As we look back over the past year, weve certainly lived through one of the most stressful periods in recent history. After spending so much more time at home throughout the health crisis, some are wondering if they should move to improve their mental health and well-being. This is no surprise since the U.S. Census Bureau reported an increase in the percentage of adults with symptoms of anxiety and depression in a recent Household Pulse Survey.
Theres logic behind the idea that making a move could improve someones quality of life. When people change their scenery, they often feel happier. Catherine Hartley, an Assistant Professor at New York Universitys Department of Psychology and co-author of a study on how new experiences impact happiness, mentioned:
Our results suggest that people feel happier when they have more variety in their daily routineswhen they go to novel places and have a wider array of experiences.
If youre looking for a new experience, planning a move into a new home may be something youve started to consider more carefully. If so, youre not alone. The 2020 Annual National Movers Study by United Van Lines shows:
For customers who cited COVID-19 as an influence on their move in 2020, the top reasons associated with COVID-19 were concerns for personal and family health and wellbeing (60%); desires to be closer to family (59%); 57% moved due to changes in employment status or work arrangement (including the ability to work remotely); and 53% desired a lifestyle change or improvement of quality of life.
So, if youre thinking of moving this year to help boost your happiness factor, here are a few questions to ask yourself as you make your decision.
Hows the Weather?
Is the weather something thats important to you? Does it have a tendency to impact your mood? The World Population Review shares:
What states have the best weather? When evaluating each state for temperature, rain, and sun, some states stand out. Although climate and weather preferences are personal and subjective, some criteria are considered to make up the best weather, according to Current Results:
- Comfortable temperatures from 63F to 86F for more than half of the year.
- Dry weather with no more than 60 inches of rain per year.
- Mostly clear skies with an average of sunshine for at least 60% of the year.
Better weather can mean different things to different people some prefer the heat, others cooler temperatures, and some want to experience all four seasons. Think about what makes you feel happiest if youre looking for a new location.
Should I Choose the City, Suburbs, or Country?
With the COVID-19 pandemic, some people are deciding to move to lower-density areas. Robert Dietz, Chief Economist at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), mentions:
The third quarter Home Building Geography Index (HBGI) reveals that a suburban shift for consumer home buying preferences in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic is accelerating as telecommuting is providing consumers more flexibility to live further out within large metros or even to relocate to more affordable, smaller metro areas.
Can you work from home? Are you open to a longer commute in the future? If so, a move to the suburbs or even a quieter rural area may be a win for you. Or, if youve always dreamed of life in the city, now may be your chance to move into town.
Bottom Line
As we look beyond the trials of the pandemic, many are hoping for a new beginning, and that may mean moving. Lets connect today to talk about your new goals and options in todays market.