Better weather is Americans’ top reason for moving out of state

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(NewsNation) — Nice weather is a bigger draw than lower living costs for Americans planning an out-of-state move, according to a new Redfin survey.

Of those planning to move to a different state in the next 12 months, 22 percent cited better weather as a reason for relocating — the most common response among the survey’s 29 options.

Natural disaster concerns and climate risks ranked second at 21 percent, suggesting Americans are weighing both the appeal and the potential downsides of a region’s climate.

Lower overall living costs (18 percent) and cheaper home prices (15 percent) ranked sixth and 10th, respectively, behind factors like crime and being closer to family.

Even with flooding and other climate risks among their top concerns, Florida was the survey’s most commonly cited destination for out-of-state movers, attracting 14 percent of respondents. Texas (13 percent) and California (11 percent) followed.

“Many movers are looking for a location that aligns with their ideal lifestyle, and weather can play a meaningful role in that decision,” said Redfin Economist Yingqi Xu.

That could bode well for the Sunshine State’s housing market, where elevated mortgage rates and a surge in new construction have helped cool home prices in several Florida metros following rapid appreciation during the pandemic.

Redfin noted that many popular warm-weather destinations remain less expensive than major coastal cities. The typical home in Orlando, for example, sells for about $411,000 — roughly half the price of a typical home in New York.

The combination of sunshine and relative affordability helps explain why Florida continues to attract newcomers despite leading the nation in homes for sale.

Redfin found a different set of priorities among Americans planning to move within their current state. Instead of weather, the most commonly cited reasons were wanting more space (29 percent) and upgrading to a better home or neighborhood (29 percent).

The findings are based on a Redfin survey conducted by Ipsos in May, which included 284 respondents who planned to move out of their state within the next year and 564 who planned to move within their current state over the same period.

Respondents could choose from 29 possible reasons for moving and could select all that applied.

The 10 most common reasons people are planning to move to a new state

For better weather: 22 percent

Concern for natural disasters or climate risks: 21 percent

Concern for safety/crime: 20 percent

Move for a new job or job relocation: 19 percent

To be with or nearer to family: 18 percent

For lower overall cost of living: 18 percent

Upgrade to better home or neighborhood: 18 percent

Want more space: 16 percent

Concerns about job security: 15 percent

For lower rental/home prices: 15 percent

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