When the pandemic struck, Susan, an artist in her 30s, lived in a cramped New York City apartment. Eager to escape the confined space, she and her husband relocated upstate to an up-and-coming Catskills town with friends, seeking outdoor activities like hiking and trout fishing. However, once they settled in, Susan felt disconnected and adrift, missing her social and creative circles. The dream of a house in the country didn’t align with her reality.
Susan’s experience reflects a common sentiment among those who made significant moves during the pandemic. The allure of affordable housing and more space led many, especially millennials, to leave cities for suburbs and rural areas. However, as the initial excitement has waned, many have faced challenges assimilating into new communities, missing their old social networks, and questioning the suburban dream.
Millennials Disrupt Traditional Trends: Traditionally, young adults would move to cities to start their careers and later settle in suburbs to raise families. However, older millennials (born between 1977 and 1986) disrupted this trend. They continued to live in cities well into their 30s, attributed to delays in major life milestones such as marriage, children, and homeownership, partly due to the 2008 recession. The pandemic accelerated the migration of city dwellers seeking more space and affordability.
The Pursuit of Space: Amid rising city rents, people sought larger and more affordable homes during the pandemic. Many millennials moved to suburban and rural areas, often to the outer peripheries of metropolitan regions, driven by the pursuit of affordability. This shift was evident in the types of homes purchased, with the majority being single-family, detached houses.
The Harsh Realities: As the pandemic-driven migration frenzy has subsided, many pandemic movers, including millennials, are facing the realities of their decisions. They find themselves in a private, car-dependent lifestyle, missing the communal aspects of city living. Public spaces like parks are underutilized as most have their private outdoor areas. The dream of homeownership often comes with trade-offs.
The American Ideal: The desire for independent homeownership with a yard has deep historical roots in American culture and housing policies, dating back to the late 1700s. This preference for detached single-family houses has influenced zoning laws and limited affordable housing developments, contributing to the current housing crisis. This suburban ideal has led to a decline in communal “third spaces,” making it challenging for newcomers to form social connections.
Balancing Individual and Collective Needs: The pursuit of a comfortable living environment is natural, but the challenge lies in reconciling personal desires with the collective good. The rigid adherence to suburban norms and zoning policies has resulted in housing issues. The choice between staying in a small, expensive city apartment near friends or pursuing the dream of a single-family home can be difficult.
Susan’s Story: For Susan, the appeal of country life did not outweigh the costs. She and her husband eventually found a renter for their upstate home and returned to the city. While subletting a city apartment felt like a step back, Susan now feels more like herself. The pandemic migration highlighted the complexities of balancing individual aspirations with broader societal needs.
In conclusion, the pandemic-induced migration wave, driven by a quest for spacious homes, has prompted individuals to reconsider their choices. The dream of a suburban or rural life comes with unforeseen challenges and compromises, forcing many to weigh personal desires against collective well-being.