By Vanessa Saunders, MBA, MIMC , Broker Owner, Global Property Systems Real Estate.

Roughly one fifth of all Americans have moved or know someone who did during the Covid-19 pandemic so far. That tidbit comes from a recent survey by the Pew Research Center that revealed 22 percent of us - literally millions of people - have relocated to a more quarantine-friendly residence or know someone who has. The data is based on a survey Pew conducted in early June with nearly 10,000 people.

Reported in Inman News on July 8, the survey results show that 3 percent of the survey respondents themselves moved, either permanently or temporarily. Another 6 percent said someone moved into their home. And an additional 14 percent said that they know someone who has moved as a result of Covid-19.

The findings suggest that in addition to major health and economic disruption, the pandemic has had huge migratory impacts on Americans’ lives. Most affected were young adults - ages 18 to 29. Young Americans reported that 37 percent of young Americans either moved during the pandemic, had someone move in, or know someone who relocated.

Where did they move to?
The survey asked respondents why they moved and found that 61 percent of the people who moved during the pandemic moved into a family member’s home. 41 percent moved in with parents or in-laws, 4 percent moved in with an adult child or in-law, and 16 percent moved in with another relative. An additional 7 percent were fortunate enough to land in the home of a friend.

Why did they move?
Pew found that not surprisingly, the most frequent answer (28 percent of respondents) was to reduce risk of catching the Covid-19 virus. 23 percent were forced to move because their college campus had closed. Another 20 percent cited wishing to be closer to family and 18 percent cited moving for economic reasons. 8 percent of those who moved for financial reasons cited losing a job.

The full effects of the Covid-19 virus and the pandemic it has wrought will not be known for years, but it's reach will be global , and life changing for all who lived through it. Contact us at Global Property Systems for more information on selling, or to find your next home.