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Most home shoppers are seeking out a new city

Homebuyers Are Expanding Their Horizons: Realtor.com Data Reveals Surge in Cross-City Searches

In an era defined by shifting work dynamics, economic pressures, and a quest for better quality of life, American homebuyers are increasingly casting their nets wider, venturing beyond familiar locales to explore housing opportunities in entirely new cities. This emerging trend, highlighted in recent data from Realtor.com, underscores a significant evolution in the real estate landscape. As remote work becomes more entrenched and affordability concerns mount in high-cost urban centers, prospective buyers are not just browsing listings in their hometowns—they're actively seeking out fresh starts in distant markets. This migration of interest isn't merely anecdotal; it's backed by robust search data that paints a picture of a nation on the move, both virtually and potentially physically.

According to Realtor.com's analysis, which draws from millions of user searches on its platform, there's been a notable uptick in what the company terms "cross-market" home searches. These are instances where users from one metropolitan area are scouring listings in another, often unrelated, city. The data reveals that such searches have surged by double digits in recent months, reflecting a broader willingness among buyers to relocate for a variety of reasons. This isn't a fleeting phenomenon; it's a continuation of patterns that accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, when lockdowns and remote work policies prompted many to reassess their living situations. Now, with inflation easing in some sectors but housing costs remaining stubbornly high in places like San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles, buyers are turning their gaze toward more affordable, amenity-rich alternatives.

One of the most striking aspects of this data is the identification of "hotspot" cities that are drawing disproportionate attention from out-of-town searchers. Leading the pack is Las Vegas, Nevada, which has seen a remarkable influx of interest from buyers in pricier coastal markets. Searches for Las Vegas homes from users in California, particularly the Bay Area and Southern California, have spiked, driven by the city's relatively lower home prices, vibrant entertainment scene, and proximity to natural wonders like the Grand Canyon. Similarly, cities in the Sun Belt, such as Phoenix, Arizona, and Austin, Texas, are magnets for those fleeing colder climates or seeking tech-driven job opportunities without the astronomical living expenses of Silicon Valley.

But it's not just the Southwest that's benefiting. The data points to unexpected risers like Buffalo, New York, which appeals to buyers from nearby high-cost areas like New York City, offering affordable Victorian homes and a burgeoning arts scene. In the Midwest, places like Kansas City, Missouri, and Indianapolis, Indiana, are gaining traction for their family-friendly environments, strong school systems, and lower barriers to entry for first-time buyers. Even smaller markets, such as Boise, Idaho, and Spokane, Washington, are seeing search volumes climb as remote workers prioritize outdoor lifestyles and community vibes over urban hustle.

Delving deeper into the numbers, Realtor.com reports that cross-market searches accounted for a significant portion of overall activity on the site. For instance, in some months, nearly a quarter of all searches originated from users outside the target city's metro area. This represents a shift from pre-pandemic norms, where local searches dominated. The platform's economists attribute this to several converging factors. First and foremost is affordability: With median home prices in many major cities hovering above $1 million, buyers are compelled to look elsewhere. A family priced out of Seattle, for example, might find a comparable home in Salt Lake City, Utah, for half the cost, complete with mountain views and a growing job market.

Remote work plays a pivotal role here, too. As companies like Google and Amazon continue to embrace hybrid models, employees are no longer tethered to office locations. This flexibility has empowered buyers to prioritize personal preferences—be it milder weather, better schools, or proximity to family—over commuting constraints. The data shows a clear correlation: Cities with robust remote job sectors, such as those in tech or finance, are seeing the highest inbound search traffic. Moreover, lifestyle considerations are at the forefront. Post-pandemic, there's a renewed emphasis on space, both indoor and outdoor. Buyers are drawn to cities offering larger lots, access to parks, and lower population densities, which explain the appeal of places like Charlotte, North Carolina, or Nashville, Tennessee, where cultural amenities blend with suburban sprawl.

Interestingly, the trend isn't uniform across demographics. Younger buyers, particularly millennials and Gen Z, are leading the charge in these cross-city explorations. Burdened by student debt and high rents, they're more open to radical moves, often targeting up-and-coming markets like Raleigh, North Carolina, or Orlando, Florida, where entry-level homes are within reach. In contrast, older buyers, including empty-nesters and retirees, are eyeing retirement-friendly havens such as Sarasota, Florida, or Asheville, North Carolina, for their mild climates and healthcare facilities. Families, meanwhile, are focusing on education and safety, boosting searches in cities like Denver, Colorado, with its top-rated schools and outdoor recreation.

This surge in exploratory searches has ripple effects on the housing market at large. For sellers in these emerging hotspots, it means increased demand and potentially rising prices, though still far below coastal levels. Real estate agents in places like Tampa, Florida, report a flood of inquiries from out-of-state buyers, many of whom are pre-approved for mortgages and ready to act quickly. On the flip side, traditional powerhouse markets are experiencing a slowdown in local interest, which could lead to inventory buildups if sellers don't adjust expectations. Economists at Realtor.com caution that while searches indicate intent, not all will translate to actual moves—factors like job security, family ties, and market volatility can intervene.

Yet, the data suggests a sustained shift. Compared to last year, cross-market searches have grown by over 20% in key categories, with no signs of abating. This aligns with broader migration data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau, which shows net population inflows to states like Texas, Florida, and Tennessee. It's a testament to the democratization of homebuying through digital platforms; tools like virtual tours and AI-driven recommendations on Realtor.com make it easier than ever to "try before you buy" from afar.

Looking ahead, experts predict this trend will intensify as interest rates stabilize and more employers formalize remote policies. Climate considerations are also creeping in, with buyers avoiding areas prone to wildfires or hurricanes in favor of more resilient locales. For instance, searches for homes in the Pacific Northwest have ticked up among those wary of California's drought issues. Ultimately, this movement reflects a deeper cultural pivot: Homeownership is no longer just about location—it's about aligning one's life with evolving priorities in a post-pandemic world.

In summary, Realtor.com's insights illuminate a dynamic housing market where boundaries are blurring. Homebuyers, empowered by technology and driven by necessity, are reimagining what "home" means, one search at a time. As cities vie for these digital nomads, the real estate industry must adapt, offering more transparent data and virtual experiences to facilitate these cross-country leaps. Whether it's the allure of affordability in Albuquerque, New Mexico, or the cultural draw of New Orleans, Louisiana, the message is clear: The American dream of homeownership is expanding its geography, inviting buyers to dream bigger and farther than ever before.

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[ https://www.housingwire.com/articles/realtor-com-home-search-homebuyers-seeking-out-new-cities/ ]