After several years of people moving to suburban and rural areas during the pandemic, cities are seeing a resurgence. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports that now 16% of people are relocating to urban areas. While this number might seem small, it's actually the highest it's been in ten years, which is significant.

Recent data from BrightMLS supports this observation. A recent survey found that 1 in 5 buyers, or 20.6%, prefer to live in the city.

What’s driving the current shift back to urban living? Let’s look at three key reasons why people are swapping their peaceful suburbs for vibrant city life. You might discover that you also want to sell your spacious home with a large yard and transition to an urban haven.

1. Dynamic Culture

Cities have always been vibrant places filled with culture, entertainment, and community spirit. They're lively and there’s always something happening. During the pandemic, much of that excitement came to a halt. But over the last couple of years, cities are buzzing once more.

Imagine being just a short walk away from your favorite coffee shop, popping into a local art gallery, catching a live concert or show, or grabbing a quick dinner at a nearby restaurant. It’s a lifestyle that’s incredibly appealing and something many people are seeking these days.

2. Proximity to Employment

Remote work is still popular, but many companies are shifting towards hybrid schedules or outright returning employees to the office. Living closer to work can really make a difference. It can reduce a long commute and provide more opportunities for in-person networking. For industries that depend on face-to-face interactions, being near the office is definitely a significant advantage.

3. Convenient Access to All Your Necessities and Desires

Living in a city has its perks, and convenience tops the list. With public transport, excellent healthcare, and a variety of amenities all close by, life feels a lot simpler. Many people appreciate having everything they need right at their fingertips, and that’s a major factor driving their interest in urban living.

Steps to Take if You're Considering Relocating to the City

You moved to the suburbs during the pandemic and now you find yourself missing the thrill of city living. If you're wondering how to make the jump back into the city with today’s mortgage rates and home prices, you're not alone. Here’s how others are making it work.

Home values have increased by 57.4% over the past five years, based on information from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). This likely means that your house could sell for more than what you originally paid for it.

If you own a home in the suburbs, selling it could help you tap into your home's equity for your next move. You might have to settle for a smaller place in the city, but if that urban lifestyle is what you're after, it's a trade-off worth considering. To understand your options and the costs of city living, reach out to a local real estate expert.

Bottom Line

Cities are experiencing a real resurgence. With their lively culture, proximity to jobs, and convenient access to necessities, urban living is attracting people once more, and they’re eager to embrace it.

What do you love most about living in the city? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

I want to help you discover a home you truly love, where the lively energy around you adds a bit of excitement to everyday life.