I’ve analyzed the Zillow Home Value Index data to identify the fastest-growing towns in California based on home value appreciation from 2016 to 2025. These aren’t the usual suspects like San Francisco or Los Angeles—instead, this list reveals emerging areas across the state seeing major growth.
From desert communities to small rural towns, home prices have surged due to increased migration, affordability gaps, and lifestyle shifts following the pandemic. The data points to untapped potential in places many investors might overlook.
This ranking highlights California towns that not only kept up—but in many cases outpaced—the state’s better-known markets in terms of growth. It’s a window into the state’s next wave of real estate opportunity.
25. Cabazon
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 148.40%
- Home value in 2016: $129,776
- Home value in 2017: $130,034
- Home value in 2018: $163,869
- Home value in 2019: $177,541
- Home value in 2020: $193,504
- Home value in 2021: $223,116
- Home value in 2022: $266,515
- Home value in 2023: $287,073
- Home value in 2024: $307,022
- Home value in 2025: $322,358
Cabazon’s impressive 148.4% price surge transformed a $129K investment into $322K, generating nearly $193K in wealth through strategic desert market positioning. The remarkable 26% jump between 2017-2018 signaled the beginning of a sustained upward trajectory that has continued through economic cycles. Your investment would have shown consistent year-over-year appreciation, averaging 10.7% annually, significantly outpacing inflation. This desert community’s affordability relative to nearby Palm Springs creates ongoing appeal for both primary residence buyers and rental property investors seeking strong appreciation potential.
24. San Bernardino
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 148.83%
- Home value in 2016: $195,644
- Home value in 2017: $214,836
- Home value in 2018: $273,069
- Home value in 2019: $289,829
- Home value in 2020: $305,243
- Home value in 2021: $347,069
- Home value in 2022: $417,374
- Home value in 2023: $442,716
- Home value in 2024: $472,720
- Home value in 2025: $486,819
San Bernardino has delivered exceptional investment performance, with your $195K property appreciating by nearly 149% to $486K, creating substantial wealth through real estate leverage. The extraordinary 27.1% surge in 2018 established an early acceleration pattern that continued through diverse market cycles. With a remarkable $291K in created equity, your investment here provides significant financial flexibility for potential refinancing or leveraging into additional properties. The Inland Empire’s continued expansion and affordability compared to coastal regions suggests sustained demand fundamentals rather than speculative activity, positioning this market for potential continued upside.
23. Mecca
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 149.18%
- Home value in 2016: $133,341
- Home value in 2017: $141,211
- Home value in 2018: $168,494
- Home value in 2019: $193,477
- Home value in 2020: $202,593
- Home value in 2021: $235,767
- Home value in 2022: $260,941
- Home value in 2023: $297,684
- Home value in 2024: $316,359
- Home value in 2025: $332,253
Mecca demonstrates the wealth-building power of desert market real estate, where a $133K investment has appreciated by 149.2% to $332K, creating nearly $199K in equity gains. The property’s steady upward trajectory across multiple years indicates resilient underlying demand rather than speculative fluctuations. Unlike many California markets that peaked in 2022, Mecca continued appreciating through 2023-2025, showcasing countercyclical potential as a portfolio diversification asset. With a compound annual growth rate of 10.7%, your investment here would have substantially outperformed many traditional financial vehicles while maintaining reasonable carrying costs.
22. Kennedy
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 149.94%
- Home value in 2016: $143,702
- Home value in 2017: $171,338
- Home value in 2018: $204,618
- Home value in 2019: $234,220
- Home value in 2020: $257,335
- Home value in 2021: $290,823
- Home value in 2022: $331,562
- Home value in 2023: $344,018
- Home value in 2024: $344,860
- Home value in 2025: $359,165
Kennedy’s consistent appreciation has transformed a $143K investment into a $359K asset, generating $215K in wealth through steady value creation. The impressive 19.2% first-year surge (2016-2017) rewarded early investors with immediate equity acceleration, establishing powerful momentum. Your property would have gained substantial value during the critical 2017-2020 pre-pandemic period, demonstrating fundamentally-driven growth rather than just pandemic-related speculation. The market’s 4.1% growth between 2024-2025 suggests continued upside potential after a period of price consolidation, potentially creating a favorable entry point for new investors.
21. Hidden Hills
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 151.17%
- Home value in 2016: $1,957,838
- Home value in 2017: $2,108,410
- Home value in 2018: $2,548,371
- Home value in 2019: $3,205,652
- Home value in 2020: $3,255,320
- Home value in 2021: $3,493,011
- Home value in 2022: $4,733,067
- Home value in 2023: $4,561,440
- Home value in 2024: $4,905,446
- Home value in 2025: $4,917,458
Hidden Hills epitomizes ultra-luxury real estate investment performance, with your $1.9M property appreciating to a staggering $4.9M, generating nearly $3M in wealth through strategic positioning in this exclusive enclave. The exceptional 35.4% surge in 2022 created a significant wealth acceleration opportunity for investors during the pandemic luxury boom. Despite the minor 3.6% correction in 2023, values quickly rebounded, demonstrating remarkable resilience in this high-end market segment. The 151.2% total appreciation represents extraordinary performance for properties at this price point, where percentage gains typically lag lower-priced segments, highlighting Hidden Hills’ exceptional status.
20. White Water
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 152.04%
- Home value in 2016: $150,997
- Home value in 2017: $156,887
- Home value in 2018: $200,873
- Home value in 2019: $220,139
- Home value in 2020: $231,065
- Home value in 2021: $272,758
- Home value in 2022: $338,857
- Home value in 2023: $361,659
- Home value in 2024: $377,877
- Home value in 2025: $380,581
White Water’s remarkable 152% appreciation has transformed a modest $151K investment into a substantial $380K asset, creating $229K in equity through strategic desert market positioning. The exceptional 28% jump between 2017-2018 established an early acceleration pattern that continued through diverse economic conditions. Unlike many markets that plateaued after 2022, White Water continued its upward trajectory through 2023-2025, suggesting sustainable demand fundamentals rather than speculative fever. With proximity to Palm Springs and desert recreation destinations, this market provides both lifestyle value and compelling investment performance for buyers seeking California opportunities outside major urban centers.
19. Adelanto
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 152.29%
- Home value in 2016: $158,550
- Home value in 2017: $171,366
- Home value in 2018: $214,746
- Home value in 2019: $231,941
- Home value in 2020: $244,031
- Home value in 2021: $277,968
- Home value in 2022: $357,042
- Home value in 2023: $369,576
- Home value in 2024: $390,481
- Home value in 2025: $400,011
Adelanto’s consistent growth has transformed a $158K investment into a substantial $400K asset, generating $241K in wealth through steady appreciation in this Inland Empire community. The remarkable 25.3% surge in 2018 established a strong momentum pattern that carried through multiple market cycles. Your property would have benefited from particularly strong performance during 2021-2022, capturing $79K in equity during this compressed timeframe. With a compound annual growth rate of 10.8%, this investment would have substantially outpaced inflation while providing both primary residence utility and rental income potential in a market with favorable price-to-rent ratios.
18. Planada
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 153.04%
- Home value in 2016: $112,918
- Home value in 2017: $126,732
- Home value in 2018: $144,116
- Home value in 2019: $163,666
- Home value in 2020: $185,029
- Home value in 2021: $220,697
- Home value in 2022: $260,496
- Home value in 2023: $282,100
- Home value in 2024: $271,435
- Home value in 2025: $285,724
Planada demonstrates exceptional small-market investment potential, with your $112K property appreciating by 153% to nearly $286K, creating substantial wealth through real estate leverage in California’s Central Valley. The steady growth pattern across multiple years indicates fundamental demand drivers rather than speculative activity, providing investment stability. Despite a minor 3.8% correction in 2024, the market rebounded with 5.3% growth in 2025, showing resilience and stabilization. With a total equity gain of $173K, your initial 20% downpayment of just $22.5K would have controlled an asset that generated nearly eight times that amount in wealth, showcasing the powerful financial leverage effect.
17. Lytle Creek
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 153.67%
- Home value in 2016: $169,742
- Home value in 2017: $192,781
- Home value in 2018: $256,988
- Home value in 2019: $272,547
- Home value in 2020: $292,840
- Home value in 2021: $318,699
- Home value in 2022: $376,989
- Home value in 2023: $397,214
- Home value in 2024: $416,903
- Home value in 2025: $430,578
Lytle Creek’s exceptional 153.7% appreciation has transformed a $169K investment into a substantial $430K asset, generating $260K in wealth through strategic positioning in this scenic mountain community. The remarkable 33.3% surge in 2018 established powerful upward momentum, rewarding early investors with significant equity acceleration. Your property would have consistently appreciated through diverse economic cycles with no periods of decline, demonstrating remarkable resilience as an investment asset. The steady growth pattern in recent years suggests sustainable demand fundamentals driven by the area’s natural beauty and relative affordability compared to coastal California markets.
16. Ivanhoe
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 154.78%
- Home value in 2016: $97,039
- Home value in 2017: $114,943
- Home value in 2018: $130,881
- Home value in 2019: $143,108
- Home value in 2020: $156,841
- Home value in 2021: $175,225
- Home value in 2022: $203,744
- Home value in 2023: $220,668
- Home value in 2024: $233,469
- Home value in 2025: $247,237
Ivanhoe exemplifies affordable market investment potential, with your $97K property appreciating by nearly 155% to $247K, creating substantial percentage returns from minimal capital deployment. The impressive 18.5% first-year gain (2016-2017) established early momentum that continued consistently across all subsequent years, with no periods of decline. With a sub-$100K entry point, your initial investment (potentially just $19.4K with traditional financing) has controlled an asset that generated $150K in equity, representing a remarkable 7.7x return on invested capital. This Central Valley community has delivered exceptional financial performance while maintaining accessibility for first-time investors and buyers priced out of California’s coastal markets.
15. Twentynine Palms
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 155.75%
- Home value in 2016: $101,574
- Home value in 2017: $107,056
- Home value in 2018: $136,128
- Home value in 2019: $147,335
- Home value in 2020: $154,480
- Home value in 2021: $192,046
- Home value in 2022: $266,495
- Home value in 2023: $276,612
- Home value in 2024: $258,031
- Home value in 2025: $259,772
Twentynine Palms demonstrates exceptional desert market investment potential, with your $101K property appreciating by nearly 156% to $259K, creating $158K in wealth from modest initial capital. The remarkable 38.8% surge during 2021-2022 created significant equity acceleration during the pandemic-driven desert market boom. Despite the 6.7% correction in 2024, the market stabilized and resumed growth in 2025, showing resilience and suggesting a potential new entry opportunity. The area’s appeal to both military families (Joshua Tree base) and vacation rental investors creates multiple demand drivers, potentially supporting continued price stability and appreciation in this affordable desert community.
14. August
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 156.65%
- Home value in 2016: $124,066
- Home value in 2017: $147,820
- Home value in 2018: $174,530
- Home value in 2019: $205,040
- Home value in 2020: $226,112
- Home value in 2021: $256,968
- Home value in 2022: $298,048
- Home value in 2023: $305,491
- Home value in 2024: $311,750
- Home value in 2025: $318,422
August’s consistent upward trajectory has transformed a $124K investment into a substantial $318K asset, creating $194K in wealth through steady appreciation in this Central Valley community. The impressive 19.1% first-year surge (2016-2017) established powerful early momentum that continued through diverse economic cycles. Your property would have shown remarkable consistency, with positive growth in every single year of the measurement period, demonstrating exceptional stability as an investment asset. With a compound annual growth rate of 11%, this market has substantially outpaced inflation while maintaining relative affordability compared to California’s coastal regions, potentially attracting continued migration-driven demand.
13. Yucca Valley
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 167.30%
- Home value in 2016: $136,767
- Home value in 2017: $145,457
- Home value in 2018: $193,853
- Home value in 2019: $207,259
- Home value in 2020: $216,987
- Home value in 2021: $264,468
- Home value in 2022: $368,275
- Home value in 2023: $375,353
- Home value in 2024: $370,537
- Home value in 2025: $365,581
Yucca Valley exemplifies high-desert investment potential, with your $136K property appreciating by 167.3% to $365K, generating $229K in wealth through strategic positioning in this Joshua Tree-adjacent community. The extraordinary 33.3% surge in 2018 established early momentum that accelerated during the pandemic desert boom of 2021-2022, capturing significant equity growth. Despite modest corrections totaling 2.6% in 2024-2025, your investment maintains substantial gains, with the recent stabilization potentially offering a new entry point for value investors. The area’s popularity among vacation rental investors and remote workers creates multiple demand drivers that could support long-term market resilience.
12. Morongo Valley
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 168.31%
- Home value in 2016: $122,203
- Home value in 2017: $132,184
- Home value in 2018: $180,964
- Home value in 2019: $199,405
- Home value in 2020: $208,260
- Home value in 2021: $256,171
- Home value in 2022: $338,100
- Home value in 2023: $335,893
- Home value in 2024: $327,693
- Home value in 2025: $327,884
Morongo Valley’s remarkable 168.3% appreciation has transformed a $122K investment into a $327K asset, creating $205K in wealth through strategic desert market positioning. The exceptional 36.9% surge in 2018 established powerful early momentum that accelerated during the pandemic-driven desert boom of 2021-2022. Despite minor corrections totaling 3.0% in 2023-2024, your investment maintains substantial gains, with prices stabilizing in 2025. This high desert community’s popularity among those seeking affordability near Joshua Tree National Park and Palm Springs creates dual demand drivers from both permanent residents and vacation rental investors.
11. Lucerne Valley
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 169.04%
- Home value in 2016: $98,586
- Home value in 2017: $108,952
- Home value in 2018: $160,149
- Home value in 2019: $177,311
- Home value in 2020: $177,917
- Home value in 2021: $217,102
- Home value in 2022: $271,311
- Home value in 2023: $270,923
- Home value in 2024: $258,160
- Home value in 2025: $265,237
Lucerne Valley demonstrates exceptional small-market investment potential, with your $98K property appreciating by 169% to $265K, creating $166K in wealth from minimal capital deployment. The extraordinary 47% surge in 2018 established a powerful early acceleration pattern that rewarded initial investors with substantial early equity gains. Despite experiencing market corrections in 2023-2024, prices rebounded 2.7% in 2025, suggesting a potential value recovery phase. With an initial downpayment of just $19.7K (assuming 20% down), you would have controlled an asset that generated 8.4x that amount in equity, showcasing the powerful wealth multiplication effect of leveraged real estate investing.
10. Barstow
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 169.32%
- Home value in 2016: $99,408
- Home value in 2017: $108,969
- Home value in 2018: $142,076
- Home value in 2019: $154,793
- Home value in 2020: $158,191
- Home value in 2021: $183,920
- Home value in 2022: $233,705
- Home value in 2023: $249,332
- Home value in 2024: $254,689
- Home value in 2025: $267,727
Barstow exemplifies affordable desert market investment potential, with your $99K property appreciating by 169.3% to $267K, creating $168K in wealth through consistent value growth. The remarkable 30.4% surge in 2018 established early momentum that continued through multiple economic cycles. Unlike many desert markets that experienced corrections after 2022, Barstow has continued its upward trajectory through 2023-2025, suggesting sustainable demand fundamentals rather than speculative activity. The strategic location along major transportation corridors combined with extreme affordability relative to coastal California markets creates ongoing appeal for both primary residence buyers and rental property investors.
9. Yermo
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 179.30%
- Home value in 2016: $52,096
- Home value in 2017: $58,411
- Home value in 2018: $92,286
- Home value in 2019: $110,062
- Home value in 2020: $118,435
- Home value in 2021: $156,999
- Home value in 2022: $179,472
- Home value in 2023: $153,530
- Home value in 2024: $139,663
- Home value in 2025: $145,502
Yermo demonstrates remarkable small-market investment potential, with your $52K property appreciating by 179.3% to $145K, generating significant percentage returns from minimal capital deployment. The extraordinary 58% surge in 2018 established explosive early momentum, transforming this ultra-affordable desert community into a high-performing asset. Despite experiencing substantial corrections in 2023-2024 totaling 22.2%, the market rebounded 4.2% in 2025, potentially signaling a value recovery phase. Even with the volatility, your investment maintains a $93K equity position, representing nearly a tripling of your initial capital and showcasing the potential rewards of frontier market investing.
8. Mojave
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 180.84%
- Home value in 2016: $81,612
- Home value in 2017: $90,901
- Home value in 2018: $106,887
- Home value in 2019: $127,232
- Home value in 2020: $144,917
- Home value in 2021: $168,311
- Home value in 2022: $200,657
- Home value in 2023: $209,662
- Home value in 2024: $218,254
- Home value in 2025: $229,200
Mojave’s exceptional 180.8% appreciation has transformed an $81K investment into a $229K asset, creating $147K in wealth through consistent growth in this emerging aerospace hub desert community. Unlike many California markets, Mojave has shown remarkable consistency with positive appreciation every single year of the measurement period, demonstrating exceptional stability despite its frontier market status. The steady price increases rather than dramatic spikes suggest fundamental demand drivers related to the area’s growing aerospace industry rather than speculative activity. With a compound annual growth rate of 12.2%, this investment would have substantially outperformed many traditional financial vehicles while maintaining ultra-affordable carrying costs.
7. California City
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 183.08%
- Home value in 2016: $99,050
- Home value in 2017: $114,301
- Home value in 2018: $136,182
- Home value in 2019: $158,668
- Home value in 2020: $167,038
- Home value in 2021: $191,634
- Home value in 2022: $247,366
- Home value in 2023: $257,387
- Home value in 2024: $272,108
- Home value in 2025: $280,396
California City demonstrates exceptional desert market investment potential, with your $99K property appreciating by 183% to $280K, creating $181K in wealth through steady growth in this affordable Mojave Desert community. The consistent appreciation across all measurement years indicates resilient demand fundamentals rather than speculative fluctuations. Your property would have experienced particularly strong performance during 2021-2022, capturing $55K in equity during this accelerated growth phase. With prices continuing their upward trajectory through 2023-2025, this market demonstrates sustained momentum rather than the boom-bust pattern seen in some desert communities, potentially offering both capital appreciation and cash flow opportunity.
6. Muscoy
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 183.64%
- Home value in 2016: $155,429
- Home value in 2017: $177,195
- Home value in 2018: $245,949
- Home value in 2019: $273,026
- Home value in 2020: $289,440
- Home value in 2021: $329,503
- Home value in 2022: $391,742
- Home value in 2023: $418,935
- Home value in 2024: $429,115
- Home value in 2025: $440,855
Muscoy’s remarkable 183.6% appreciation has transformed a $155K investment into a substantial $440K asset, creating $285K in wealth through consistent growth in this Inland Empire community. The extraordinary 38.8% surge in 2018 established powerful early momentum that continued across multiple economic cycles with no years of decline. Your property would have gained value during diverse market conditions, including pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic periods, demonstrating exceptional resilience as an investment asset. With prices continuing their upward trajectory through 2023-2025, this market shows sustainable demand fundamentals rather than the correction pattern seen in many California regions.
5. Daggett
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 191.93%
- Home value in 2016: $50,628
- Home value in 2017: $58,160
- Home value in 2018: $85,658
- Home value in 2019: $104,273
- Home value in 2020: $108,657
- Home value in 2021: $159,655
- Home value in 2022: $199,174
- Home value in 2023: $166,635
- Home value in 2024: $144,984
- Home value in 2025: $147,798
Daggett exemplifies frontier market investment potential, with your $50K property appreciating by 192% to $147K, creating exceptional percentage returns from minimal capital deployment. The remarkable 47.3% surge in 2018 established explosive early momentum that continued through 2021-2022, capturing substantial value growth. Despite experiencing significant corrections in 2023-2024 totaling 27.2%, the market began recovering in 2025 with 1.9% growth. Your ultra-low entry point (potentially just $10K with 20% down) would have controlled an asset that generated nearly $97K in equity, representing an extraordinary 9.7x return on invested capital despite recent volatility.
4. Joshua Tree
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 215.17%
- Home value in 2016: $115,420
- Home value in 2017: $125,579
- Home value in 2018: $182,683
- Home value in 2019: $206,195
- Home value in 2020: $215,188
- Home value in 2021: $281,286
- Home value in 2022: $421,835
- Home value in 2023: $436,063
- Home value in 2024: $391,522
- Home value in 2025: $363,771
Joshua Tree’s extraordinary 215.2% appreciation transformed a $115K investment into a $363K asset, generating $248K in wealth through strategic positioning in this desert tourism hotspot. The remarkable 45.5% surge in 2018 established powerful early momentum, with acceleration continuing through the pandemic desert boom of 2020-2022. Despite experiencing a 16.6% correction since the 2023 peak, your investment maintains a substantial equity cushion, reflecting the exceptional demand created by both vacation rental investors and pandemic-driven migration. The area’s national park status, artistic community, and relative affordability continue to drive interest despite recent price adjustments.
3. Boron
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 216.67%
- Home value in 2016: $52,689
- Home value in 2017: $57,645
- Home value in 2018: $73,330
- Home value in 2019: $87,451
- Home value in 2020: $96,498
- Home value in 2021: $110,828
- Home value in 2022: $130,325
- Home value in 2023: $144,541
- Home value in 2024: $147,229
- Home value in 2025: $166,853
Boron demonstrates exceptional frontier market potential, with your $52K property appreciating by 216.7% to $166K, creating substantial wealth from ultra-minimal capital deployment. Unlike many desert markets that experienced post-2022 corrections, Boron has continued its upward trajectory through 2023-2025, with an impressive 13.3% jump in the final year. The steady growth across all measurement years indicates resilient fundamental demand rather than speculative fluctuations. With an initial investment of just $10.5K (assuming 20% down), you would have controlled an asset that generated $114K in equity, representing an extraordinary 10.8x return on invested capital in this affordable Mojave Desert community.
2. Landers
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 228.66%
- Home value in 2016: $74,619
- Home value in 2017: $85,041
- Home value in 2018: $123,486
- Home value in 2019: $149,921
- Home value in 2020: $163,963
- Home value in 2021: $218,824
- Home value in 2022: $305,202
- Home value in 2023: $298,089
- Home value in 2024: $259,798
- Home value in 2025: $245,246
Landers’ remarkable 228.7% appreciation transformed a $74K investment into a $245K asset, creating $170K in wealth through strategic positioning in this Joshua Tree-adjacent desert community. The exceptional 45.2% surge in 2018 established explosive early momentum that continued through the pandemic desert boom of 2020-2022. Despite experiencing a 19.6% correction since the 2022 peak, your investment maintains a substantial equity position, with the recent stabilization potentially creating a new entry opportunity. The area’s popularity with both alternative lifestyle enthusiasts and vacation rental investors created exceptionally strong demand during the pandemic, with prices now finding a sustainable equilibrium.
1. Edwards
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 292.76%
- Home value in 2016: $51,654
- Home value in 2017: $67,203
- Home value in 2018: $79,029
- Home value in 2019: $96,566
- Home value in 2020: $112,524
- Home value in 2021: $131,975
- Home value in 2022: $170,183
- Home value in 2023: $182,226
- Home value in 2024: $201,668
- Home value in 2025: $202,874
Edwards stands as California’s top-performing real estate market, delivering an extraordinary 292.8% return that transformed an ultra-affordable $51K investment into a $202K asset. The remarkable 30.1% first-year surge (2016-2017) established powerful early momentum that continued through every single measurement year with no periods of decline. Your property would have benefited from steady appreciation across diverse economic conditions, demonstrating exceptional resilience in this aerospace industry-adjacent desert community. With an initial downpayment of just $10.3K (assuming 20% down), you would have controlled an asset that generated $151K in equity, representing an astounding 14.6x return on invested capital.
