Headed Back Into the Office? You May Decide To Move

As many companies roll back remote work policies and require employees to return to the office, a significant shift is happening in the real estate market. If you’re one of the many professionals who enjoyed the flexibility of working from home but now find yourself commuting again, you may be considering a move. Here’s why relocating might make sense and how to navigate the transition smoothly.

Why Moving Could Be the Right Choice

1. Shorten Your Commute
   A long daily commute can take a toll on your health, finances, and overall well-being. Moving closer to your workplace can save time and reduce stress, giving you more hours in your day for family, exercise, and relaxation.

2. Adjust to a Hybrid Lifestyle
   Many companies are adopting hybrid work models, meaning you may not need to be in the office every day. This shift might encourage you to seek a location that balances convenience and comfort—somewhere not too far from work but with the amenities you value.

3. Upgrade Your Living Space
   During the work-from-home era, many people upgraded to larger homes with dedicated office spaces. If you no longer need a full home office, you might find that downsizing or choosing a home with different features better suits your new lifestyle.

4. Live in a More Vibrant Community
   Working remotely allowed people to live in areas they might not have considered before, but being back in an office setting may make you want to be closer to city centers, restaurants, and entertainment. A move could bring you back into the hustle and bustle of city life.

Tips for a Smooth Transition

• Assess Your New Needs: Consider what matters most in your new commute and work-life balance. Do you need to be within walking distance of the office, or would a shorter drive or public transit option work for you?

• Work with a Local Real Estate Agent: A professional can help you find the best neighborhoods that match your new work situation and lifestyle preferences.

• Plan for Market Changes: The real estate market is shifting, and interest rates, inventory, and home prices should all be factored into your decision.

• Think Long-Term: If your company has made a permanent shift back to office work, choose a home that accommodates your future needs as well.

How Return-to-Work Policies Are Impacting Housing

During the rise of remote work, a lot of 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. But lately, more people are returning to the city.

And 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 be facing a longer commute that you never 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 too far into your free time. 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 it’s finding 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

If having to be back in-office has you considering a move, let’s connect. That way you have an agent to help you figure out what’s possible and what makes sense for you.

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

Book your appointment and let’s talk to take the next step in your real estate journey. Schedule a real estate consultation with one of our team members.