Headed Back Into the Office? You May Decide To Move

Remote work has undeniably surged in recent years, offering many people the freedom to work from anywhere. This flexibility allowed individuals to choose where they live, without being tied to an office location. However, with a growing number of companies now mandating a return to the office, many are facing decisions about where they want to live — and whether a move is necessary.

How Return-to-Work Policies Are Impacting Housing

As remote work became more prevalent, many employees seized the opportunity to leave pricey or crowded city centers. Some moved to suburban neighborhoods for larger homes with yards, while others chose more rural locations. However, recently, there’s been a noticeable trend of people returning to the city.

According to data from Bright MLS, over half of the workers surveyed would need to reconsider their living situation or face lengthy commutes if their employer implemented a return-to-office policy (see chart below):

You might be one of them. If you relocated further from the city during the work-from-home era, you could now be facing a longer commute than you anticipated. After a few trips, you may find that it’s not as bad as you expected and something you can adjust to over time.

Sometimes, though, it’s simply too difficult to make it work, no matter how hard you try. A commute that felt manageable once or twice a week can quickly become exhausting when it’s required five days in a row. The cost, time, and impact on your personal life may become too much to bear. As Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, points out:

“During the pandemic, when remote work became the norm, homebuyers were able to move farther out . . . But workers do not have the same flexibility that they used to, and some are going to have to make a tough choice if and when their employer calls them back into the office full-time.”

If you’re considering a move, don’t worry. Speaking with an agent can help you explore your options. Whether you’re looking for a home closer to work, balancing commute time with affordability, or even selling your current home to buy in a new location, having a professional on your side makes the process much smoother.

Bottom Line

If returning to the office has you thinking about a move, let’s connect. I can help you explore your options and find what makes the most sense for your situation.

Where do you see yourself living if your commute or work routine needs to change?