Nearly one-third (32%) of real estate agents had at least one client who moved in the last year out of unhappiness with local laws or politics, according to a survey commissioned by Redfin (NASDAQ:RDFN).
The survey of 500 real estate agents from multiple U.S. brokerages found the most common migration routes were from blue states to red or purple states – most notably San Francisco to Austin, Seattle to Phoenix, and New York to Orlando and other parts of Florida. While housing affordability played a key consideration in the relocation process, some buyers moved in search of a more conservative place to live.
However, there has also been a migration from red to blue states. Andrew Vallejo, an Austin-based Redfin Premier agent, confirmed that a rejection of right-wing politics played a role in his market.
“I know at least 10 people who have moved away from Texas in the last year, mainly because they don’t agree with state laws,” Vallejo said. “They all moved to the West Coast, to blue places where the policies align better with their personal views, specifically when it comes to women’s reproductive rights and LGBTQ rights.”
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So really the moves are about more than red to blue or purple, so much for objective analysis.
Personally, I’m glad to see people migrate to whatever geo-political area they are comfortable. However, since there is no evidence that blue states are economically solvent without excessive taxation and over spending beyond their budget they should not expect the red states to pay for their economic ignorance.
Hi Phil! Agent here. I usually love reading your newsletter to get the latest real estate news. I’m getting a little tired of the not-so-subtle push into politics. I know many people who are moving to California. Most move out of CA’s coastal areas, not because of the politics but because rent is too expensive. Especially in San Francisco and Los Angeles. So, if you want to get into politics, please start a new newsletter. We’re agents who only want to do right by our clients, no matter their politics or where they purchase. Thank you and have a lovely day. 🙂 Cheers!
Hi Virginia, I am just sharing the data analysis from Redfin, which cited politics as being a reason for some people to move out of a state. I have no personal opinion on this story. Thanks for reading!
Yes- many of my clients are leaving MO if they can afford it, complaining of extreme conservatism and aggression from the right. Since Trump I’ve seen whole neighborhoods go at each other. This is a horrible time for our country.
Thank you, Stephanie.
Many are leaving blue states for Texas!
Oh Holly cow! Really?
I agree with you about Missouri, since I live here. There is an increased amount of hatred in the state to the point I don’t want to leave the city because of fear of running into a huge truck with Trump stickers in the country and southern Missouri. I would move to a different state but our house is paid off and we are retiring, our kids live in other states but they move too.
I was surprised to see that other REALTORS experienced what I have. Last year one of my clients moved to a blue state because of politics. At the time I thought it was overkill, but apparently I was wrong.
I have observed a significant influx of individuals from blue states relocating to red states, seeking a more conservative and orderly lifestyle. I’ve received numerous inquiries from out-of-town individuals interested in purchasing or renting properties in Miami and South Florida from my listings.
Funny how it’s the donor states being left for the welfare states such as Texas and Florida, the states that send less to the federal government than they receive. Left Texas 10 years ago for the same reason my father uprooted us from Western New York in 1979; yes, partly over politics.
Thanks for verifying what we have been thinking, only we may live abroad.
I live in a red state and we are seeing many people fleeing the blue cities where crime is rampant and they don’t feel safe any longer. Consequently, our inventory is low and we see people buying land to build on, fixer-uppers to renovate, or living in RVs until they can find the home they want.