REGION – In this year’s Zillow Zeitgeist, millions of home searches from 2025 reveal what people were actually looking for in their next home. All those searches tell a story.
Last year, Americans longed for space, with searches for features like “acreage,” “mansion” and “luxury” rising to the top. In 2025, they shifted their focus from square footage to what spaces can offer. From ADUs to waterfront views, the idea of a “dream home” leaned more toward lifestyle than layout.
The ideal home isn’t one-size-fits-all for shoppers, but a few trending themes rose to the top across the country. A full map of all states and their corresponding top home search features can be viewed at www.tinyurl.com/2025homefeatures.
Let’s go swimming
Whether it’s for the view or activities, water-related searches made a splash for nearly every state – even inland markets.
Search terms included “beach,” “dock,” “lake,” “ocean,” “pond,” “pool,” “river,” and “waterfront.” Top states for these searches were Alabama, Delaware, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Wisconsin.
Living together
The multiuse home trend spans coast to coast. It’s about adaptability – homes built for hosting, housing parents, or renting side hustles.
Related search terms were “ADU,” “casita,” “duplex,” “guest house,” “in-law suite,” and “mother-daughter.” Top states for these searches were Connecticut, Idaho, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.
Rural living
The rural renaissance is real. From “horse property” to “barndominiums,” Americans are searching for land with a purpose.
Search terms related to rural life included “acreage,” “barn,” “barndominium,” “farm,” “fenced yard,” “horse property,” and “ranch.” Top states in this category were Arkansas, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming.
Cozy comforts
From log cabins to fireplaces, this year’s home searches revealed a desire to feel cozy over flashy.
Related searches included “cabin,” “cottage,” “fireplace,” “log cabin,” and “ski,” in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Maryland, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, and West Virginia.
Sunlight and everyday escape
Americans searched for the joys of indoor-outdoor living, not through resort-like amenities, but through simple pleasures that offer fresh air or connection with nature.
Search terms for such amenities included “balcony,” “golf,” “patio,” “pool,” “solar,” and “view.” Top states included Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, and Nevada.
Local charm
Across the country, people embraced classic styles and historic architecture unique to where they live, such as “adobe,” “brick,” “Cape Cod,” “cottage,” “historic,” and “Victorian.” Top states: Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, New Mexico, and Virginia.
Homes that hold our whole lives
In 2025, demand for flexible living surged, as people consider how their homes can evolve to meet changing needs and work harder for them.
This year, searches for ADUs, guest houses, in-law suites, and duplexes all climbed –clear signs that Americans are rethinking how home can flex to fit real life.
Whether it’s creating space for aging parents, a rental unit for extra income, or a studio for passion projects, 2025’s home searches reflect a simple truth: We’re building homes that evolve with us. These are homes that hold our families, our work, and our dreams, all under one roof.
Written by Ian Shuler. Provided by Zillow Group.