Data centers probably weren’t on your list of things to think about when buying or selling a home.School districts? Sure. How close are you to family? Absolutely. A large building full of
Data Centers Are Moving Closer to Homes (what it means for you)
Dated: September 10 2026
Views: 18
Data centers probably weren’t on your list of things to think about when buying or selling a home.
School districts? Sure. How close are you to family? Absolutely. A large building full of computer servers down the road? Probably not.
But that may change.
Data centers are popping up in more communities across the country. And as they do, buyers and homeowners are starting to wonder what having one nearby could mean for everything from home values to utility bills. So, let’s get into what the data says. Because there’s a lot more nuance here than if they’re “good” or “bad.”
Data Centers Are Showing Up in a Lot More ZIP Codes
According to Realtor.com, back in 2015, only about a dozen ZIP codes had a large data center. But by the first half of 2026, that number had climbed to more than 100 – and it’s projected to rise even further by the end of the year (see graph below):
That’s a pretty dramatic increase in just over a decade. HousingWire shows a lot of that growth is in Texas, Virginia, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Utah, Illinois, Arizona, Indiana, and Nevada.
And that ramp-up explains why this is becoming a real estate conversation. More buyers will encounter a data center during their search. More homeowners will hear about one being proposed nearby.
And both groups will want to know what that could mean for them.
The Big Question: What About Home Values?
One of the first concerns homeowners and buyers may have is: could a nearby data center hurt home values? So far, there’s no evidence that says it automatically will.
Researchers compared communities that have large data centers to similar communities without them. A recent HousingWire article reports:
“. . . home values in data center ZIP codes generally tracked their matched communities — with no statistically meaningful gains or losses. Listing prices showed a modest initial increase around openings . . .”
That’s important context. Historically, simply having a data center nearby hasn’t been enough to send home values dramatically higher or lower.
That doesn’t mean every property will react the same way. Proximity, the surrounding development, and the specific facility can all matter. But for the typical homeowner or buyer, the data so far doesn’t point to an automatic impact on home values.
Living Near a Data Center Can Come with Tradeoffs
Like any major development coming to town, data centers can bring benefits along with things buyers and homeowners will want to consider.
On the plus side:
- They may be part of a bigger growth story. A data center can spur broader development in an area and generate substantial property tax revenue to improve the community.
- Infrastructure may get an upgrade. New roads, fiber, power infrastructure, and other improvements can come along with major development.
- They can generate economic activity. A data center can generate jobs, which in turn fuels local housing demand and supports local businesses.
On the flip side:
- They’re not exactly invisible. Large facilities, transmission lines, substations, and construction can change an area's look and feel.
- Noise can matter. Cooling equipment, generators, construction, and truck traffic may be noticeable depending on how close you are.
- They use more resources. These facilities can require significant electricity and, depending on the cooling system, water. That can raise questions about local infrastructure and whether growing electricity demand could affect what residents pay.
On that last point, J.P. Blackwood, Public Affairs Liaison and Media Spokesperson for the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC), explained his take on what consumers need to know about data centers and their potential to impact utility costs to HousingWire:
“Utility rate increases tend to be gradual, and so that’s what I would expect here. Again, a number of factors can drive electricity prices higher, and this is one of them. There are steps being taken around the country to mitigate the effects of data centers.”
Basically, they’re just one factor that can have an impact. And the key word there is “can” because it depends on where you live and what rules are in place in your area.
So, What Should Buyers and Homeowners Do?
If you’re buying, find out what’s already there – and what’s approved or proposed nearby. Consider the facility’s proximity, potential noise, future development, and whether you want to factor utility costs into your budget.
If you’re selling, don’t assume a nearby data center automatically hurts your home’s value. But buyers may have questions. Knowing the facts about the facility, construction timeline, noise, and future plans can help you address those concerns upfront.
Bottom Line
As more data centers pop up, they're becoming another piece of the puzzle buyers and homeowners need to understand.
Have a data center nearby or one coming soon?
Contact:
David Demangos
858.232.8410
eXp Realty DRE 01905183
David Demangos
With over 15 years as a professional Realtor and native of San Diego, home sellers, home buyers, and investors trust David. He has a long-standing tradition of success and a proven track record.He has....
Latest Blog Posts
You’re scrolling through listings on your phone, and everything looks good until you see the price (or the estimated monthly payment). Then you close the app. Because even if you love the
San Diego is preparing for what officials say could become a very strong El Niño heading into fall and winter 2026–27. While El Niño does not guarantee major storms, warmer
Based on the latest available summer 2026 sales data, the most affordable parts of San Diego County for buyers continue to be Southeastern San Diego/San Ysidro, National City, Lemon Grove, El Cajon,
Based on information from California Regional Multiple Listing Service, Inc. as of September 23, 2026 6:19 PM UTC This information is for your personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties you may be interested in purchasing. Display of MLS data is usually deemed reliable but is NOT guaranteed accurate by the MLS. Buyers are responsible for verifying the accuracy of all information and should investigate the data themselves or retain appropriate professionals. Information from sources other than the Listing Agent may have been included in the MLS data. Unless otherwise specified in writing, Broker/Agent has not and will not verify any information obtained from other sources. The Broker/Agent providing the information contained herein may or may not have been the Listing and/or Selling Agent.
This information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. You should rely on this information only to decide whether or not to further investigate a particular property. BEFORE MAKING ANY OTHER DECISION, YOU SHOULD PERSONALLY INVESTIGATE THE FACTS (e.g.square footage and lot size) with the assistance of an appropriate professional. You may use this information only to identify properties you may be interested in investigating further. All uses except for personal, non-commercial use in accordance with
Last updated: September 23, 2026 6:16 PM UTC Property Information © 2026 
The information being provided by Conejo Simi Moorpark Association of REALTORS ® ("CSMAR") is for the visitor's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties visitor may be interested in purchasing. Any information relating to a property referenced on this web site comes from the Internet Data Exchange ("IDX") program of CSMAR. This web site may reference real estate listing(s) held by a brokerage firm other than the broker and/or
The MLS™ I-Tech ® All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in
All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. The data relating
