Nearly 9% of the U.S. population moved in 2022, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. and New research from real estate website, Home Bay, reveals that 24% of Americans who moved last year did so in pursuit of a better quality of life. Homebay’s most recent survey of moving trends went even further and broke down the top ten priorities for moving in 2022.
Turns out, the top priority for moving — safe neighborhoods — fully eclipsed what had been driving migration around the country for the past decade. Politics, the hot-button subject that had caused literal lines to be drawn in terms of geography, was less important to people in 2022 than safe neighborhoods
What the Data Shows
The Homebay study asked Americans who moved in 2022 to rank their priorities when looking for a new place to live from one to ten, with one being the top priority and ten being the least important.
Safe neighborhoods landed in the top spot, followed closely by affordability, but that’s where the gap begins to widen. Proximity to work mattered, but less so than finding a good school district for the kids which took third place. This might be due to the continuing option to work remotely for some or all of the work week.
Proximity to stores, shopping, nature, and parks just edged out weather and climate, but the lowest priority for those surveyed was politics.
On average, safe neighborhoods beat out politics by almost two points for all respondents, with a 4.68 average rank over local politics with a 6.13 average rank.
Safety: A Fundamental Priority
At the heart of the moving process is the need to find a safe, secure place for family to call home. According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, safety is a basic human necessity, ranking just above physiological needs like food, water, and shelter. For many Americans, living in a safe neighborhood is a top priority, as it directly affects their quality of life, their family’s well-being, and their ability to pursue personal and professional goals without fear or anxiety.
Safety is a many-layered concept, though. For example, property crimes may be low, but unsafe driving with traffic violations and fatalities may not be top of mind when looking for a home. But studies have shown that crime rates and the perception of safety can also significantly impact property values, deciding to prioritize a safe neighborhood a financial one for both homeowners and renters alike. If crime, in general, is low, people looking to relocate may decide that the risks on the roads are worth taking.
When Safety Trumps Politics
The United States is a nation built on a foundation of diversity, encompassing a wide array of political beliefs, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds. In a polarized political climate, it may come as a surprise that people in the U.S. still prioritize living in a safe neighborhood over choosing one that aligns with their political beliefs.
But this same polarization in the United States has led some Americans to value diversity and inclusivity in their neighborhoods more than ever. In this context, prioritizing a politically segregated locality may not always be the most desirable choice, as it can limit exposure to different perspectives and hinder personal growth.
Regrets: Relocations Have a Few
That’s not to say that all people who relocated in 2022 are happy. One of the major regrets relocators have is not hiring a moving company, but that didn’t top the list. The most common regret was in the size of their new home, tied with missing the home they left at approximately 20% of all those who moved.
Others — about 19% — wished they had given more of their stuff away instead of moving it, which could have saved money on a smaller moving van, and the same number thought moving was more trouble than it was worth.
Overwhelmingly, people were just generally overwhelmed. 44% of respondents admitted to crying at least once, and 43% of relocators cited moving as the source of conflict and arguments with loved ones.
The Bottom Line: Moving is Personal
Whether part of a large family or moving as a single, people’s priorities for moving vary. For some, living among like-minded individuals who share their political views is important, and it’s critical to their sense of community and belonging.
And while politics undoubtedly plays a role in the decision-making process for many Americans, it is generally no longer the primary factor in choosing a neighborhood. The fundamental need for safety and security, coupled with other practical considerations such as affordability, access to good schools, and proximity to work, often outweighs the desire to live in a politically aligned community. In 2022, Americans prioritized living in a safe neighborhood over one that aligned with their political beliefs. This choice reflects a more pragmatic approach to selecting a new home, one that emphasizes personal well-being and security over political ideology.
Review Americans Will Take a Safe Neighborhood Over Politics.