When we move, we typically don’t move far. In fact, between 1989 and 2021, the median distance moved was between 10 and 15 miles. Lately, though, that distance has been growing. In 2022, it grew to almost 50 miles. Today, it’s closer to 20 miles. The pandemic started the trend, with a higher share of potential buyers searching for extra space outside of their metro areas. But according to a new analysis from the National Association of Realtors’ consumer website, the trend hasn’t subsided. Danielle Hale, the website’s chief economist, says there are a number of reasons for this. “Affordability remains a primary driver of home searches, but evolving workplace policies, job opportunities, and shifting local conditions also play a role,” Hale said. The result? During the second quarter of this year, 58.9 percent of online home shoppers in the 100 largest cities looked at listings outside of their current metro area. That’s an 11 percent jump from 2019, when just 48.1 percent of shoppers were looking to live elsewhere. (source)
