If you’ve been dreaming about a fresh start in a new city, you’re not alone. According to Zonda’s latest Homebuyer Outlook, a growing share of Americans are looking outside their current markets for their next home — and affordability is leading the charge.
Across dozens of metro areas, the report found that most new-home searches now come from out-of-town buyers, with some cities seeing external interest as high as 80% or more.
In Augusta, Georgia, for example, 82% of home searches originated from outside the metro, while Greenville, South Carolina, saw 86% of buyer activity from non-locals. Both regions stand out for their lower median home prices — $322,000 in Augusta and $367,000 in Greenville — compared to bigger, pricier cities like Atlanta and Miami.
“Affordability continues to drive migration,” says Zonda and NewHomeSource Chief Economist Ali Wolf. “Shoppers are willing to move farther if it means owning a home that fits their lifestyle and budget.”
The New Migration Map
The data shows clear migration corridors forming between high-cost and lower-cost metros. Many buyers leaving Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago are searching in Southern and Midwestern cities where they can get more space for their money.
For instance, Atlanta and Charlotte remain top destinations for relocators from other regions, while Dallas and Houston are attracting interest from buyers nationwide seeking strong job markets and family-friendly communities.
Even smaller cities are gaining traction. Huntsville, Alabama, saw nearly three-quarters of its home searches come from out-of-towners, with the biggest inflows from Chicago, New York, and Washington, D.C.
What it Means for Home Shoppers
For consumers, expanding your search radius could open options you didn’t realize you had — whether that’s a lower cost of living, more square footage, or better amenities like community pools or nature trails.
If you’re considering a move, experts recommend researching the job market, property taxes, and commute patterns in your target area before making a commitment. Many builders also offer virtual tours and relocation incentives for buyers moving from out of state.
Ultimately, Wolf says, “The buyers who are open to new markets are finding opportunities others might overlook. The next chapter of your homeownership story might just start somewhere new.”
