Americans move from big cities for space and cheaper living

A look at why seven Americans left big cities during the pandemic and what life looks like five years later.

Americans leave big cities for space and cheaper living

Seven Americans who left major metro areas during the pandemic share what drew them away and what the move looked like in practice. Some relocated cross country while others stayed nearby, trading the big city for places like Rockford Illinois, Wayne New Jersey, Sugar Land Texas, Cedar Park Texas, and cities such as Phoenix, Scottsdale and Palm Desert.

Five years on, the appeal of space and lower housing costs often comes with tradeoffs like longer commutes, fewer cultural options, and distance from friends. The stories show a patchwork: some found financial relief and new careers, while others miss city life or faced new challenges as markets shifted and local resources changed.

The piece reflects a broader shift in where middle-class families invest in daily life. Remote work and evolving budgeting choices have made relocation plausible without changing jobs. Tax climates and housing markets are pulling residents toward states like Texas and Arizona, reshaping local economies and school enrollment patterns. Yet the trend also raises questions for cities that rely on dense populations for tax bases, and for towns adjusting to sudden housing demand and shifting public services. In short, the migration is real, uneven, and likely long-lasting, with no single blueprint for success.

Highlights

The story points to a future where where people live is as strategic as how they earn a living.