recent median of $390,650.

Those tying ZIP codes offer different options to buyers, depending on whether they prioritize on-the-rise prices versus greater inventory.

Also notable: the ZIP code 60636 in Englewood showed the highest price growth overall, shooting up 26.66% year over year for a median of $219,000 in January 2025.