Phoenix’s Arcadia, Sacramento’s River Park, and Atlanta’s Buckhead are the most popular neighborhoods for transplants.
Redfin recently reported that 25 percent of Redfin.com home searchers looked to move to another metro area in the second quarter of 2019.
Within popular migration destinations, several neighborhoods emerged as especially attractive to those looking to relocate. In metros like Phoenix, Sacramento and Atlanta–the top destinations for migration–newcomers were most interested in suburban neighborhoods, where their money can go further. The most popular neighborhoods tended to have higher median home prices than the overall metro area, though those prices are more affordable compared to the expensive markets transplants are often migrating from.
Below, Redfin ranks each of the nation’s top migration destinations’ hottest neighborhoods for new transplants, based on the share of Redfin.com home searches by users outside the area.
1. Arcadia, Phoenix, AZ
Median sale price: $519,000
Median sale price for metro area: $280,000
Share of Redfin.com searches by users outside the metro: 5.7%
Average maximum home search price: $917,000
“Arcadia has a lot of character and feels more like a city than a sprawling suburb, which is how many of the areas outside Phoenix can feel,” said Redfin agent Katie Shook. “This is attractive to transplants, because it often reminds them of where they came from, especially if they are moving from a larger city. Homebuyers from out of towns also tell me it feels like more of a community than elsewhere in the Phoenix metro area, with highly-rated schools, walkability, fantastic restaurants, cafes, bars, and shopping, which are all unique to this neighborhood.”
2. River Park, Sacramento, CA
Median sale price: $595,000
Median sale price for metro area: $417,000
Share of Redfin.com searches by users outside the metro: 19.4%
Average maximum home search price: $621,000
“River Park is a highly desirable neighborhood to out-of-towners because of its abundance of dining, recreation and entertainment options within midtown or downtown Sacramento,” said Redfin agent Jeff Werolin. “It’s a sleepy bedroom community, with quiet tree-lined streets, and it borders the American River, which has public beaches, a large park, public swimming pools and a river bike trail. These amenities tend to be particularly attractive to those moving to Sacramento from other parts of the country.”
3. Buckhead, Atlanta, GA
Median sale price: $529,000
Median sale price for metro area: $257,000
Share of Redfin.com searches by users outside the metro: 16.7%
Average maximum home search price: $1,265,000
“Fortune 500 companies based in Atlanta attract a lot of new residents. They often are moving from more expensive cities where their previous homes sold for a high price. That cash then goes a lot further in an upscale neighborhood like Buckhead–though it also inflates home prices for locals,” said Redfin agent Roslyn McClure. “Buckhead is family-friendly and also, symbolic of ‘Old Atlanta,’ with its million-dollar estates with beautiful lawns. Plus, there’s great restaurants and high-end shopping.”
4. Summerlin, Las Vegas, NV
Median sale price: $337,000
Median sale price for metro area: $285,000
Share of Redfin.com searches by users outside the metro: 58.6%
Average maximum home search price: $347,000
“The number one reason people move to Summerlin is the highly rated school district. Affordability is the second reason. Many people are moving from California, because for a half a million dollars, you can buy a much larger home here with lower taxes,” said Redfin agent Tzahi Arbeli. “If you look at all Las Vegas zip codes, Summerlin homes have the highest median sale price and resale value. Meaning, even though you’ll pay more than another neighborhood, the value may increase. There’s also abundant outdoor recreation, with parks and trails, and Red Rock National Park. Summerlin’s great restaurants and shopping makes Summerlin feel like it has more going on than nearby Henderson. I always recommend my clients to spend time in both Henderson and Summerlin and most who move here fall in love with Summerlin.”
5. Sun City, Georgetown, TX
Median sale price: $296,000
Median sale price for metro area: $330,000
Share of Redfin.com searches by users outside the metro: 9.5%
Average maximum home search price: $633,000
“Only a 30-minute drive into central Austin, Sun City is attractive to people who want to live in a peaceful area with more affordable home prices, while still enjoying easy access to the hustle and bustle of Austin,” said Redfin agent Andrew Vallejo. “As such, it’s popular with those who move here in retirement, for its wide selection of desirable amenities like golf courses, tennis courts and pools.”
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