Urban Exiles Are Fueling a Suburban Housing Boom Across the U.S.

Urban Exiles Are Fueling a Suburban Housing Boom Across the U.S.

"In the Covid era, the single-family houses that are the stock in trade for Previti’s Frontier Communities are a hot commodity. Armed with the lowest mortgage rates in history, buyers are increasingly shunning urban centers, settling instead where they can live at a safe distance from their neighbors. “Is this the little runup before everything runs off the rails?” asks Previti, chief executive officer."

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I've seen a number of articles saying the same thing, but I'm holding off on believing it for another year or so. There are too many unknowns about COVID-19, the state of the economy, and the November election.

Top Consumer Home Features During Coronavirus - Realtor.com Economic Research

Top Consumer Home Features During Coronavirus - Realtor.com Economic Research



Some people, notably author Joel Kotkin, argue that COVID-19 is killing cities. I think it is too early to predict that people will move from cities to suburbs to avoid contagion. Pandemics are as old as humanity and so are cities, which are bigger than ever all over the world.

• "Consumers value quiet neighborhoods, outdoor spaces and proximity to grocery stores during pandemic
• Reflecting constraints of quarantines, consumers struggle with confinement, separation from family and friends, and elevated stress
• More space, updated kitchens and home gyms top list of desired changes for current homes
• Having more personal and family time ranks as top benefit of sheltering at home
• Wish list for next homes: bigger houses, more outdoor spaces and updated kitchens"