Better Weather Becomes the Top Driver of Out-of-State Moves Among Americans, Surpassing Affordability
Better weather has emerged as the leading reason Americans are planning to relocate across state lines, according to a new survey released by Redfin, highlighting a shift in homebuyers‘ priorities as lifestyle preferences increasingly influence relocation decisions. While housing affordability and employment opportunities remain important considerations, favorable climate conditions now rank ahead of financial factors for many people preparing to move.
The survey, conducted by Ipsos on behalf of Redfin in May 2026, found that more than one in five Americans planning an interstate move identified better weather as their primary motivation. The findings reflect changing attitudes toward where people choose to live, with many seeking warmer temperatures, increased sunshine, and year-round outdoor lifestyles.
To help prospective buyers make more informed decisions, Redfin has also introduced detailed weather information on all for-sale property listings. The feature provides home shoppers with localized data from The Weather Company, including average temperatures, rainfall, snowfall, humidity levels, and ultraviolet (UV) exposure, enabling buyers to evaluate both properties and the climates surrounding them.
Weather Becomes the Leading Relocation Factor
The survey revealed that 22% of respondents planning to move to another state cited better weather as one of the key reasons behind their decision. Among the 29 possible reasons presented to participants, weather ranked first, surpassing traditional motivations such as affordability and employment opportunities.
The results indicate that climate has become an increasingly important factor as Americans evaluate where they want to live over the long term. Rather than simply focusing on home prices or taxes, many individuals are placing greater emphasis on comfort, outdoor recreation, and overall quality of life.
The survey included responses from 4,000 U.S. residents, with participants asked which factors were influencing their likelihood of moving within the next year. Respondents could select multiple reasons, allowing researchers to understand the combination of personal, financial, and lifestyle considerations affecting relocation decisions.
Climate Risks Also Influence Relocation Decisions
Closely following weather as a relocation driver was concern over natural disasters and climate-related risks, selected by 21% of respondents planning interstate moves.
Increasing awareness of flooding, hurricanes, wildfires, droughts, and severe storms appears to be influencing where many Americans choose to establish their homes. Rather than simply seeking warmer climates, many movers are also considering long-term environmental resilience when selecting their next destination.
This growing concern reflects broader national discussions surrounding climate adaptation and the long-term impact of extreme weather events on housing markets.
Local Movers Have Different Priorities
While interstate movers place significant emphasis on weather, Americans relocating within the same state have different priorities.
Among respondents planning to move to another neighborhood or city within their current state, 29% said they wanted to upgrade to a better home or neighborhood. An equal percentage reported that they were looking for more living space, making these the two most frequently selected reasons for local moves.
Safety also ranked highly, with 21% identifying concerns about crime as a motivating factor.
By comparison, only 9% of same-state movers cited better weather as a reason for relocating, while 14% mentioned concerns about climate risks or natural disasters.
These findings suggest that weather plays a much larger role when people consider relocating across state boundaries rather than moving locally.
Americans Continue Moving Toward Warmer Regions
Redfin’s migration data supports the survey findings by showing a consistent pattern of Americans relocating from colder northern states to warmer southern regions.
States such as Florida, Texas, and California continue attracting significant numbers of homebuyers and renters seeking improved weather conditions and lifestyle opportunities.
Among survey participants planning interstate moves:
- 14% selected Florida as their intended destination.
- 13% planned to move to Texas.
- 11% identified California as their preferred destination.
These states remain attractive because they combine relatively warm climates with diverse employment opportunities, recreational amenities, and, in some cases, comparatively affordable housing markets.
Metropolitan areas including Orlando, Las Vegas, and Sacramento have also become popular relocation destinations for Americans leaving colder regions.
Affordability Still Matters
Although weather ranked as the leading motivation, affordability continues to play an important role in relocation decisions.
Many people moving from high-cost metropolitan areas are choosing destinations where housing prices are significantly lower while still offering favorable climates.
For example, the typical home price in Orlando remains substantially lower than comparable properties in New York City, making Florida an attractive option for buyers seeking both affordability and improved weather.
Lower overall living costs can create opportunities for households to purchase larger homes, reduce monthly expenses, or improve their overall financial stability while enjoying a warmer climate.
Rather than choosing between affordability and weather, many movers are seeking locations that offer both.
Lifestyle Preferences Are Driving Decisions
According to Yingqi Xu, an economist at Redfin, relocation decisions increasingly reflect broader lifestyle aspirations rather than purely financial considerations.
Many buyers are looking for communities that support the way they want to live. Escaping long, harsh winters, enjoying year-round outdoor recreation, and benefiting from increased sunshine are becoming important quality-of-life factors.
For some households, moving to a warmer climate supports healthier lifestyles, more recreational opportunities, and improved emotional well-being.
As remote and hybrid work arrangements continue to provide greater flexibility, more Americans have the freedom to prioritize lifestyle preferences when choosing where to live.
Sunlight Influences Home Preferences
A separate Redfin survey further illustrates how environmental factors are shaping housing decisions.
The research found that 44% of Americans would rather purchase a smaller home with more natural sunlight than a larger home with limited daylight.
Only 24% preferred the opposite.
The findings suggest that buyers increasingly value living environments that contribute positively to comfort, mental health, and daily quality of life.
The survey also found that residents living in homes filled with natural sunlight were significantly more likely to express satisfaction with where they lived.
These results reinforce the importance of weather and climate in today’s housing market, extending beyond regional preferences to individual property characteristics.
Natural Disaster Concerns Continue Growing
Redfin’s broader market analysis indicates that climate-related concerns are increasingly influencing migration patterns.
A separate company analysis found that movement away from flood-prone regions accelerated during 2025, continuing a trend that began in 2024.
As homeowners become more aware of rising insurance costs, flood risks, wildfire exposure, and other environmental challenges, many are factoring long-term climate resilience into their relocation decisions.
These considerations are becoming part of the overall assessment of a property’s value and a community’s long-term desirability.
Safety and Employment Remain Important
Although weather topped the list of motivations, several other factors continue influencing interstate migration.
Among respondents planning out-of-state moves:
- 20% cited concerns about safety or crime.
- 19% planned to relocate for a new job.
- 18% wanted a lower overall cost of living.
- 18% intended to move closer to family members.
Housing affordability also remained a notable factor.
Approximately 15% of respondents said they were relocating to access lower home prices or more affordable rental housing.
These findings demonstrate that relocation decisions are typically driven by multiple considerations rather than a single factor.
Political Considerations Influence Some Moves
The survey also highlighted the growing role of political preferences in residential mobility.
Among Americans planning interstate relocations:
- 12% said they wanted to live in an area where their political views aligned more closely with the local majority.
- 8% reported they were moving to states where abortion services are legal or more easily accessible.
While these figures represent a smaller portion of respondents compared to weather or affordability, they demonstrate how public policy and political environments are increasingly becoming part of relocation decisions.
A New Era of Home Search
The survey illustrates that modern homebuyers evaluate much more than property features and prices when choosing where to live. Weather, climate resilience, safety, affordability, employment opportunities, family connections, and personal values all contribute to relocation decisions.
Recognizing this shift, Redfin’s addition of localized weather information to property listings reflects a broader evolution in how real estate platforms support consumers. By providing detailed climate data alongside traditional home information, buyers can better understand not only the homes they are considering but also the environments in which they will live.
As Americans continue redefining what constitutes an ideal place to call home, lifestyle considerations—particularly favorable weather—are becoming increasingly central to relocation decisions across the United States.
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