Renting Still Dominates Interstate Moves, but Buyers Lead in Some Metros: NAR

In some metro areas, more than 70 percent of new movers buy a home instead of renting during their first year.
Renting Still Dominates Interstate Moves, but Buyers Lead in Some Metros: NAR
A 'For Sale' sign is posted in front of a single-family home in Hollywood, Fla., on Oct. 27, 2022. Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Mary Prenon
Mary Prenon
Freelance Reporter
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While most Americans still follow the long-held pattern of “renting first, buying later” when relocating—especially across state lines—a new report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that in some states, most newcomers do the opposite and buy within their first year.

Nationally, just more than 27 percent of interstate movers own a home during their first year after moving, leaving the other nearly 75 percent to search for apartments or other rental options. By comparison, households that move locally—within the same county—are much more likely to buy right away.

Mary Prenon
Mary Prenon
Freelance Reporter
Mary T. Prenon covers real estate and business. She has been a writer and reporter for over 25 years with various print and broadcast media in New York.