After a brief return to city living, more Americans are once again packing up and heading for the suburbs. New data from NAR and U.S. Census Bureau shows that suburban migration ticked up 7% in the first half of 2025, reversing some of the post-pandemic urban rebound.
What’s Driving the Trend?
- Affordability gaps: Sky-high rents and home prices in urban cores continue to push buyers and renters toward more budget-friendly suburban markets.
- Remote work staying power: Hybrid and remote jobs are still common, giving people flexibility to live farther out.
- Quality-of-life factors: Larger homes, yards, better schools, and access to green space remain big draws.
“People want space — and they’re willing to trade a longer commute for it, especially when they don’t have to go into the office daily,” says Maria Chavez, a housing analyst at CoStar.
Where the Action Is
Markets seeing the biggest suburban influx include:
- Charlotte metro: Suburban counties like Union and Cabarrus are booming.
- Dallas-Fort Worth: Outlying communities such as Frisco and McKinney are magnets for new residents.
- Phoenix area: Suburbs like Gilbert and Chandler continue to outpace the urban core in growth.
The Bottom Line
The suburban shift shows no signs of slowing in 2025. For builders, investors, and local governments, the challenge will be balancing growth with infrastructure and affordability concerns.
What’s Next?
We’ll be watching how suburban infrastructure — schools, transit, utilities — keeps pace with this rapid growth. Expect more debates over zoning, housing density, and sustainability in these booming areas.
