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The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally reshaped American perspectives on ideal places to live, with a majority now uncomfortable with big-city life and a significant portion reconsidering locations based on local government policies and school systems. According to a late 2020 survey of over 3,000 U.S. residents, 53% of Americans are uncomfortable with the idea of moving to a major city, a substantial increase from 39% before the pandemic. Furthermore, 26% of respondents stated their local government’s pandemic response made them want to relocate or change their moving destination. These trends, accelerated by the rise of remote work, indicate a lasting shift in relocation priorities away from dense urban centers and toward areas aligned with personal values and lifestyle needs.
The pandemic highlighted the significant power local governments hold over daily life. The survey data revealed that beyond the 26% who were motivated to move away, 21% of respondents said their local government's actions made them like their current location more. This polarization suggests that governance became a key factor in residential satisfaction.
As Redfin Chief Economist Daryl Fairweather noted, “If residents of a certain area feel their local rules are too lax or too strict, they may want to move somewhere where the local leadership is more in line with their personal beliefs.” This sentiment was more pronounced among certain groups; for example, 32% of Trump voters reported wanting to move due to pandemic policies, compared to 23% of Biden voters. The ability to work remotely has removed a major barrier to acting on these desires, allowing people to prioritize political and cultural alignment without job constraints.
School availability and policies became a critical consideration for households. Nearly one-fifth (19%) of survey participants said that school shutdowns influenced their desire to move away from their current home or alter their moving plans. Conversely, 17% found that school closures made them appreciate their location more.
This data underscores that the quality and reliability of local school systems are a powerful driver of real estate decisions. For families, consistent access to education, whether in-person or through well-managed remote programs, is a non-negotiable aspect of their community. Disruptions to schooling can directly impact the perceived value and desirability of a neighborhood.
The shift in sentiment toward major metropolitan areas is stark. The proportion of Americans uncomfortable with the idea of moving to a city like New York, Los Angeles, or Seattle jumped 14 percentage points during the pandemic. On the flip side, those comfortable with the idea fell from 36% to 25%.
This trend is reflected in real estate market activity. “I’ve seen a lot of folks moving to Albuquerque and its surrounding areas from big coastal cities since the start of the pandemic because they no longer want to live in crowded, dense places,” said Albuquerque Redfin real estate agent Jimmy Martinez. He noted that remote workers are often seeking larger houses with outdoor space, a lower cost of living, and access to recreation. The suburbs have become particularly popular, fueling competitive markets with multiple offers and record-high prices in these areas.
Political climate has become a more substantial consideration in relocation decisions. The survey found that 42% of respondents would be hesitant to move to an area where most people have political views different from their own, up from 32% just a few months prior in June 2020. Additionally, 24% would consider moving to a different state if Supreme Court rulings were to increase states' rights over issues like healthcare and gun laws.
This growing hesitation suggests that social and political alignment is increasingly weighed alongside traditional factors like job opportunities and housing costs. As remote work persists, this trend may continue to influence migration patterns between states.
Based on our experience assessment, the pandemic has led to a permanent reassessment of home-buying criteria. When considering a move, it is crucial to evaluate not just the property itself but also the long-term dynamics of the community, including local governance, school systems, and overall lifestyle alignment. The rise of remote work has granted unprecedented flexibility, making it possible to prioritize these personal factors over proximity to a physical office.
