Last year showed that we’ve certainly lived through one of the most stressful periods in recent history. As we spend more time at home throughout the health crisis, some are wondering if they should move to improve their mental health and well-being. This is no surprise since the U.S. Census Bureau reported an increase in the percentage of adults that shows symptoms of anxiety and depression in a recent Household Pulse Survey.

The idea that making a move could improve someone’s quality of life, has a logic behind it. When people change their scenery, they often feel happier. Catherine Hartley, an Assistant Professor at New York University’s Department of Psychology and co-author of a study on how new experiences impact happiness, said:

“Our results suggest that people feel happier when they have more variety in their daily routines—when they go to novel places and have a wider array of experiences.”

If you’re up for a new experience, planning a move into a new home may be something you’ve started to consider more carefully. If that is the case, you’re not alone. The 2020 Annual National Movers Study by United Van Lines shows:

“For customers who cited COVID-19 as an influence on their move in 2020, the top reasons associated with COVID-19 were concerns for personal and family health and wellbeing (60%); desires to be closer to family (59%); 57% moved due to changes in employment status or work arrangement (including the ability to work remotely); and 53% desired a lifestyle change or improvement of quality of life.”

So, if you’re thinking of moving this year to help boost your happiness factor, these are just some of the questions that you will need to ask yourself as you make your decision.

How’s the Weather?

Is the weather something that is of significance to you? Does it have a tendency to impact your mood? The World Population Review shares:

“What states have the best weather? When evaluating each state for temperature, rain, and sun, some states stand out. Although climate and weather preferences are personal and subjective, some criteria are considered to make up the best weather, according to Current Results:

• Comfortable temperatures from 63°F to 86°F for more than half of the year.

• Dry weather with no more than 60 inches of rain per year.

• Mostly clear skies with an average of sunshine for at least 60% of the year.”

  “Better weather” can mean different things to different people – some loves the heat, others cooler temperatures, and some just want to experience all four seasons. Think about what makes you feel the happiest if you’re looking for a new location.

Should I Choose the City, Suburbs, or Country?

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, a few people are deciding to move to lower-density areas. Robert Dietz, Chief Economist at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), mentions:

“The third quarter Home Building Geography Index (HBGI) reveals that a suburban shift for consumer home buying preferences in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic is accelerating as telecommuting is providing consumers more flexibility to live further out within large metros or even to relocate to more affordable, smaller metro areas.”

Bottom Line

Looking beyond the trials of the pandemic, many are hoping for a new beginning, and that could mean moving. Call us at My Tampa Agent today to discuss about your new goals and options in today’s market.

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