NEARLY 3 IN 5 HOMEBUYERS ARE SEARCHING OUTSIDE THEIR CITY As affordability remains a top concern, more Americans are open to putting down roots somewhere new. According to Realtor.com’s latest Cross-Market Demand Report, nearly 3 in 5 online home shoppers looked for properties in a different metro area from where they currently live.
THE SEARCH FOR VALUE GOES BEYOND CITY LIMITS
In the second quarter of 2025, 58.9% of buyers browsed listings in cities other than their own—a significant jump from the 48.1% recorded back in 2019, before the pandemic reshaped remote work and housing priorities.
While this year’s percentage is slightly lower than 2024, it still reflects a major shift in how—and where—buyers are willing to move, especially as they seek greater affordability and better lifestyle options.
BOOMTOWNS COOLING OFF
Some cities that saw rapid growth during the pandemic are now seeing the opposite trend.
In McAllen, TX, the share of people searching outside the metro jumped 30 percentage points since 2019. Rising home prices and higher unemployment may be factors. Similar trends are playing out in Phoenix, Chicago, and Spokane, where once-booming demand among locals has tapered off.
METROS THAT ARE HOLDING STRONG
Not all cities are seeing a rise in relocation searches. A few metros are bucking the trend with declines in out-of-area search activity:
“Affordability remains a primary driver of home searches, but evolving workplace policies, job opportunities and shifting local conditions also play a role,” says Realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale.
BIG CITIES, BIGGER DEPARTURES
Large metros topped the list of places where locals are looking to relocate.
“Despite the year-over-year step back, Americans continue to take a broader view of where they can live,” Hale adds. “Often looking beyond their current metro areas in hopes of stretching their dollar and improving their lifestyle.”
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