Research produced by Osceola County Association of Realtors , alongside the National Association of Realtors, is illustrating how the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted migration trends and residential preferences of people across America.
“In Osceola County, like across the country, we’ve seen changes happen as a result of COVID-19 that will change and shape our society for decades to come,” said Joe Johnson, association president. “In the aftermath of this pandemic, the availability of data like this will give valuable insight to Osceola County Realtors and will help local lawmakers make decisions about policies and smart growth changes that can help our region account for these shifts.”
Although generally done every two years, Realtors conducted a pair of Community and Transportation Preference Surveys in 2020 to accurately register the impacts of the coronavirus. The latest iteration shows younger Americans – particularly those with children – have been most affected, although those who live in walkable communities register a higher quality of life than those who live in less walkable areas.
According to the Realtors’ study, Americans under 40 are mostly likely to say their overall quality of life has been negatively impacted by the pandemic, while noting a reduced need to reside near highways, public transit or their place of work.
In any event, although COVID has dramatically changed people’s lives, this study shows that a substantial demand for walkability persists for Americans of all ages. Among other noteworthy finding of the July survey:
• Respondents who strongly agree that there are “lots of places to walk nearby” show 8 percent increase in quality of life.
• Families with children in school show an increased desire for detached homes and larger yards.
• In February, a majority of Americans preferred a smaller yard in a walkable community.
• The importance of nearby public transit dropped 8 percent and easy access to a highway dropped 5 percent from pre-pandemic levels.
The biannual NAR Community & Transportation Preferences Survey polls residents in the 50 largest metropolitan areas of the United States. The first 2020 survey was conducted in February, immediately before the impacts of COVID-19, and again at the end of July.
For more information on the Osceola County Association of Realtors, visit www.osceolarealtors. org. The Osceola County Association of Realtors is the largest trade association in Osceola County and represents approximately 4,000 Realtors in the area, bringing valuable training and support to its membership, and offering community services to the Osceola County area. The association is dedicated to members’ success through personal development, advocacy, and community engagement.
