What local moves reveal about today's housing market

Local moves in today's housing market show a solid demand for affordability and value and an increased prioritization for lifestyle over proximity to workplaces.

At the same time, many people who move choose to do so locally because they prefer to stay close to family. They also want to maintain the sense of belonging and community they've already established.

Interstate and local housing statistics show short-distance moves as more common than interstate relocations, too. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2024, the percentage of people who moved to a different residence within the same state was 8.9%. Conversely, the rate for those who moved to a different state was only 2.1%.

By better understanding relocation and housing market trends, you can determine for yourself whether a local move makes sense in your case, and if so, what you can do to simplify your relocation. 

What Is a Local Move?

When you do a local move, it means you'll only relocate within a short distance of your current abode. In most cases, it's within 50 to 100 miles of the same city, county, region, or state.

You can generally complete a local move within a single day, particularly with the help of "same city movers" or moving companies.

What Is an Intrastate Move?

An intrastate move is a relocation within the same state. In this sense, a local move is a type of intrastate move.

In some scenarios, however, such as in the case of larger states like Texas or California, an intrastate move can refer to a relocation that involves moving more than 100 miles. 

What About an Interstate Move?

If you're moving interstate, you're relocating from one state to another (e.g., Texas to California).

Because of the long distance involved, interstate moves are the most time-consuming and potentially costliest. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) also says that FMCSA rules and regulations govern interstate moves.

Just a few examples of these rules include requiring interstate moving companies to:

• Have all appropriate registrations (USDOT and MC numbers)
• Carry specific insurance policies, such as cargo and liability coverage
• Publish rate tariffs
• Provide clients with transparent and detailed written estimates
• Provide customers with a specific booklet ("Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move")

What Do Local Moves Reveal About the Modern Housing Market?

Now that you know how to distinguish the different types of moves, the next thing you must be aware of is what local moves reveal about today's real estate market and how they're shaping housing market dynamics. Here are the key elements and insights to know.

Affordability and Value 

Many individuals move locally because it can be more cost-effective, even more so if they already live somewhere with an affordable housing market. 

Take Oklahoma City, as an example. According to KOCO News, OKC ranks as one of the most affordable places to live in the United States. It boasts a cost-of-living index significantly lower than the U.S. average (18% lower). 

With its low cost of living, OKC residents can get more out of their money, provided they do their due diligence and conduct careful property market analysis. They could, for instance, buy and move to a bigger, nicer home for the same amount that would only score them a smaller house in a more expensive area, such as NYC. 

Lifestyle 

Local moves also reveal how people are prioritizing better lifestyles and quality of living over proximity to workplaces. Offices, for instance, are typically in busy, noisy, and in many cases, areas that are quite polluted due to dense populations and heavy transportation use. 

By moving within the same area but farther from the central business district, you can enjoy living in a quieter, calmer, and more peaceful residential neighborhood. If you work remotely or have a hybrid work model, it's even better, as living close to the office won't be much of a requirement.  

Proximity to Family and Social Connections 

Many people purchase new homes so they can be closer to family and friends. Indeed, a 2024 report from the National Association of Realtors says this is the top reason to buy a home.

Local moves allow folks to stay close to their loved ones and friends who also live close by (e.g., those who've been long-time residents of the area). Staying within the same city or county also empowers people to maintain the social connections and relationships they've built and fostered over the years. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does It Make Sense to Hire a Moving Company for a Local Move?

Yes.

Even if you're only moving within 50 miles (or less), hiring professional local movers makes sense as these experts can help you save time and minimize the stress associated with relocations. With their help, you can avoid injuring yourself, which can happen due to incorrect bending, lifting, or carrying heavy objects.

Reliable local movers also often have varying service packages designed to cater to different moving needs. You can hire them just to move your belongings out of your old place, load them into the truck, and then unload them at the destination.

If you want to avoid as much stress as possible, however, you can opt for their full-service package. They'll handle all the tasks, from packing your stuff with care to bringing and unloading it safely at your new place. 

How Can You Save Money When Hiring Movers?

You can save money even if you're hiring professional movers by ensuring they'll only move essential stuff. The key here is to declutter as much as you can. Doing so reduces the volume, weight, and quantity that the movers will have to handle and bring to your new place.

Another tip is to consider packing yourself, which can save you money by minimizing labor costs. However, you should do this with care and use proper packing materials and techniques (e.g., sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, cushioning paper, and heavy-duty tape). 

Prepare for Your Local Move 

If you're relocating, consider the many perks of local moves, from affordability to being able to stay close to your loved ones and friends. Don't forget that with the help of local movers, you can enjoy an even more seamless move that will likely only take a day (or even less). 

Explore more informative guides, real estate insights, and the latest local news by checking out our other headlines. 

This article was prepared by an independent contributor which helps us continue delivering quality content to our audiences.