In recent revelations, a new search tool from Zillow, labeled Search Trends, provides insights into the migration patterns of U.S. residents, revealing a striking trend: in many major metropolitan areas, the bulk of home searches are originating from outside the local area. Specifically, ten of the top fifty U.S. metropolitan areas indicated that less than half of the home searches were conducted by local residents. This trend indicates a growing disinterest in local markets by potential homebuyers seeking opportunities elsewhere.
According to Zillow’s data from February 2025, Hartford, Connecticut, recorded the lowest percentage of home searches from locals—only 41%. This figure was closely followed by New Orleans with 43%, Riverside, California, at 45%, and both Jacksonville and Orlando in Florida, each at 46%. These statistics raise questions about the attractiveness and affordability of these regions, which seem to be prompting residents to explore options beyond their immediate locales.
On the other hand, New York City showcased a starkly different scenario, leading the nation in local home searches. A full 81% of Zillow’s page views for homes in the New York City metro area came from local residents, highlighting its insular market. Following New York City are Chicago and Los Angeles, where 71% and 70% of searches came from local users, respectively. Such figures reflect a fundamental contrast between these major urban centers and others where out-of-town interest prevails.
It appears that while New Yorkers are largely focused on local opportunities, they also exhibit curiosity regarding warmer climates. In February, for instance, about 8% of searches for Miami homes originated from New York City, marking it as the leading state search from a non-bordering region. New Yorkers were also significant contributors to the search traffic for Orlando listings, accounting for 5% of views. Additionally, 4% of searches emerged from New Yorkers for homes in North Carolina’s Charlotte and Raleigh.
The dashboard from Zillow also emphasized that out-of-town searches frequently come from adjacent metropolitan areas, rather than remote locations. For example, 30% of all home searches for properties in Riverside were conducted by residents of nearby Los Angeles. Furthermore, 22% of views on homes in Baltimore originated from potential buyers in Washington, D.C.
This data signifies not just regional preferences but also a broader trend in residential relocation across the U.S. As highlighted in a recent analysis, the metropolitan areas witnessing the biggest out-of-town interest include Hartford, New Orleans, Riverside, Jacksonville, and Orlando. Analysts are pondering what could anchor residents in these areas and the potential long-term economic implications of such shifting patterns.
The findings are reflective of an evolving marketplace, wherein residents are clearly seeking alternatives influenced by weather patterns, economic conditions, or quality of life factors. For instance, February statistics also illustrated that significant numbers from San Francisco viewed listings in San Jose (19% of views) while 13% of residents in San Jose browsed listings back in San Francisco, indicating a bidirectional interest that enriches the real estate landscape.
In addition, Providence emerged as one of the hottest markets in the country, with home searches from Boston shoppers constituting 16% of views. This propensity to search beyond local boundaries underscores a national trend of curiosity and the desire for new opportunities—often deemed as greener pastures.
Furthermore, many nationwide real estate investing strategies have fostered this increased exploration among home buyers. As housing prices continue to rise in various urban centers, residents are drawn to maintain their purchasing power, whether that be through migration to more affordable regions or completely different living environments altogether.
The overarching question posed by these findings revolves around how housing markets will be sustained under these changing dynamics. As the desire for diverse options grows, stakeholders are focusing on affordability, access, and the quality of life that is fundamental for potential buyers.
Looking ahead, understanding the motivations behind these searches can provide crucial insights into not just the current housing market dynamics but future developments as well. With the trends identified by Zillow, policymakers, urban planners, and real estate professionals may find the information beneficial for thoughtful decision-making that could impact communities across the nation.
The data revealed from Zillow’s dashboard serves not only as a snapshot of current home-buying behaviors but also as a predictor of future trends that stakeholders must navigate carefully. As home buyers continue to scrutinize their options closely, the ability to pinpoint desirable living conditions will become paramount in delivering successful housing solutions tailored for a diverse and evolving population.
