Hello, City Life!
Remember when everyone was packing up and heading for the suburbs (or even the middle of nowhere) during the pandemic? Well, things have changed — big time. Cities are making a comeback, and people are moving back in droves. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 16% of all home purchases are now in urban areas. That might not seem huge, but it's the highest in a decade — and that's no small deal.
Backing this up, BrightMLS reports that 1 in 5 buyers (20.6%) are actively looking for homes in the city. So, what's pulling people back to the bright lights and bustling streets? Let's dive into the top three reasons.
1. Vibrant Culture
Cities are where the action is. Concerts, art galleries, rooftop bars, quirky coffee shops — you name it. During the pandemic, a lot of that went quiet, but lately? Cities are alive again. There's something special about walking to your favorite brunch spot, catching a last-minute show, or meeting friends for an impromptu dinner without needing a car.
People are craving that energy. It's not just about having places to go — it's about living where something exciting is always happening outside your door.
2. Being Closer to Work
Sure, remote work isn't going away, but let's face it — a lot of companies are bringing people back to the office, at least part-time. Long commutes that felt manageable during lockdown? Not so much now.
Living closer to work isn't just about saving time — it's about getting your evenings back, having more flexibility, and even taking advantage of after-work happy hours without stressing about a long drive home. Plus, being in the city puts you right in the mix for industries that rely on face-to-face networking.
3. Convenience
One of the biggest perks of city living? Everything you need is just... there.
- Need groceries? Walk down the block.
- Doctor's appointment? There's a top-tier clinic around the corner.
- Craving sushi at 9 PM? Delivery's just a tap away.
And don't forget about public transportation — no more stressing over parking or traffic. For many, that level of convenience is a game changer.
Thinking About Making the Move Back? Here's How People Are Doing It.
If you swapped your city apartment for a house with a big yard during the pandemic but now miss the urban buzz, you're probably wondering: "Can I even afford to move back?"
Here's the deal: Home values have skyrocketed in recent years. According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), prices are up a whopping 57.4% in the past 5 years. Translation? If you own a suburban home, you've likely built up a ton of equity.
Selling your current place could give you a nice chunk of change to put toward that city condo or townhouse. Yes, you might end up with less square footage — but if you're after that walk-everywhere, always-something-to-do lifestyle, it could be worth the trade-off.
Bottom Line
The urban renaissance is real. Whether you're drawn by the culture, the convenience or want to cut your commute, cities are calling — and people are answering. So, what's your favorite thing about city living? The coffee shops? The nightlife? Or just being in the heart of it all?
Thinking about making the move? Let's chat about leveraging your current home's value and finding your next urban oasis. Call me at 816-328-2887 or fill out the handy form below — let's get you back to the city life you've been dreaming of!
Hi! I'm Merla Turner, owner of Great Missouri Homes and a local Kansas City area Realtor. Thank you for reading this article. If you have any questions, suggestions, or ideas, call me at 816-328-2887 or fill out the contact form below, I am here for you. And remember - when it's your turn to buy or sell real estate, turn to Merla Turner!
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