Image via Dave Young modified under Creative Commons.
One in three U.S. households say they plan to move in the next five years…
Moving is a pain, whether you’re moving to a new apartment down the street or to a new home in a new city. So why do so many people move? Let’s use a Demand Institute report to examine the top reasons 10,000 surveyed people gave for moving.
Why People Move
Out of all those surveyed, 75% plan to move because of location. In addition, 47% agreed that the location they live in is more important than the home itself. Below is a list of the top reasons people moved due to location. Many respondents cited more than one.
- A safer neighborhood 30%
- Closer to family 27%
- Change in climate 26%
- Closer to work 25%
- For a new job 23%
While most moves relate to location, people don’t appear to travel far. In fact, most surveyed (59%) will move within 30 miles of their current residence. Only 26% plan to move to a different state. Residents planning to move out of state typically plan on moving to the western and southern U.S., citing changes in climate as the main motivating factor.
Although large cities are still growing, the general population loves their suburbs. Out of everyone surveyed, most plan to stay the same distance from a large city (59%) and 23% plan to move farther away from a major city.
So why is this data so important? As Realtor in Sanpete County, I strive to find the best place for my client to live based on their true purpose for moving. Let’s dive deeper into the top reasons for moving.
Why Should You Care Why People are Moving?
Whether you intend to move soon or plan to stay rooted in your home, your community will be slowly changed by the people moving in and out. Here is how you can leverage this information to find a home in Sanpete or sell a home in Sanpete County.
A safer neighborhood
As a buyer: I don’t think anyone wants an unsafe neighborhood. Sanpete County tends to have residents with strong family values and concern for community. People are more active in our communities, making Sanpete a safe option for out-of-county relocations.
As a seller: Make sure your real estate agent is well-versed on the benefits of your particular community, and make sure they highlight lower crime rates and the feeling of community when selling your home.
Closer to family
As a buyer: You can be close to family in Sanpete County but still purchase a home that provides privacy. Your aunt doesn’t need to be right next door, and even if she is, next door doesn’t need to be 10 feet away.
As a seller: Sanpete offers several great outdoor activities for families, from church events to 4-wheeling. Make sure to highlight all the family events that take place in the community. Sanpete.com is a great place to find events.
Change in climate
As a buyer: Sanpete County experiences all four seasons. Each season has the appeal we’ve come to know and love without too much severity.
As a seller: Even though you may be retiring and moving out of state away from cool winters, remember many people enjoy snowy winters and the changing seasons.
Closer to work:
As a buyer: Look for a community near your work, but don’t be afraid to venture a bit farther out, too. A 15-minute drive and a 20-minute drive are only 5 minutes apart but can open up almost 25 square miles of possible housing solutions!
As a seller: Highlight the commerce and jobs available nearby and how easy it is to get around town.
For a new job
As a buyer: Make sure your new home and new job will fit together nicely. Each area of a county has its pluses and minuses, depending on your tastes. Make sure to have your Realtor help you explore the differences.
As a seller: Highlight positive growth near your home, as many buyers don’t know if a community is growing or shrinking.
Now that you have some insight into why people move, you can use it to highlight your location or find the one that is right for you. Make sure your Realtor pays attention to current housing trends and understands the value of location for you.
If you have any questions or comments about the real estate industry, I would be happy to answer them in the comments!
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