Providence continues to be one of the hottest real estate markets in the country, as the state is in the grip of a housing crisis. In a Zillow ranking released on Tuesday, Providence and its metro area ranked as the third hottest market in the country,

Hartford, Conn., was also forecasted to be among the top markets by the real estate listing website, but Boston ranked 16th among the 50 metro areas compared.

While the national housing supply recently reached a four-year high, buying a home in some U.S. cities may be especially difficult in 2025, a new Zillow report suggests. To make its predictions, Zillow reviewed multiple factors — including how quickly homes have been selling,

Zillow's analysis considers such factors as home construction, the local job market and the percentage of homeownership.

Zillow says relative affordability and job growth will be the key drivers among the most competitive markets for buyers in 2025.

With steep competition to find a home in the new year, these cities offer affordable options for buyers in the housing market.

Charlotte held the highest rank among Southern markets on Zillow's list. Richmond, Virginia, also appeared among the top 10, ranking at No. 9. Raleigh, the only other North or South Carolina metro in the analysis, ranked at No. 21 — down four spots from last year.

ZIllow ranks the City of Brotherly Love as the 5th hottest market for this year, where home value growth is expected to jump 2.6%.

Zillow is out with its annual ranking forecasting the hottest housing markets — or those that should be most competitive among homebuyers — in the year ahead, and Charlotte once again made the top 10.