MIDDLEBURG – A study of Florida’s housing markets found Middleburg as the second-highest healthiest housing market in the state.

Last month, SmartAsset, a consumer-focused financial service, released its seventh annual study about the healthiest housing markets in the state. Middleburg ranked only behind Lakeland Highlands in SmartAsset’s Healthiest Housing Index, a combination of several factors. Clay County was listed as the 554th healthiest housing market in the country by SmartAsset.

The study weighed factors including risk of loss, the ease of selling a home, stability and home costs as a percentage of local median income.

According to SmartAsset, Middleburg residents live in their homes for approximately 12.8 years. The study found that Middleburg homes stay on the market for about 72 days and cost 17.5% of a buyer’s income. Middleburg ranked among the lowest in average homes with negative equity and homes decreasing in value with 12.7% and 15.9%, respectively.

Clay County real estate agents shared insight on the market.

Watson Realty broker Rich Zeisel said the county’s homes have appreciated by 18% in 2021, an extremely high figure, and he wouldn’t be surprised if prices increased at a similar or at a slightly lower level next year.

“It’s economics 101: supply and demand. The builders cannot keep up with demand,” Zeisel said. “There is rapid appreciation.”

Zeisel said Clay County School District’s progress and general quality of life make Middleburg and the rest of the county an attractive proposition for homebuyers. The First Coast Expressway will connect Middleburg residents to Interstate 10 and I-95, easing some transportation issues that are a burden.

He expects an explosion of growth in Green Cove Springs and Lake Asbury, but Middleburg has a lot to offer.

“Middleburg is a diverse area,” Zeisel said. “You're still able to get some property with the home.”

Realty Masters’ Frank Florio is a realtor with 20 years of experience in the area. He said Clay County follows the trends of housing markets across the country: low inventory and high demand. Competition for homes is high, he said.

“Very few homes are on the market,” Florio said. “When something shows up, it gets jumped on by everyone and his brother.”

The appeal of the Middleburg area is that it’s close to everything a person may need, but 10 minutes away from nature, Florio added.

“It’s a mix of rural and suburban life,” Florio said. “People from big cities really like this.”