Returning to the Office? A Move Might Be in Your Future

Remote work has seen a significant rise in recent years, offering many people the flexibility to live and work from virtually anywhere. However, with more companies now requiring employees to return to the office, some are re-evaluating their living situations and considering a move.

The Impact of Return-to-Office Policies on Housing

During the remote work boom, many employees took advantage of the freedom to relocate—some left expensive, crowded cities for suburban neighborhoods with more space, while others moved to rural areas. But as return-to-office policies become more common, a growing number of people are heading back to urban centers.

According to data from Bright MLS, more than half of surveyed workers would need to reconsider their living arrangements or face longer commutes if required to return to the office (see chart below).

And you might be feeling the same way. If you moved farther from the city during the work-from-home era, you may now be dealing with a longer daily commute than you ever anticipated. At first, you might find it manageable—something you can adjust to over time.

But in some cases, no matter how much you try, the daily grind just doesn’t work. A commute that seemed reasonable once or twice a week can quickly become exhausting five days in a row. It might also be too costly, too time-consuming, or take away too much of your personal time. As Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, explains:

"Remote work during the pandemic gave homebuyers the flexibility to move farther away . . . but with many employees now being called back to the office full-time, some will have to make difficult decisions about where they live."

If you're starting to reconsider your location, don’t worry—there are options. Speaking with a real estate professional can help you explore the best path forward, whether that means moving closer to work, finding the right balance between commute time and affordability, or selling your home to relocate. Having expert guidance makes all the difference.

Bottom Line

If returning to the office has you rethinking where you live, working with a real estate agent can help you explore your options and find the best solution for your needs. Whether it’s moving closer to work, finding a home that balances affordability with commute time, or even transitioning to a new area altogether, having expert guidance can make the process much smoother.

Take a moment to envision your ideal living situation—if your daily commute or work routine were to change, where would you want to be?