The search for the perfect new home can take you many places, and lately, there’s an increase in people finding the home of their dreams in the exurbs.
The U.S. Census Bureau defines an exurb as an area more than 60 miles outside of a metropolitan area, and it reports that those exurbs are seeing a population boom since the pandemic. Exurbs are just beyond the suburbs, which are the areas located just outside the city centers, but closer than exurbs.
While being that far from a major population center may bring to mind the idea of small towns and farm communities, or even terms like “boonies” or “sticks,” there can also be larger towns and cities that fit the exurb mold. You can expect to find exurbs to run the gamut from single-stoplight towns to areas of nearly 100,000 people, making every move out to the exurbs unique.
Some examples of popular exurbs currently undergoing a population boom include the Arizona towns of Casa Grande and Maricopa; as well as New Braunfels, Texas; the Florida community of North Port; and Spring Hill, Tennessee. All five were in the top 10 fastest growing communities in the early 2020s, according to the Census Bureau.
There are many reasons why people are choosing to head out to the exurbs, including:
Cost
Housing in exurbs is typically more affordable than in urban centers and suburbs. This lower cost of home ownership makes exurbs attractive to homebuyers, especially first-time buyers and shoppers looking for more space. There are also special deals homebuyers can look for, such as USDA construction loans, for building a dream home from scratch in select rural areas.
More House for the Buck
Exurbs can often offer the possibility of larger homes and lots compared to urban and suburban areas. This appeals to buyers seeking more space, private yards, and a quieter, less-congested environment. It’s also a more feasible location for those who need space for hobbies or activities, without having to worry about the concerns of neighbors.
Remote Work
The rise of remote work, pushed by the COVID-19 pandemic, has made it possible for more people to live farther from their place of employment. Thanks to being able to work from home, workers no longer need to be close to city centers, allowing them to choose homes in exurbs without worrying about long commutes. There’s also the long-term concern that pandemics might not be a thing of the past, giving people another reason to add social distancing to their lives.
Quality of Life
Many people are drawn to the exurbs for their perceived better quality of life. This can include cleaner air, less traffic, less noise, less housing density, increased privacy, and the ability to be an active participant in a smaller community. Access to outdoor recreation and nature also can be a significant draw.
Infrastructure and Development
Investment follows growth. As more people move to exurbs, there is often increased investment in infrastructure and amenities such as schools, shopping centers, and healthcare facilities. This development can make exurbs more attractive to potential residents and offset the drawbacks of leaving urban and suburban areas.
Economic Factors
Some exurban areas offer more favorable tax rates or other economic incentives compared to urban centers, making them financially appealing. Schools tend to be smaller, and the cost of living can also decrease farther away from population centers.
Goodbye to the Hustle and Bustle
Some people are choosing to leave urban areas as a way to slow down in general. Exurbs can offer a more peaceful and healthier living environment, with less of the grind that comes from high-population areas.
Zombie Attack
OK, this one isn’t likely to be a real reason people want to move to the exurbs, but any preppers out there may want to file it away just in case.
The reasons to consider homeownership in exurbs are plentiful. If you’d like to find your perfect home away from the hustle and bustle of city life, start your search today by using Century Communities’ Find Your Home feature to explore newly built properties in exurbs around the country.