Ok, so we have discussed the most popular states people are moving from, Pennsylvania, and which states they are coming from. Then, in a 2nd article last week, we listed the top 10 states that are outbound (states that have more people moving out of the state than moving into the state), and the reasons why they were outbound states.

COVID-19’s Major Impact on Housing and Moving Trends

So, the final piece of the puzzle is the effect COVID-19 had on the housing market. COVID-19 created a major upheaval in both the housing market and the moving industry, which are closely aligned. The first effect was a tremendous decline in housing activity, as many people stopped selling their homes, and realtors were unable to visit homes or perform inspections. This slowdown lasted for almost two years. Then, when the pandemic began to ease, the housing market exploded from pent-up demand. It got to the point where movers were unable to keep up with the surge in relocation requests.

The Rise of Remote Work and Geographic Flexibility

The second major effect of COVID-19 was the explosion of remote work. For the first time, millions of people could live and work almost anywhere. Many sold their homes and purchased new ones far away from their workplaces, creating a wave of relocations across the country — especially out of major northern cities. The most popular destinations were the South and the Mountain West, where homes were more affordable, and the climate was milder. Hot spots included Austin, TX; Phoenix, AZ; Atlanta, GA; and Charlotte, NC, among others.

Desperate to move and eager for more living space during the pandemic, many remote workers purchased larger homes and paid premium prices for them. Between 2020 and 2023, more than a quarter of a million workers relocated to mild-weather regions — roughly two and a half times the pre-COVID average.

The Shift Back: Return-to-Office Challenges

Now that the pandemic has ended, many companies are issuing full or partial return-to-office orders. This shift is forcing many remote workers to sell their homes and move back closer to their workplaces. The result is a glut of homes for sale in the former “COVID boomtowns,” which is driving prices down dramatically.

Unfortunately, many of these homeowners are selling at a loss — the prices they paid during the pandemic housing surge are often much higher than current market values. Some have even taken their homes off the market entirely, choosing to rent near their workplaces instead. With the number of return-to-office mandates rising, this issue is expected to continue well into the next few years.

Long-Term Effects on the Housing Market

Although the pandemic is behind us, its impact on housing and migration patterns will linger. The sharp fluctuations in supply and demand, combined with shifts in work culture and affordability challenges, have reshaped the housing market in ways that may take years to stabilize. The post-pandemic years have also reinforced just how closely connected the housing and moving industries truly are.

Planning a Long-Distance or Interstate Move? We’re Here to Help

At O’Brien’s Moving & Storage, we understand the changing landscape of relocation. Whether you’re moving across the country for a new job opportunity, returning to your office location, or starting fresh in a different state, our professional team is here to make your move seamless and stress-free.

  • Expert long-distance and interstate moving services
  • Reliable coordination for multi-state relocations
  • Full-service packing, transport, and delivery
  • Secure tracking and transparent communication throughout your move
  • Customized moving plans to fit your timeline and budget

As an experienced Allied Van Lines agent, we help families and individuals relocate safely and efficiently across state lines. Wherever you’re heading, we’ll handle the logistics — so you can focus on settling into your new home with confidence.