This article is presented by Coastal Equity Group.
Something’s in the air down South, and it’s not just the humidity (it’s not going anywhere, unfortunately). The Southeast is still one of the hottest real estate regions in the country, and some cities are absolutely dominating right now.
From Florida’s booming ports to the tech triangle of North Carolina, this region continues to pull in jobs, people, and investors at a pace few others can match. Homes are selling fast, rents are rising, and population growth is booming.
Coastal Equity Group is the expert in this region, and we dug into the data to see which Southeastern cities are leading the charge. These five cities stand out, not just for their growth, but for the staying power that makes them some of the best bets for 2026 and beyond.
1. Jacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville is Florida’s largest city by land area and is a logistics powerhouse where the St. Johns River meets the Atlantic. In 2024, the metro added about 10,100 private-sector jobs (a 1.4% year-over-year increase).
Jacksonville’s population is still growing at an above-average pace each year. The metro jumped from about 1.72 million in 2023 to roughly 1.76 million in 2024.
Home values continue to tick up, and the rental market is showing signs of a reset. For investors, this means opportunity. With jobs, population, and infrastructure all moving in the right direction, Jacksonville should be high on your watch list for the Southeast.
2. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah looks like a Southern postcard, but it’s running a full-blown logistics empire behind the scenes. The Port of Savannah is one of the fastest-growing in the country, and the area’s job growth and population gains show it. Since 2020, the region’s population has jumped more than 6%, and unemployment sits comfortably below 4%.
Companies like Hyundai and Amazon are building (or have built) massive facilities nearby, creating a housing crunch for workers and families. Investors are finding steady returns in small multifamily properties and older homes being renovated for long-term tenants. Savannah has the rare mix of charm and industry: cobblestones out front, forklift traffic down the road, and profit potential.
3. Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville has been on fire for years, and it’s still going. The metro area now employs more than 1.2 million people, with an annual job growth rate of about 1.3%. The population has jumped more than 6% since 2020, and the housing market hasn’t cooled much despite higher rates.
Median home prices hover near $440,000, and rents continue to climb as people move in for jobs in healthcare, entertainment, and tech. Investors keep finding new ways to make money here, including duplex conversions, midterm rentals for traveling healthcare professionals, and more creative strategies.
4. Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston’s unemployment rate is around 4%, and the population has grown more than 8% since 2020. Home prices rise by about 3% to 4% each year, while average rents hover near $2,000.
The economy here is a solid mix (aerospace, tourism, and manufacturing), and that balance keeps Charleston steady even when other markets wobble. Investors appreciate that reliability. You can expect consistent rent growth, long-term appreciation, and tenants who tend to stay put.
Charleston’s not the next big thing—because it’s been consistently great all along.
5. Raleigh, North Carolina
The Research Triangle (Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill) might be the most exciting economic story in the region. Employment rose 1.3% this year, unemployment is around 3.5%, and the population has exploded, up 7% since 2020.
Home values climbed another 2.4% last year, and average rents are close to $1,850. The area continues to attract engineers, scientists, and start-up founders who want the Austin lifestyle, but with less traffic and cheaper homes. Investors see it as one of the safest bets in the Southeast: a city built on stable jobs and long-term growth instead of speculation.
Work With an Expert in the Southeast
Coastal Equity Group helps investors move quickly in the markets that matter most. They focus on real estate investor financing throughout the Southeast, offering both short-term and long-term funding options tailored for active investors. Their programs are designed to make closing faster and more flexible, helping you take advantage of opportunities when they appear.
In Jacksonville, Savannah, Nashville, Charleston, and Raleigh, Coastal Equity Group brings a local understanding of each market’s trends and challenges. Whether you are renovating, refinancing, or growing your rental portfolio, their team offers practical lending solutions and real market insight.
Final Thoughts
The Southeast’s story comes down to a few simple truths. People are moving where their money stretches further. Businesses are setting up shop where costs stay low and talent is easy to find. And investors who buy smart here are still getting both cash flow and appreciation.
Jacksonville, Savannah, Nashville, Charleston, and Raleigh each offer something a little different. But they all share the same DNA of steady job creation, population growth, and affordable entry points compared to major coastal cities.
And according to the team at Coastal Equity Group, the fundamentals are only getting stronger. The data backs it up. The demand proves it. The only thing missing now is your next deal.
