Published by ThinkRealty on August 20, 2020
Which state has one of the most COVID-19 cases in the country and is also one of the hottest markets experiencing buyer demand in 2020? The answer might surprise you.
While August brought out some pretty devastating Coronavirus statistics for the Sunshine State (hundreds of students quarantined, thousands of cases added per day), it also revealed that the top destination state in the country in 2020 was Florida. According to the HireAHelper.com’s “Where Americans are Moving” report based on more than 25,000 moves conducted so far in 2020, Florida’s affordable cost of living, pleasant climate, and relatively relaxed COVID-19 restrictions have combined to create an attractive environment for households looking to leave their current geographic location. With one in six moves credited to COVID-19 because of job loss, job changes like remote work, safety perceptions, and a desire to shelter-in-place with family and friends, Florida appears to offer everything buyers are looking for even though the state also has high infection numbers.
So, what does Florida have that other states with large populations and high rates of COVID-19 spread do not? After all, New York and California are both experiencing serious population losses during the ongoing pandemic. In fact, about 64 percent more people departed these two states since the pandemic was declared than entered them.
HireAHelper.com’s research team cited “political ideology” as a significant factor in household moving decisions. Although buyers may say they want to live in areas where they feel safer, they also want fewer restrictions on their movements. Florida, with lots of outdoor recreational space and a temperate climate, is an ideal compromise since residents can decide whether they want to be around others without having to isolate inside if they choose to keep their distance. In New York and California, state and local governments have continued to severely restrict resident movement and a number of businesses remain shuttered as we move into fall.
What are the 2 other states experiencing increased buyer demand? Continue reading.
