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A record 32.4% of U.S. homebuyers considered moving to a different metropolitan area at the start of the year, a trend driven by rising housing costs and the permanence of remote work. This analysis, based on search patterns of approximately two million users, indicates a significant shift from pre-pandemic migration levels. The data highlights a clear pattern: homebuyers are leaving expensive coastal cities for more affordable, warm-weather destinations.
Why Are More Homebuyers Looking to Relocate?
The increase in relocation searches is primarily a response to financial pressures. Rising mortgage rates and skyrocketing rents are making it difficult for many Americans to afford housing in their current cities. Moving to a more affordable region has become a key strategy for staying within budget. Furthermore, the widespread adoption of permanent remote-work policies has untethered many employees from physical offices, granting them the freedom to live almost anywhere. A persistent national housing shortage in many major metros is another motivating factor; when buyers face intense competition and limited inventory, they expand their search to markets with more available homes.
Which Metros Are the Most Popular Destinations?
Popularity is measured by net inflow, which is the number of people looking to move into a metro minus the number looking to leave. Based on this metric, the most sought-after destinations in January were:
These areas are perennially popular due to their relatively affordable housing and warm climates. For example, while the median home price in Miami was $436,900 in January—an 18.1% annual increase—it remains significantly more affordable than the $655,000 median in New York, a primary origin city for people moving to Miami. However, rapid price growth in these destination cities may eventually temper their popularity as affordability erodes.
Where Are People Moving From?
The metros with the highest net outflow (more people looking to leave than move in) are some of the nation's most expensive housing markets. The top five cities homebuyers sought to leave were:
This exodus, amplified by remote work, is a direct reaction to high home prices. San Francisco, with a median sale price of approximately $1.4 million, is the most expensive place to buy a home in the country. The trend of leaving high-cost urban centers for more affordable alternatives has become a defining feature of the current real estate landscape.
Practical Advice for Considering a Move
If you are contemplating a relocation, a strategic approach is essential. Begin your research early, thoroughly comparing the cost of living, property taxes, and job markets in your target cities. It is crucial to get pre-approved for a mortgage to understand your precise budget. Work with a local real estate agent who has in-depth knowledge of your desired market; based on our experience assessment, their expertise is invaluable for navigating a new area's inventory and pricing dynamics. Finally, consider renting in the new city first to ensure it meets your long-term needs before making a purchase.
