Why Are Buyers Moving Farther Away

Buyers are increasingly moving further away from their previous home/ apartment. Traditionally, people have tended to relocate within 10-15 miles of their previous address. This would be from downtown Milwaukee to Brookfield, Glendale or St. Francis. Now, however, it is not uncommon for people to move up to 30 miles away from their old location. Milwaukee to Port Washington or Oconomowoc for example.

There are a variety of reasons why this could be. The first could be an economic opportunity; a person may have found a job in another town or city and may be willing to accept the added distance in order to benefit from the higher wages and career prospects offered. We often see people moving from Chicago or Madison to the Milwaukee area for new jobs.

Another reason could be lifestyle choices. People may seek more variety and better amenities that they cannot find in the place they are living currently and are willing to move further away in order to access them. This could include suburban vs urban lifestyle, bigger yards, neighborhoods or even just more recreational activities. Maybe they are looking for the lake life in Pewaukee/ Oconomowoc area or the Lake Michigan views in Mequon/ Oak Creek.

The rising cost of living in certain areas may also be a factor. As prices go up in one town and city, people may find it more affordable to move somewhere that offers a better cost of living. Taxes in Milwaukee County are significantly higher that Ozaukee, Washington or Waukesha counties.

Finally, the availability of affordable housing is another reason why people may be willing to move further away from their original home. Where there is high competition and low vacancy rates, people may have no choice but to look further afield for a suitable property or rental agreement that meets their needs. You can get a lot more house for the price  in Port Washington than in Whitefish Bay.

It is clear that there are a number of reasons why people are increasingly moving further away from their former homes. Economic opportunities, lifestyle choices, cost of living and availability of housing all contribute to this trend. For those considering making the move, it is important to do research into the area they plan to move to, so they can make an informed decision and ensure they are making the right choice for themselves and their family.