Did the COVID-19 pandemic affect where Americans want to live? No, but based on a recent survey by Redfin, reveals that the way their local government responded to the pandemic may have an unforeseen effect on American’s decision on where to live.
The survey was conducted to more than 3,000 US residents in the month of October and the results shows;
- 21% are pleased with how their local government handled the pandemic.
- 26% are disappointed with how their local government’s response to the pandemic.
- While 53% of the respondents feel that the local government’s response to the pandemic did not have any effect on where they want to live.
What’s interesting to note is that, the 26% who responded reported being so displeased and upset with their local government’s action towards the COVID-19 arrival and upheaval, that it has caused them to seriously consider leaving their local area and relocate.
On the other hand, the 21% who responded that they are happy with how their local government handled the pandemic were totally pleased and felt that they are happier to live in their current locality.
According to Redfin’s chief economist, Daryl Fairweather, the divided opinion regarding relocation proves that 2020 has made Americans realize just how much power their local governments have over their way of life.
“If residents of a certain area feel their local rules are too lax or too strict, they may want to move somewhere where the local leadership is more in line with their personal beliefs. And the rise in remote work means some people can move to a different city or state without changing jobs, removing what’s usually a major barrier to relocation.” Fairweather added.
Also, the relocation may not just be about the people’s feeling towards the local government’s response to COVID but also with the increase of remote working conditions and political reasons.
Americans also move to areas more aligned with their political views. Such a move could make certain counties and states more liberal or more conservative.
The same survey shows that most Americans are uncomfortable moving to big cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Austin, Portland and Seattle. Survey conducted pre-pandemic shows 39% and it went up to 53% are not comfortable moving to big cities after the pandemic.
