2026 marks the next phase of the post-pandemic workplace shift. As more companies finalized partial return-to-office policies throughout 2025, new homebuyers are no longer choosing between fully remote or fully in-office life. Instead, they’re navigating hybrid work — and rethinking where it makes the most sense to live.
So which U.S. markets are best positioned to support that balance?
Why It Matters
The shift toward hybrid work has reshaped the homebuilding landscape. While daily commutes may be less frequent, proximity to employment hubs still matters. Buyers want homes that support productive work-from-home days, paired with reliable, manageable commutes for the days they are in the office.
Tracking where hybrid-friendly jobs and population growth are concentrating helps explain where buyers — and builders — are focusing next.
The Geography of Hybrid Work
Hybrid work patterns are no longer anecdotal. They’re measurable, and increasingly influential in how builders approach site selection.
U.S. Census data from 2024 examining commuting patterns, employment density, and work-from-home frequency highlights a consistent theme: employment growth is clustering in metros that support flexibility, rather than abandoning offices altogether.
Among the top large metros for hybrid workers:
These cities combine strong job bases, established amenities, and access to transit — conditions that continue to attract both employers and homebuyers.
This reinforces a long-standing reality. Even in a hybrid-first labor market, commute predictability still matters. A worker may only travel to the office two or three days a week, but those trips need to be efficient and manageable.
As a result, commute time by car or transit remains a priority in site selection.“Spending less time commuting and more time with loved ones provides tremendous value for our homebuyers and their families,” said Scott Barenbrugge, vice president of land at M/I Homes in Chicago.
“We ensure our communities appeal to a mix of homebuyers — remote, hybrid, or fully in-office — by building near employment corridors and incorporating flexible workspaces into our floor plans,” Barenbrugge added.
Secondary Markets Are Gaining Ground
Beyond major coastal hubs, the data also points to the rising importance of secondary markets:
These metros tend to offer a balance of affordability, job access, and redevelopment opportunity, making them especially appealing to buyers priced out of larger job centers.
Specifically, Barenbrugge noted growing demand in Chicago suburbs like Naperville, Aurora, Oswego, Plainfield, and Huntley.
“Infill locations — those within already established and developed areas — check all the boxes for our customers’ quality of life and help set M/I Homes apart from the competition,” he said.
See also: Home Office Design for Maximizing and Balancing Productivity, Wellness, and Happiness
Location Still Matters — Just Differently
Rather than chasing remote-only trends, builders are refining their focus around where hybrid jobs are growing.
“Work-from-home trends have evolved and stabilized since the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Barenbrugge said. “Many workers who were once 100% remote are now back in the office at least part of the week.”
The result is a development strategy rooted in proximity to offices, transportation networks, and everyday amenities — paired with home designs that recognize work no longer ends at the office door.
What New Homebuyers Should Do Now
Test the hybrid commute: Drive or take transit during peak hours to make sure the trip is sustainable long term.
Prioritize flexible layouts: Look for floorplans with dens, flex rooms, or finished basements instead of relying on spare bedrooms.
Research transit stability: Especially in suburban markets, verify the reliability and frequency of transit options.
Evaluate local amenities: With more time spent near home, proximity to shopping, dining, and parks matters more than ever.
The Bottom Line
Hybrid work hasn’t reduced the importance of location — it has refined it. The markets leading the housing shift in 2026 sit at the intersection of employment density, commute efficiency, and flexible living. For both buyers and builders, that balance is quickly becoming the new standard.
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