H
omebuyers are increasingly searching for homes in new locations, driven by affordability concerns and lifestyle preferences. According to Realtor.com's Cross-Market Demand Report, 58.9% of home shoppers in the second quarter of 2025 searched online for homes outside their current metro area, down slightly from a year ago but up from 48.1% in 2019.

    Large cities are leading the way in out-of-market searches, with San Jose, California, topping the list at 93.7%. The Washington, D.C., and Seattle areas followed closely behind, with Salt Lake City also seeing significant interest. Affordability challenges, such as high home values, are driving these searches.

    Realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale notes that affordability remains a primary driver of home searches, but evolving workplace policies, job opportunities, and local conditions also play a role. Americans are taking a broader view of where they can live, often looking beyond their current metro areas to stretch their dollar and improve their lifestyle.

    Some cities that were once popular during the pandemic are now seeing more people consider leaving due to home price spikes and return-to-office mandates. McAllen, Texas, Phoenix, Chicago, and Spokane, Washington, have all seen significant increases in out-of-market searches as their popularity among locals has plummeted.

    However, not all metros are experiencing this trend. Portland, Oregon, San Francisco, and Houston have seen declines in out-of-market searches over the past six years, possibly due to recent improvements in affordability and quality of life amenities.