Key Takeaways:
- Home services franchising remains a resilient investment, driven by aging housing stock, ongoing maintenance needs, and homeowners prioritizing preventative care.
- Certain U.S. markets offer outsized opportunity, where population growth, climate conditions, and housing trends create consistent demand for professional services.
- Neighborly® provides a proven path to ownership, combining established brands, scalable systems, and market availability to help franchise owners grow with confidence.
Thinking about a career change or a smart investment that serves your local community? Home services franchising remains resilient and in demand.
In this article, we break down 7 “hot” markets for franchise ownership in the home services sector, why each market is “hot,” and which Neighborly brands are showing positive indicators for growth. Whether you’re ready to make the leap or still exploring, this list will help you understand where opportunity meets need.
Why Home Services Franchising Can Be Worth the Investment
If you’ve ever owned a home or helped someone manage one, you already know how much ongoing care a house really needs. Homes age, families get busier, and many first-time buyers quickly discover that “move-in ready” doesn’t mean “maintenance-free.”
Because of these everyday realities, people continue to rely on professional help to keep their homes in good shape. This can create steady demand for repairs, upgrades, and ongoing maintenance, which is exactly why so many franchise owners see long-term opportunities in this industry.
The numbers tell the same story. U.S. homeowner spending on maintenance and home upgrades is expected to reach $608 billion in 2025, reflecting the amount people are investing in the homes they already have. Even more, 71% of homeowners are prioritizing preventative maintenance to avoid bigger, more expensive issues down the road. That shift means home service businesses are not just filling emergency needs. They’re building long-lasting relationships with customers who want reliable support year-round.
Across the seven highlighted markets in this article, these national trends combine with local factors such as population growth, renovation activity, and household income levels to create strong opportunities for potential franchise owners who want to make an impact with the support of Neighborly, the world’s largest home services franchisor and a trusted name in communities across the country.
How We Ranked These Markets
When selecting these markets, we focused on the larger forces that shape how home service businesses naturally flourish. Strong markets typically develop where communities are continually evolving, where people are establishing roots, and where the pace of daily life creates an ongoing need for reliable support in and around the home.
Climate rhythms, neighborhood growth, and the general energy of the local economy all contribute to an environment that encourages steady demand. We also considered where genuine room still exists for new franchise owners to enter the market and grow without facing saturation, ensuring the potential for long‑term success.
1. Pittsburgh, PA
Why Pittsburgh is Hot for Home Services
Pittsburgh blends historic neighborhoods with newer suburban growth. Many homes are turn-of-the-century or mid-century construction, which translates into ongoing maintenance and upgrades. The area also benefits from a diverse economy anchored by healthcare, higher education, and technology. Many property owners value quality workmanship and reliable service providers, creating repeat business for franchises that show up, communicate well, and deliver consistent results.
Where Demand Shows Up:
Aging Housing:
Window, glass, and storage solutions are common needs in older homes.
Busy Professionals:
Time-saving services, such as cleaning and outdoor living enhancements, offer convenience for those with busy schedules.
A Climate with Distinct Seasonal Shifts:
Seasonal pest and outdoor issues support the need for recurring services.
Top Neighborly Brands to Consider in Pittsburgh:
2. Riverside–San Bernardino, CA (Inland Empire)
Why the Inland Empire is hot for home services
The Inland Empire has seen sustained population growth as people seek space and relative affordability in Southern California. Many homes are newer but still require regular upkeep, painting, and handyman help, especially for busy commuters. The region’s hot, dry climate also means more dust and debris, which can accelerate maintenance schedules and drive repeat service calls.
Where Demand Shows Up
Growing Household Count:
More move-ins mean more projects and professional services are required to turn properties around for the next person.
Exterior and interior Refreshes:
Painting and window cleaning are high-visibility value creators.
Safety and Efficiency Needs:
Routine maintenance, such as dryer vent cleaning, helps reduce fire risk and improve appliance efficiency.
Neighborly Brands to Consider in Inland Empire:
3. Long Island, NY
Why Long Island is Hot for Home Services
Long Island offers a large, affluent homeowner base with a strong preference for professional service providers. Many neighborhoods consist of mature homes that need regular upkeep, while coastal weather brings salt, wind, and humidity that take a toll on exteriors and electrical systems. Time-stretched families also value dependable help for cleaning and renovating projects.
Where Demand Shows Up
Coastal Climate Creates Natural Wear and Tear:
Exterior surfaces and fixtures need more frequent maintenance due to natural wear and tear.
Busy Households:
Outsourced cleaning and project services free up precious time for parents and busy schedules.
Neighborly Brands to Consider in Long Island
4. Allentown, PA
Why Allentown is Hot for Home Services
Part of the Lehigh Valley, Allentown has seen steady growth as remote and hybrid workers seek more space within reach of major metros. The area blends older housing with suburban development, producing diverse needs from plumbing to climate control. Affordability and quality-of-life trends continue to attract new residents, supporting the need for franchise scalability.
Where Demand Shows Up
Mixed Housing Ages:
Older homes need plumbing repairs and HVAC upgrades, while newer homes need ongoing maintenance.
Seasonal Swings:
Hot summers and cold winters drive HVAC and water heater service needs.
Higher Move-In and Turnover:
Cleaning and junk removal services spike as new residents relocate to the city.
Neighborly Brands to Consider in Allentown
5. Providence, RI
Why Providence is Hot for Home Services
Providence’s classic New England housing, vibrant college scene, and coastal climate combine to create consistent service needs. Many properties are historic or multi-family, with owners seeking reliable experts who can maintain charm while upgrading safety and efficiency. Weather-related issues, from storms to nor’easters, can create spikes in demand for restoration and electrical services.
Where Demand Shows Up
Historical Home Restoration:
Respectful, expert upgrades to electrical and appliance systems are essential.
Unpredictable Weather Events:
Storm-related restoration requires a quick, professional response.
Year-Round Property Maintenance Needs:
Heating and cooling demands drive electrical and appliance service.
Neighborly Brands to Consider in Providence
6. Lakeland, FL
Why Lakeland is Hot for Home Services
Lakeland sits between Tampa and Orlando, an area seeing rapid growth. Florida’s climate creates a strong demand for lawn and exterior services, as well as proactive maintenance to keep homes efficient and safe. The region’s suburban expansion and active senior communities both value dependable, professional home service providers.
Where Demand Shows Up
Lawn Care Upkeep:
Warm weather supports recurring turf and landscape services.
Home Safety and Efficiency Priorities:
Dryer vent cleaning and routine inspections are a high priority.
Aging In Place Needs:
Handyman and accessibility projects help residents maintain their independence.
Neighborly Brands to Consider in Lakeland
7. Des Moines, IA
Why Des Moines is Hot for Home Services
Des Moines boasts a stable economy, consistent population growth, and a strong homeowner culture. The region’s climate creates steady maintenance cycles. Neighborhoods range from historic homes to newer construction, giving franchise owners a broad customer base that values reliability.
Where Demand Shows up
Seasonal-Dependent Service Need:
Spring and summer lawn services and winter ice and snow removal pair well with year-round maintenance.
Home Turnover and Inspections:
A healthy real estate market supports inspection and repair work.
Pest and Outdoor Comfort:
The outdoors can be a sacred space for many Iowans, making pest control an essential service.
Neighborly Brands to Consider in Des Moines
Why Franchising Offers a Proven Path to Business Ownership
Franchising offers the best of both worlds: you get to run your own business, but you’re backed by systems, support, and a brand that’s already established.
A franchise enables you, the investor or franchise owner, to operate a business by paying a franchise fee and other pre-disclosed fees and receiving an established system developed by the franchisor. Owning a franchise comes with defined costs, franchisor support, and contractual obligations.
At its core, franchising is about mitigating some of the guesswork of a startup. Instead of reinventing the wheel, you get a playbook and a team to help you succeed.
Having a proven business model increases the likelihood of long-term survival. Some reports show that 48% of independent small businesses fail after five years. If you're after sustainability and profitability for the long haul, an established franchise brand and operational processes can go a long way.
Key Benefits of Franchising
- Proven systems and support so you can avoid many beginner mistakes
- Established brand recognition and marketing tools that can make you look pro from day one
- Technology platforms for scheduling, billing, and customer communication
- Training and coaching from experts and people who’ve done it before
- Vendor relationships and programs that can save you time and money
- A potentially faster growth curve that allows many owners to ramp up operations quicker, thanks to clear systems and brand trust.
And yes, you’re still the boss. You hire the team, lead the business, and reap the rewards.
Final Thoughts: Home Services as a Path to Business Ownership with Neighborly
From Pittsburgh to Des Moines, these seven markets stand out because every day, homeowners need trusted help to maintain, repair, and improve their spaces.
That steady demand, combined with proven systems, is why franchising in home services can be a compelling path to small business leadership. And remember, this is just a snapshot. Neighborly has hundreds of available markets across all 19 brands, so you can find the right fit for your goals and your community. Learn more about available markets near you.
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