The 2020 Mass Migration

By Emily Hackeling

2020 sparked a rapid change — in our lifestyles and our priorities. While COVID-19 has caused people to reconsider their lifestyles and move to a new location, it has also sparked a change in the way we relocate, pushing us to rely more on technology and get creative to explore potential homes. Here we’ll dive into why people are moving, how the moving process is changing, and where people are heading.

While it certainly seems that people are leaving high-tax, overcrowded cities in droves, where are they going? And what are the main drivers for leaving? What’s drawing people in? I spoke with several agents at Waterways, a gated, coastal, planned community in Georgia.

Q: DO YOU SEE A SPIKE IN INTEREST FOR RELOCATING TO WATERWAYS?

“I have seen a spike in the phone calls and the tours that I have done over the last two months. The fun thing is that I am seeing people come from all over. I have toured people from New York to California.” —

Lynne Mois

“Yes... there’s definitely an increased level of interest coming from retirees who are looking to accelerate their retirement relocation decisions. Our current guests are expressing interest in leaving the “big city” environments for something less hectic and slower paced, and with an emphasis on fresh air and outdoor activities in a natural setting. We’re also seeing increased interest from working families due to the record low interest rates currently available.” —

Vance Askew

Q: WHO IS LOOKING TO MOVE?

“Recently, a couple of my previous tours have consisted of couples that were preparing for retirement but had a couple of years left to go. However, they now have been given permission to work remotely, so they have moved up their plans and have decided to move earlier than originally planned. Also, families have decided what a great place Waterways is to live, and they see the value of the lifestyle that we offer, so they are moving from out of state and even from Savannah to Waterways.” —

Lynne Mois

Q: WHAT ARE PEOPLE CITING AS THEIR MAIN REASONS FOR RELOCATING?

“Low taxes, beaches/nature, highly rated schools, proximity to Savannah, quality lowcountry construction, active lifestyle...” — Clancy Mathews

“Interest rates, leaving urban cities and big-city congestion, time to slow down, attractive property values...” —Vance Askew

Q: WHAT CHANGES IN LIFESTYLE ARE THEY LOOKING TO FIND WHEN THEY MOVE?

“Healthy outdoor environments and related activities, social opportunities to mingle with neighbors, relaxed and slower pace of life while still being able to access the energy of a city if desired, and easy access to water activities like boating, fishing, kayaking, etc.” Vance Askew

Q: HOW IMPORTANT IS ADDITIONAL SPACE AND OFFICE SPACE WITHIN THEIR HOME TO THEIR MOVE?

“Many of my prospects may continue to work from home, so having a defined work space/office is important, or at least having a flex room that can be used for work-related activities. Technology requirements within the homes are also important for this growing segment of the market. Work from home!” —Vance

Askew

Q: WHAT ARE THE KEY BENEFITS THEY’RE SEEING UPON MOVING?

“Depending on where they’re coming from, they’re getting more house for less money and property taxes, and a lower cost of living. Their money goes further during retirement. Plus, they’re gaining a sense of community and an active lifestyle.” — Millie Knight