As we continue to monitor trends in the wake of our current situation, new home builders should take notice as more and more individuals and families flee big cities.
Ironically, this is not a new trend. Data released by both the U.S. Census Bureau and Ernst & Young back in 2018, show that millennials in particular (also the largest percentage of new home buyers) are leaving big cities in favor of the greener and less expensive pastures of the suburbs.
Unfortunately, COVID-19 has found fertile ground in dense cities and has now accelerated the move not just for millennials but all generations.
With many restaurants, bars, and event venues closed or opening with limited capacity, what was once the allure of a big city has turned many into a ghost town. And even friendships and schools that keep families tethered to their neighborhoods are no longer a factor with the uncertainty of children attending schools and participating in activities.
But maybe the biggest impact of COVID-19 is not temporary but the permanent trend of people working from home. If proximity to a job is no longer a significant factor in deciding where to live, the appeal of suburbs substantially increases.
And recent data suggests that the attitudes toward moving to the suburbs by homebuyers are shifting. A new Harris Poll conducted among 2,050 U.S adults from April 25-27, shows that nearly a third of Americans are considering moving to less densely populated areas in the wake of the pandemic. Likewise, urbanites were twice as likely than suburban residents to browse a real estate website for homes or apartments to rent or buy.
People are ready to trade dense common community areas, amenities, and congestion for wide-open spaces, dedicated workspace and even driving to essential places.
To lure urbanites to the suburbs, new homebuilders should showcase the features that matter most:
- Outdoor land for grassy areas, playsets or even a pool
- Convenience to essentials like groceries, schools, and pharmacies
- Indoor space for a home office or even a gym
- Fast internet connectivity for when every individual in the family is either working or schooling from home
So, where’s the best place to showcase your suburban new homes and community? Glad you asked.
Looks no further than BDX’s Newhomesource.com, America’s number one destination for new homes. Newhomesource.com provides a seamless experience where homebuyers can shop, tour, design and buy their dream home all online. Homebuyers can also find mortgage calculators, comprehensive information on builders, and a myriad of other resources at their fingertips.
Traffic is climbing on Newhomesource.com as people continue to explore suburban home options. To find out how to get your homes and community listed, drop us a line at info@thebdx.com.
