The Hidden Gem Markets No One’s Talking About—Where We’re Buying In 2025
Imagine this: You’re scanning real estate opportunities, and all you see are headlines about Austin, Phoenix, and Miami. Sure, those markets sound great—until you realize everyone else is already there. Prices are sky-high, competition is fierce, and returns? Let’s just say they’re not what they used to be.
So, where do you go if you want to find real opportunity? At Ocean Ridge Capital, we’re not following the herd. We’re actively investing in markets that most people overlook—but they’re places where growth, resilience, and affordability come together to create incredible potential for investors.
Let me introduce you to three hidden gems we’re targeting for multifamily communities and mobile home parks in 2025. These markets aren’t flashy, but they are packed with the kind of fundamentals that protect your capital and drive long-term returns.
Northwest Arkansas: Big Growth in a Small Market
If you think “small-town charm” and “big-time opportunity” can’t coexist, Northwest Arkansas is here to prove you wrong. This pocket of growth includes Fayetteville, Bentonville, and Rogers—towns that might not be on your radar but absolutely should be.
Here’s why:
Explosive Growth: Over the past decade, the population has grown by 24%, fueled by job opportunities at corporate giants like Walmart, Tyson Foods, and J.B. Hunt. This isn’t just a boom—it’s sustainable, steady growth that creates long-term demand for housing.
Affordability Meets Quality of Life: NWA is the rare market where people can enjoy a great quality of life without breaking the bank. It’s a magnet for families and professionals looking for affordable housing, which makes multifamily and mobile home communities here a no-brainer.
Connected and Thriving: With the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport connecting it to larger metros and heavy investment in infrastructure and culture (think bike trails, parks, and art museums), this is a market on the rise.
We’re buying here because it’s a perfect storm of economic growth, population increases, and affordability—all wrapped in a community people love to call home.
Oklahoma City: Resilient, Affordable, and Thriving
Oklahoma City (OKC) might not make the national headlines, but that’s exactly why it’s one of the smartest places to invest. While flashy markets ride economic rollercoasters, OKC keeps growing steadily, offering investors a rock-solid foundation.
What makes OKC stand out?
A Diversified Economy: Sure, energy plays a big role here, but OKC’s economy has expanded into healthcare, aerospace, and technology. Companies like Boeing and Paycom are creating jobs at a rapid pace, bringing skilled workers into the area.
Affordable Housing and High Demand: With its low cost of living and rising population, OKC has a strong demand for workforce housing. Residents want affordable, quality homes—and we’re here to deliver.
Landlord-Friendly Environment: Oklahoma’s regulations are some of the most landlord-friendly in the country. Add in low property taxes, and you’ve got a market where investors can sleep well at night.
We’re excited about OKC because it’s a market where we can create value in properties and trust that the demand will always be there.
Des Moines: The Quiet Overachiever
Des Moines might not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of real estate investing, but that’s exactly why it’s such a great opportunity. This is a Midwest powerhouse that quietly delivers stability, growth, and returns.
Why Des Moines?
Economic Stability: Home to finance and insurance giants like Principal Financial Group and Nationwide, Des Moines has a recession-resistant economy. It’s also a hub for agribusiness and tech, creating a well-rounded job market.
Population Growth: The city has seen a steady 12% population increase over the past decade. That’s not flashy, but it’s reliable—and reliability is gold for investors.
Affordable Entry Point: Des Moines offers some of the most affordable housing in the country, which means lower acquisition costs for investors and strong demand from tenants who value affordability and quality.
For us, Des Moines represents the best of the Midwest: steady returns, low volatility, and an economy that performs well in any market cycle.
Why These Markets Are Different
The key to these hidden gem markets isn’t just that they’re growing—it’s how they’re growing. Northwest Arkansas, Oklahoma City, and Des Moines all score high on the criteria that matter most for real estate investors:
Population Growth: These areas aren’t just keeping up—they’re thriving, driven by job creation and livability.
Economic Diversity: A mix of industries reduces risk and ensures long-term stability.
Affordability: Lower acquisition costs and strong tenant demand create a winning combination.
Resilience: These markets don’t rely on hype—they’re built on real fundamentals that stand the test of time.
At Ocean Ridge Capital, we’re actively acquiring underperforming multifamily communities and mobile home parks in these markets, using value-add strategies to create both immediate and long-term returns for our investors.
The Takeaway
The best opportunities in real estate aren’t where everyone else is looking. They’re in markets like Northwest Arkansas, Oklahoma City, and Des Moines—places with strong growth, affordable entry points, and rock-solid fundamentals.
These hidden gems offer the perfect balance of safety and upside, making them ideal for investors who want to protect their capital while achieving meaningful returns. If you’re ready to explore these exciting opportunities, let’s talk. At Ocean Ridge Capital, we’re not just investing—we’re building the future of resilient, profitable housing.