Data centers probably weren’t something you expected to think about when buying or selling a home.

School districts? Of course. Being close to family? Definitely. But a huge building packed with computer servers down the road? Probably not something you had in mind.

But that could be starting to change.

Data centers are showing up in more communities across the country. As that happens, buyers and homeowners are starting to ask what having one nearby could mean for home values, utility bills, and more. So, let’s look at what the data actually tells us. The answer is a little more complicated than simply calling them “good” or “bad.”

Data Centers Are Showing Up in a Lot More ZIP Codes

According to Realtor.com, only about a dozen ZIP codes had a large data center back in 2015. By the first half of 2026, that number had grown to more than 100, and it’s expected to keep climbing by the end of the year.

That’s a pretty big jump in just over a decade. HousingWire reports that much of this growth is happening in Texas, Virginia, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Utah, Illinois, Arizona, Indiana, and Nevada.

And that growth is why data centers are becoming part of the real estate conversation. More buyers will come across them during their home search, and more homeowners will hear about new ones being planned nearby.

And both buyers and homeowners will want to know what that could mean for them.

The Big Question: What About Home Values?

One of the biggest questions buyers and homeowners may have is: Could a nearby data center lower home values? So far, there’s no evidence that it automatically does.

Researchers compared communities with 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 . . .”
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— HousingWire

That’s an important point to keep in mind. Historically, simply having a data center nearby hasn’t been enough to make home values rise or fall dramatically.

That doesn’t mean every property will respond the same way. Things like how close it is, what’s being developed nearby, and the type of facility can all make a difference. But for most buyers and homeowners, the data so far doesn’t show that a nearby data center automatically affects home values.

Living Near a Data Center Can Come with Tradeoffs

Like any major development coming to town, data centers can bring some benefits, but there are also a few things buyers and homeowners will want to keep in mind.

On the plus side:

• They can be part of a bigger growth story. A data center can attract more development and bring in property tax revenue that can help improve the community.

• Infrastructure may get a boost. Major projects can lead to improvements like new roads, fiber, power systems, and other upgrades.

• They can create economic activity. Data centers can bring jobs, which can increase local housing demand and support nearby businesses.

On the flip side:

• They’re hard to miss. Large facilities, power lines, substations, and construction can change the look and feel of a neighborhood.

• Noise can be a factor. Cooling systems, generators, construction, and truck traffic may be noticeable depending on how close you live.

• They use a lot of resources. Data centers can require significant electricity and, depending on the cooling system, water. That can raise questions about local infrastructure and whether higher electricity demand could impact what residents pay.

On that last point, J.P. Blackwood, Public Affairs Liaison and Media Spokesperson for the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC), shared his thoughts with HousingWire on what consumers should know about data centers and their potential impact on utility costs:

““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 are driving them higher, and this is one of them. There are steps being taken around the country to mitigate the effects of data centers.”
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— HousingWire

Basically, they’re just one factor that may play a role. And the key word is “may” because it really depends on where you live and the rules in place in your area.

So, What Should Buyers and Homeowners Do?

If you’re buying, take a look at what’s already there and what’s approved or being proposed nearby. Think about how close the facility is, potential noise, future development, and whether utility costs should be part of your budget.

If you’re selling, don’t assume a nearby data center will automatically lower your home’s value. Buyers may still have questions, though. Knowing the facts about the facility, construction timeline, noise, and future plans can help you address their concerns upfront.