Suburban Booms and Inventory Crashes in Mount Vernon, IN, and Richlands, NC

As the real estate landscape shifts in 2025, secondary markets are no longer playing second fiddle. Towns like Mount Vernon, Indiana, and Richlands, North Carolina, are seeing extreme supply shortages, signaling surging demand for suburban homes. 

• Mount Vernon, IN – New property listings have plummeted by 93.7% year-over-year, leaving buyers with fewer options than ever. 

• Richlands, NC – Following closely behind, this North Carolina town has seen a 91.6% drop in new listings, making it one of the fastest-tightening markets in the region. 

Why Are These Markets Booming? 

The appeal of suburban markets like Mount Vernon and Richlands has grown significantly due to a few key factors: 

1. Affordability vs. Major Cities – As home prices skyrocket in larger metro areas, buyers are looking for more cost-effective alternatives in suburban and rural regions. 

2. Work-From-Home Flexibility – The ability to work remotely has encouraged homebuyers to seek larger homes with more space, greenery, and lower property taxes. 

3. Limited Seller Activity – Many homeowners in these areas are holding onto properties, unwilling to sell due to rising mortgage rates and economic uncertainty. 

4. Strong Rental Potential – With supply low and demand high, rental property owners in these markets stand to gain from increasing rental prices and occupancy rates. 

What This Means for Investors 

With inventory shrinking fast, home prices are likely to climb quickly in both Mount Vernon and Richlands. For investors, this means: 

• The window for buying low is closing – As demand continues to rise, affordability in these towns may soon diminish. 

• Short-term rentals could flourish – A lack of available homes for purchase could lead more people to explore rental options, boosting rental income potential. 

• Competition is heating up – The fewer homes available, the more competitive the market becomes for buyers and investors alike. 

How to Capitalize on These Emerging Hotspots 

1. Move Early – Waiting too long means paying more later. Investors should act now before these markets become saturated. 

2. Use Pulsereal’s Predictive Analytics – Identifying which areas still have growth potential before they become unaffordable is key to making a smart investment. 

3. Consider Both Buy-and-Hold and Short-Term Rentals – These markets may not just be good for flipping; long-term rental strategies can yield strong returns as homeownership becomes less accessible. 

Final Takeaway 

Mount Vernon and Richlands are no longer hidden gems—they’re emerging as prime investment targets due to their low inventory and increasing desirability. Whether you’re looking for a profitable flip or a solid long-term rental investment, these secondary markets present an exciting opportunity—but only for those who act fast.