In a recent survey conducted by Redfin, it was found that local laws and politics are increasingly influencing homebuyers’ location choices. The survey of 500 real-estate agents revealed that one-third of them had worked with clients who moved primarily due to state or local laws and politics. These moves were influenced by various factors such as gun laws, reproductive-rights laws, and tax policies.
The polarization of the nation on issues like climate change, immigration, and education has made state and local laws more important to individuals. With the U.S. Supreme Court striking down the constitutional protection of a woman’s right to abortion services in 2022 and states diverging on gun control policies, many house hunters are reconsidering where they would prefer to live.
The survey found that Americans tend to prefer living in places where the laws align with their own views. Many homebuyers expressed a desire to move to more liberal parts of the country or to areas that are more conservative, depending on their political beliefs. Additionally, people often prefer living in places where their neighbors share similar political views.
It is important to note that the survey only captured responses from real-estate agents about their clients and does not mean that one-third of U.S. homebuyers actually moved because of politics or local laws. Factors such as affordability, proximity to family and work, and personal preferences still play significant roles in the decision-making process.
However, with the increasing ability to work remotely, homebuyers now have more flexibility in choosing where they want to live based on political preferences and local laws. This has led to a record share of homebuyers relocating to different metro areas in 2023.
The survey highlighted some common migration routes for homebuyers last year, including moves from blue states to red or purple states. Cities such as Austin, Phoenix, and Orlando saw an influx of homebuyers from places like San Francisco, Seattle, and New York. These moves were often motivated by more affordable housing options in these red or purple states.
The survey also showcased personal anecdotes from real-estate agents. One agent mentioned a family that left New York for Florida but ultimately returned because they preferred to live in a state with stricter gun laws. Another agent from Austin noted that he knew several people who moved away from Texas to the West Coast, specifically to places aligning better with their personal views on women’s reproductive rights and LGBTQ rights.
At the same time, there were also instances of people moving from blue states to red states. Redfin noted that many conservative states have policies that attract business-minded residents, such as lower taxes and fewer restrictions on companies. Some individuals also choose to relocate to red states in order to live near people with similar views, as seen with a couple who moved from California to Idaho to display their support for the police.
Overall, the survey by Redfin suggests that local laws and politics are playing an increasingly influential role in homebuyers’ decisions. As the nation becomes more polarized, individuals are considering factors beyond just location when choosing where to buy a home. Whether it’s gun laws, reproductive-rights laws, or tax policies, people are seeking areas that align with their political beliefs and values.
