Get Better Real Estate Data. Don’t let bad data cost you your next move. Download the Made 4 More app for accurate listings, better opportunities, and no hidden fees.

Data centers probably aren’t at the top of your home-buying checklist.

You’re probably thinking about the school district, commute, neighborhood, backyard, and whether the kitchen needs a complete makeover. But now there’s another question worth asking:

What’s being built near the neighborhood?

Data centers are expanding rapidly across the country, and that means more buyers and homeowners may soon find themselves living closer to these massive facilities filled with servers, cooling systems, power equipment, and miles of technology infrastructure.

So, what does that mean for real estate?

The answer isn’t simply “good” or “bad.” Like most things in real estate, location and details matter.

Data Centers Are Showing Up in More Communities

The growth has been significant.

According to Realtor.com, only about a dozen ZIP codes had a large data center in 2015. By the first half of 2026, that number had grown to more than 100, with additional growth expected.

Much of that expansion is happening in states including Texas, Virginia, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Utah, Illinois, Arizona, Indiana, and Nevada.

Why does that matter to homeowners?

Because major development can eventually become part of the local real estate landscape. A property that once felt like it was in a quiet corner of town could suddenly have a major technology facility, new roads, power infrastructure, or other development nearby.

The neighborhood you buy today may not look exactly the same five or ten years from now.

That’s why understanding future development is becoming just as important as looking at what’s already there.

Could a Data Center Affect Your Home’s Value?

This is probably the biggest question on homeowners’ minds.

If a huge facility opens nearby, does your home automatically lose value?

Not necessarily.

Research comparing ZIP codes with large data centers to similar communities without them has not found a statistically significant automatic increase or decrease in home values.

That’s an important distinction.

A data center isn’t necessarily a giant “property values dropping” sign. But that doesn’t mean every property will experience the same impact.

Think about it like buying a home near a busy road. Being two miles away may not bother you at all. Being directly behind the road with constant traffic and noise? That’s a different story.

Distance, visibility, noise, traffic, infrastructure, surrounding development, and the specific facility can all matter.

There Could Be Some Upsides

Large developments can bring more than just construction equipment and giant buildings.

For some communities, data centers can contribute to economic growth and increased tax revenue. That money can potentially support local services and infrastructure.

They can also bring infrastructure improvements, including:

• New or improved roads
• Expanded fiber-optic networks
• Electrical infrastructure
• Utility improvements
• Increased economic activity
• New jobs and business opportunities

And when an area attracts investment, that can create a ripple effect.

One major project can lead to another. New businesses may follow. Infrastructure can improve. Housing demand can change.

That doesn’t guarantee higher home values, but it can become part of the bigger growth story for a community.

But There Are Tradeoffs, Too

Now for the part buyers shouldn’t overlook.

Data centers can be enormous. Depending on the location and facility, homeowners may notice large buildings, substations, transmission lines, increased construction traffic, or changes to the surrounding landscape.

Noise is another consideration.

Cooling equipment, backup generators, construction activity, and truck traffic could affect nearby properties differently depending on the facility and how close the home is.

Then there’s electricity.

Data centers can consume significant amounts of power, which has raised questions about how increased demand could affect local utility infrastructure and electricity costs.

That doesn’t mean your utility bill is suddenly going to skyrocket because a data center opened nearby. Electricity prices are influenced by many factors.

But if you’re buying near a proposed facility, it’s worth understanding the local utility situation instead of assuming it won’t matter.

Buying a Home Near a Data Center? Do Your Homework

This is where having the right information can make a big difference.

Before buying, don’t just look at the house. Look beyond the property lines.

Check:

• Existing data centers in the area
• Proposed developments
• Local zoning changes
• Future construction plans
• Road and infrastructure projects
• Distance from the facility
• Potential noise and traffic
• Utility considerations
• Planned substations or transmission lines

And don’t stop with today’s map.

Ask what could be there tomorrow.

A home might look perfect on your first showing, but future development could change the equation.

Selling Near a Data Center? Don’t Panic

If you’re a homeowner preparing to sell and there’s a data center nearby, don’t automatically assume you’ve got a problem.

Instead, get the facts.

How far away is it? Is it already operating? Is construction finished? What are the future plans? Are there noticeable noise or traffic concerns?

Buyers may have questions, so being prepared with straightforward answers can help.

And remember, real estate value isn’t determined by one factor.

Location, condition, price, amenities, inventory, buyer demand, and comparable sales all play a role.

The right pricing and marketing strategy still matter.

Bottom Line

Data centers are becoming a bigger part of the real estate conversation as they move into more communities across the country.

They don’t automatically mean home values will rise or fall. But they can bring changes to infrastructure, employment, traffic, noise, development, and utility demand—and those are factors buyers and homeowners should understand.

Call or text 855-935-MORE and let’s talk about what it could mean for your next move.