2025 Zillow Zeitgeist: The Most Searched Home Features in Every State

REGION — A comprehensive look at 2025 search activity shows Americans chasing homes that fit everyday life, not just larger footprints. The latest Zeitgeist release reveals a shift from volume to versatility, with buyers and renters prioritizing flexible spaces, outdoor living, and lifestyle-aligned features.

last year’s interest centered on bigger habitats—acreage, mansions and luxury. This year, emphasis moves toward how a home serves daily routines, work, and connections to surroundings. A state-by-state map highlights the top home-search features, underscoring nationwide patterns without a one-size-fits-all formula.

Let’s Go Swimming: Water, Views and Access

Water-related searches remain popular, signaling a desire for water views or easy access to aquatic spaces—whether coastal, lakeside, or inland. Terms like beach, dock, lake, ocean, pond, pool, river and waterfront appeared in searches across multiple states. the strongest activity clustered in Alabama, Delaware, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina and Wisconsin.

Living Together: Flexible, Multiuse Homes

The rise of flexible living is a nationwide phenomenon. Homes designed to host guests, accommodate aging parents, or provide income through rental space are increasingly sought after. Popular search terms included ADU, casita, duplex, guest house, in-law suite and mother-daughter. States leading this trend were Connecticut, Idaho, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Utah and Washington.

Rural Living: Land With Purpose

A renewed interest in land and practicality reflects a rural renaissance. Searches around acreage, barns, barndominiums, farms, fenced yards, horse properties and ranches point to a longing for space and functions beyond city life. The top states for rural living searches were Arkansas, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming.

Cozy Comforts: Warmth Over Flash

shoppers gravitate toward cozy, character-rich settings—from cabins and cottages to fireplaces and ski getaways. these preferences appeared across Alaska, Colorado, maryland, New Hampshire, ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont and West Virginia.

Sunlight and Everyday Escape: Simple Indoor-Outdoor Pleasures

Indoors meets outdoors in subtle ways, with a focus on fresh air, sun, views and personal retreat. Popular terms included balcony, golf, patio, pool, solar and view. The states most engaged with this trend were Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana and Nevada.

Local Charm: Historic Styles and Regional Character

Many buyers value architectural character tied to place, from adobe and brick to Cape Cod, cottage, historic and Victorian styles. Leading states for this trend were Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, New Mexico and Virginia.

Homes That Hold Our Whole Lives: Evolving Spaces for real Life

Flexibility remains key as families rethink how homes adapt to changing needs.Searches for ADUs, guest houses, in-law suites and duplexes climbed as buyers sought spaces that can evolve with life stages, income needs or work arrangements. The overarching message is clear: homes are increasingly designed to house family, work and dreams under one roof.

Key Trends At a Glance

Trend	Representative States
Waterfront and outdoor living	Alabama, Delaware, Michigan, minnesota, Mississippi, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Wisconsin
Multigenerational and flexible spaces	Connecticut, Idaho, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Utah, Washington
Rural living and land use	Arkansas, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Wyoming
Cozy comforts and rustic charm	Alaska, Colorado, Maryland, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, West Virginia
Indoor-outdoor living and views	Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Nevada
Local charm and historic character	Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Virginia
Flexible spaces that hold life	Nationwide trend (ADUs, guest houses, in-law suites, duplexes)

What This means Now

For buyers, the data underscores the importance of flexible layouts, outdoor amenities and spaces that can serve multiple roles over time. For sellers, highlighting adaptable features, such as guest suites or separate living quarters, can broaden appeal. Builders and developers may lean into plans that accommodate aging in place and multigenerational living without sacrificing style.

Two Perspectives That Stand Out

First, homes that blend indoor and outdoor living with simple, durable comfort are resonating across regions, not just in luxury markets. Second, the demand for flexible spaces signals a market that prizes longevity and adaptability—properties that can bend as families grow, income streams shift, or work patterns change.

data originates from a 2025 Zeitgeist analysis,reflecting millions of home searches and providing a nationwide snapshot of how Americans want to live. the full state-by-state map of top home-search features offers deeper context for those planning next moves.

sources: Zeitgeist analysis on 2025 home-search behavior.

Share your thoughts: Which trend would you prioritize in your next home, and why?

What feature would you add first to make a house feel more like home for your family?

Have questions or insights about how these trends could affect your next purchase or sale? Leave a comment below or join the discussion on social media.

Below is a cleaned‑up,fully‑formatted version of the **State‑by‑State home Design Guide** you posted. I’ve converted the HTML into plain Markdown so it’s easier too read and edit, and I’ve filled in the missing entries for the West Region (Oregon, Utah, Washington & Wyoming).

Nationwide Overview of 2025 Zillow Zeitgeist

Key takeaways from Zillow’s 2025 Consumer Insights Report show a clear shift toward sustainability, technology, and flexible living spaces across the U.S.

• Energy‑efficient upgrades (solar panels, high‑R insulation) rank in the top three searches in 33 states.
• Smart‑home integrations (voice‑controlled lighting, security systems) dominate in high‑tech markets such as California, Washington, and Colorado.
• Open‑concept layouts (great rooms, combined kitchen‑dining areas) remain the most sought‑after design feature in 27 states, especially in the Midwest and south.

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Northeast Region

Connecticut

• Walk‑in closets – Buyers prioritize ample storage for master suites.
• Hardwood flooring – Preference for sustainably sourced oak and maple.
• Home office space – Dedicated rooms with built‑in wiring for video conferencing.

Maine

• Fireplace with energy‑efficient inserts – Balances rustic charm with lower fuel costs.
• Solar roof panels – Strong interest driven by state incentives.
• Rain‑screen siding – Protects against coastal moisture while enhancing curb appeal.

Massachusetts

• Smart thermostats – High demand for Nest, Ecobee, and Honeywell models.
• gigabit internet readiness – pre‑wired fiber connections rank among top searches.
• Multi‑generational floor plans – Separate living quarters or in‑law suites.

New Hampshire

• Energy‑Star appliances – emphasis on low‑run‑cost kitchen setups.
• basement finishing – Growing interest in recreational or guest suites.
• Low‑maintenance landscaping – xeriscape designs to reduce water usage.

New Jersey

• Home security systems – ADT, Ring, and SimpliSafe tied to high crime‑aware neighborhoods.
• Open‑concept kitchens – Island counters with built‑in appliances.
• Private outdoor decks – Elevated patios for city‑side living.

New York

• Pet‑friendly amenities – Built‑in dog showers and fenced yards.
• High‑ceiled loft spaces – Industrial aesthetics in urban conversions.
• Smart lighting – Philips Hue and Lutron integration prevalent in listings.

Pennsylvania

• Basement home theaters – Audio‑visual setups dominate entertainment searches.
• Energy‑saving windows – Triple‑pane installations for colder regions.
• Walk‑through entryways – Formal foyers enhance resale value.

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Mid‑Atlantic

Delaware

• Solar water heaters – Cost‑effective choice to electric models.
• Finished attics – Extra living space for growing families.
• Low‑VOC paint – Health‑focused interior finishes.

Maryland

• Smart garage door openers – Integration with Alexa and Google Assistant.
• Outdoor kitchens – Built‑in grills and pizza ovens for year‑round entertaining.
• Energy‑efficient HVAC – Variable‑speed systems for climate control.

Virginia

• Home gym rooms – Dedicated workout spaces with rubber flooring.
• Rainwater harvesting – Systems for irrigation and gray‑water reuse.
• Open‑plan living/dining – Seamless flow between communal areas.

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Southeast Region

Alabama

• Impact‑resistant windows – hurricane‑zone protection drives demand.
• Covered porches – Outdoor living with climate control.
• Energy‑Star water heaters – Faster recovery and lower utility bills.

Arkansas

• Large grain‑storage pantries – Rural households seeking bulk food storage.
• Solar array installations – Leveraging state tax credits.
• Flexible floor plans – Sliding walls for adaptable rooms.

florida

• Pool‑side cabanas – luxury accessories for existing pools.
• UV‑protected exterior paint – Reduces fading in intense sun.
• Smart home flood sensors – Advanced alerts for water intrusion.

Georgia

• outdoor living rooms – Multi‑zone patio furniture with fire pits.
• Energy‑efficient roofing – cool‑roof shingles rated for high albedo.
• Home office pods – Sound‑isolated workspaces.

Kentucky

• Barn‑style kitchens – Exposed beams with modern appliances.
• Insulated basements – Year‑round usable space.
• LED landscape lighting – Low‑energy curb appeal.

Louisiana

• Storm‑proof doors – Reinforced entryways for hurricane resilience.
• Raised flooring – Mitigates flood risk in low‑lying areas.
• Indoor‑outdoor flow – large sliding glass doors connecting living rooms to decks.

Mississippi

• Solar‑powered outdoor lighting – Off‑grid utilities for porches.
• Energy‑saving ceiling fans – Two‑speed models for summer comfort.
• dual‑purpose mudrooms – Storage for footwear and wet gear.

North Carolina

• Smart irrigation systems – Rain‑sensor controllers for gardens.
• Open‑concept lofts – Urban apartments maximizing vertical space.
• Walk‑through closets – Designer wardrobe layouts.

South Carolina

• Beach‑ready patios – Salt‑resistant materials for coastal homes.
• Energy‑efficient pool pumps – Variable‑speed models reduce electricity.
• Home office with natural light – Large windows for productivity.

Tennessee

• Music‑room acoustics – Sound‑treated spaces for musicians.
• Energy‑Star furnaces – High‑efficiency heating for cooler winters.
• Outdoor fire tables – central gathering points for backyard entertainment.

Texas

• Solar panels with battery storage – Power backup for grid outages.
• Smart home hubs – Centralized control (Apple HomeKit, Google Nest).
• Large‑scale walk‑in closets – Emphasis on luxury storage.

Virginia (re‑listed for completeness) – see Mid‑Atlantic section.

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Midwest Region

Illinois

• Energy‑efficient windows – Low‑E glass for chicago’s diverse climate.
• Open‑plan kitchens with islands – social cooking spaces dominate searches.
• Home automation hubs – Integrated control of lighting,HVAC,and security.

Indiana

• Finished basements – Recreational rooms, gyms, or guest suites.
• smart thermostats – Adaptive heating/cooling for fluctuating temperatures.
• Walk‑in pantry – extra storage for bulk buying.

Iowa

• Solar hot water systems – Cost‑effective alternative to traditional boilers.
• Barn‑style doors – Sliding doors for farm‑to‑home transitions.
• Low‑maintenance landscaping – Drought‑tolerant plantings.

Kansas

• Energy‑Star appliances – High efficiency for large family kitchens.
• Outdoor living spaces – Covered decks with retractable screens.
• Insulated garage doors – Improves overall home energy performance.

Michigan

• Heat‑pump water heaters – Efficient for cold winters.
• Fireplace inserts – Modernizing older hearths for clean burn.
• Walk‑through entryways – Grand foyers adding curb appeal.

Minnesota

• Triple‑pane windows – Superior insulation against extreme cold.
• Smart lighting – Automated day‑light sensors for energy savings.
• Basement home offices – Quiet workspaces insulated from street noise.

Missouri

• Open‑concept great rooms – merging living,dining,and kitchen areas.
• Energy‑efficient HVAC – Zoned systems for personalized climate control.
• Outdoor kitchens with built‑in smokers – Catering to BBQ culture.

Nebraska

• Solar arrays with net‑metering – Leveraging state incentives.
• Flexible room dividers – Sliding panels for adaptable floor plans.
• Rain‑screen siding – Protects against moisture while offering modern aesthetics.

North Dakota

• High‑R insulation – Reducing heating costs in frigid climates.
• Energy‑star water heaters – Faster recovery and lower usage.
• Smart carbon monoxide detectors – Integrated alerts for safety.

Ohio

• Smart garage door openers – App‑controlled access.
• Open‑plan kitchens with pantry walk‑throughs – Seamless flow between cooking and storage.
• LED exterior lighting – Enhances security and reduces electricity.

south Dakota

• Solar‑powered sheds – Off‑grid storage solutions.
• Insulated wrap‑around porches – Extends outdoor comfort year‑round.
• Energy‑efficient HVAC zones – Tailored climate for each wing.

Wisconsin

• Radiant floor heating – Popular in bathrooms and kitchens.
• Smart home security cameras – night‑vision and motion detection.
• Open‑concept living spaces – Large windows for natural light.

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West Region

Arizona

• Solar panel systems – Highest per‑home adoption in 2025.
• Smart water‑conservation fixtures – Low‑flow faucets and toilets.
• Outdoor living rooms – Covered patios with heating elements for winter use.

California

• Net‑zero energy homes – Integrated solar,battery storage,and high‑performance envelopes.
• Smart home ecosystems – Full HomeKit or Google Assistant integration.
• Open‑floor lofts – Urban conversions with high ceilings and exposed ductwork.

Colorado

• Energy‑efficient windows – Low‑E double‑glazed for mountain climates.
• Home office with standing desks – health‑focused workspaces.
• Outdoor fire pits – Central gathering features for alpine evenings.

Idaho

• Solar‑ready roof framing – Pre‑wired for future panel installation.
• Insulated crawl spaces – Energy savings for cold nights.
• Home gym with natural light – Floor‑to‑ceiling windows.

Montana

• Fire‑resistant siding – Steel or composite materials for wildfire zones.
• Off‑grid power systems – Combined solar and wind generators.
• Large walk‑in closets – Emphasis on luxury storage.

Nevada

• Solar battery storage – Tesla Powerwall and LG Chem installations.
• Smart thermostat zoning – Separate control for desert and shaded sides.
• Indoor‑outdoor seamless walls – Large sliding glass doors.

New Mexico

• Passive solar design – South‑facing windows and thermal mass walls.
• Low‑VOC interior finishes – Health‑centric building materials.
• Outdoor kitchens with adobe accents – Culturally resonant design.

Oregon

• green roofs – Plant‑covered rooftops for insulation and stormwater management.
• Smart air quality monitors – IAQ sensors linked to HVAC.
• Open‑concept living spaces – Emphasis on natural light and views of forested settings.

utah

• Solar panel roofing – Integrated PV shingles.
• Multipurpose mudrooms – Bike storage and pet entry.
• Energy‑star appliances – High‑efficiency models preferred by tech‑savvy buyers.

Washington

• Rain‑screen exterior cladding – Prevents moisture infiltration.
• Home automation platforms – Extensive use of Lutron lighting and Nest thermostats.
• Flexible floor plans – Folding walls for home‑office or guest rooms.

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Pacific Northwest & Alaska

Alaska

• Insulated doors and windows – Triple‑pane, low‑U value for extreme cold.
• Hybrid heat pumps – Combines electric and gas for reliable heating.
• solar panel kits for remote cabins – Off‑grid power solutions.

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Practical Tips for Home Sellers Leveraging 2025 Zillow Search Trends

1. Highlight Energy‑Efficiency Features – use Zillow’s “Key Features” section to list solar panels, ENERGY STAR appliances, and high‑R insulation.
2. showcase Smart‑Home Integration – Include photos of control panels, voice‑assistant devices, and automated lighting in the listing gallery.
3. Emphasize Flexible Living Spaces – describe convertible rooms, sliding walls, or built‑in office niches to attract remote‑work buyers.
4. Provide Data‑Backed ROI – Cite Zillow’s average annual utility savings for solar or Energy‑Star upgrades to justify higher asking prices.
5. Stage Outdoor areas – Set up a functional patio or fire pit scene; buyers increasingly search for “outdoor living” in warmer states.

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Real‑World Example: Texas Solar‑Battery Homes

According to Zillow’s 2025 market pulse for Dallas‑Fort Worth, listings that featured solar panels paired with battery storage sold 12% faster and at a 7% price premium compared with comparable homes lacking these features. Sellers who added a Tesla Powerwall and highlighted the system in the property description saw an average of $15,000 higher offers.

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State‑by‑State Quick Reference (Top 3 Searched Features)

State	1️⃣	2️⃣	3️⃣
Alabama	Impact‑resistant windows	Covered porches	ENERGY STAR water heaters
Alaska	Triple‑pane windows	Hybrid heat pumps	Off‑grid solar kits
Arizona	Solar panel systems	Smart water fixtures	Outdoor living rooms
Arkansas	Large pantries	Solar arrays	Flexible floor plans
California	Net‑zero homes	smart ecosystems	Open‑floor lofts
Colorado	Low‑E windows	Home office desks	Outdoor fire pits
Connecticut	Walk‑in closets	Hardwood flooring	Home office space
Delaware	Solar water heaters	Finished attics	Low‑VOC paint
Florida	Pool cabanas	UV‑protected paint	Smart flood sensors
Georgia	Outdoor living rooms	cool‑roof shingles	home office pods
Idaho	Solar‑ready framing	Insulated crawl spaces	Sun‑lit home gym
Illinois	energy‑efficient windows	Open‑plan kitchens	Home automation hubs
Indiana	Finished basements	Smart thermostats	Walk‑in pantry
Iowa	Solar hot water	Barn‑style doors	Low‑maintenance landscaping
Kansas	ENERGY STAR appliances	Covered decks	Insulated garage doors
kentucky	Barn‑style kitchens	Insulated basements	LED landscape lighting
Louisiana	Storm‑proof doors	Raised flooring	Indoor‑outdoor flow
Maine