Headed Back Into the Office? You May Decide To Move

It’s no secret that remote work has surged over the last few years. Flexibility has allowed many people to move—and work—from wherever they want.

But now, a growing number of companies require employees to return to the office, which is leading some people to decide where they live and whether they need to move.

How Return-to-Work Policies Are Impacting Housing

During the rise of remote work, many employees took the opportunity to move away from expensive or crowded city centers. Some opted for suburban neighborhoods and larger homes with yards, while others relocated to more rural areas. Lately, however, more people have been returning to the city.

According to data from Bright MLS, more than half of workers surveyed would have to rethink where they live or deal with long drive times if their job enforced a return-to-office policy (see chart below):

And maybe you’re one of them. If you moved farther out of the city during the work-from-home era, you may face a longer commute than you ever expected to make daily. Once you’ve done it a few times, you might find it’s something you can get used to and isn’t as bad as you may have thought.

But sometimes, it’s just too hard to make it work — no matter how much you try. A drive or train ride that seemed fine once or twice a week can feel like too much of a grind five days in a row. It may also cost too much to commute so often, take too long, or cut into your free time too much. As Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, notes:

“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 thinking you may want to move, don’t stress. Talking to an agent can help you weigh your options. Whether looking for a home closer to work, balancing commute time with affordability, or even selling a home in one area to buy in another, having a pro on your side makes the process easier.

Bottom Line

Let’s connect if having to be back in the office has you considering a move. That way, you have an agent to help you determine what’s possible and makes sense for you.

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