It’s no secret that remote work changed the way people live. When the pandemic hit, millions of workers suddenly had the freedom to work from anywhere — and many took advantage of it. Some traded high-rise apartments for quiet suburban streets. Others moved across the country to chase better weather, lower costs, or a slower pace of life.
But now, things are shifting again. As more companies ask employees to return to the office, workers are reevaluating where they live and how far they’re willing to commute. For many, that means making some big housing decisions all over again.
Why Return-to-Work Policies Are Changing Housing Trends
During the height of remote work, location mattered less. Homebuyers could prioritize space, lifestyle, and affordability over proximity to the office. Suburban and rural areas saw a boom in demand, while downtown rental markets cooled off.
Now, as return-to-office mandates grow, many of those patterns are reversing. Employees who once moved hours away are realizing that long drives or train rides five days a week are no longer sustainable.
According to research from Bright MLS, more than half of surveyed workers said they would need to either move or deal with long commutes if their company required them to return to the office full-time. That’s a powerful indicator of how work policies directly influence housing choices.
When the Commute Becomes Too Much
If you relocated during the work-from-home boom, you may now be facing a difficult question: Can I handle this new commute long term?
At first, the drive or train ride might not seem so bad. You tell yourself you’ll listen to podcasts, take scenic back roads, or catch up on calls during the ride. But after a few weeks, reality sets in. The extra time on the road adds stress, eats into your evenings, and drives up transportation costs.
As Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, explains:
“During the pandemic, when remote work became the norm, homebuyers were able to move farther out. But workers do not have the same flexibility that they used to, and some are going to have to make a tough choice if and when their employer calls them back into the office full-time.”
That choice often comes down to time, cost, and quality of life.
Deciding Whether To Move Closer to Work
If your company’s new policy means commuting several hours each week, it may be time to reassess your options. Moving closer to your workplace could save you money in fuel, maintenance, and time — while improving your overall well-being.
Here are a few questions to consider as you think it through:
- How much time are you spending commuting each week?
- What are your monthly travel expenses?
- Are you losing valuable family or personal time because of the drive?
- Would a move closer to work improve your day-to-day life, even if housing costs more?
A local real estate agent can help you explore what’s available closer to your job and how those options fit your budget. They can also help you evaluate selling your current home or renting it out if that makes financial sense.
How an Agent Can Help You Navigate the Change
If returning to the office is forcing you to make housing decisions, you don’t have to figure it out alone. A real estate professional can help you:
- Compare the cost of living in your current area versus potential new locations
- Understand local market conditions if you need to sell your home
- Find neighborhoods that balance affordability, convenience, and lifestyle
- Coordinate the logistics of selling in one area and buying in another
Whether you’re thinking about shortening your commute, downsizing, or simply finding a place that fits your new routine, having an experienced agent on your side makes the transition much smoother.
The Final Verdict
The shift back to in-office work is changing how people live and where they choose to call home. If you’re one of the many professionals facing that decision, take time to explore your options carefully.
A knowledgeable real estate agent can help you evaluate your choices, understand local market trends, and make a move that supports both your career and your lifestyle.
If returning to the office has you rethinking where you live, now is a great time to start the conversation about what’s next.