Headed Back Into the Office? You May Decide To Move

Remote work changed the way people think about where they live. With flexibility at an all-time high, many workers took the opportunity to move further from city centers, opting for suburban or rural living.

But now, as more companies require employees to return to the office, some workers are re-evaluating their housing situation. For many, this means deciding between a long commute or moving closer to their workplace.

How Return-to-Work Policies Are Impacting Housing

During the height of remote work, employees had the freedom to relocate—often to areas with a lower cost of living, more space, or a better quality of life. But now, as return-to-office policies take hold, people are facing a new challenge: the daily commute.

According to Bright MLS, over half of remote workers would either need to move or endure a long commute if called back to the office full-time:

If you’re one of them, you might be wondering how sustainable your current situation is. Maybe you thought commuting a few times a week would be manageable, but now, five days in the office is a different story. The time, cost, and energy spent traveling might be more than you expected.

As Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, explains:

“During the pandemic, when remote work became the norm, homebuyers were able to move farther out . . . But workers do not have the same flexibility that they used to, and some are going to have to make a tough choice if and when their employer calls them back into the office full-time.”

What This Means for You

If your current commute is becoming a deal-breaker, it may be time to explore your options. That could mean:

• Finding a home closer to work
• Balancing commute time with affordability
• Selling your current home and relocating

Whatever your situation, working with a real estate agent can help you navigate this transition smoothly.

Bottom Line

If heading back into the office has you rethinking your living situation, let’s connect. Having a real estate expert by your side makes all the difference in figuring out your next steps.

Where do you see yourself living if your work routine changes?