ideal-LIVING's 2026 audience research provides a snapshot of where relocation-minded adults are considering moving, when they expect to move, what they want in their next community, and what factors influence their decisions.
53–63%
North Carolina & South Carolina
41–47%
Florida & Georgia
16–27%
Tennessee
17–24%
Mid-Atlantic
7%
International Destinations
Top takeaway: The Southeast continues to generate significant interest, led by the Carolinas.
19–20%
Within 6–12 Months
35–36%
Within 1–2 Years
37%
More Than 2 Years
Top takeaway: Relocation is a long consideration cycle, with most respondents researching well before they expect to move.
44%
Unsure Where to Relocate
38%
Family Considerations
Top takeaway: Uncertainty about where to move is one of the most significant barriers to taking the next step.
38%
Active & Social
22%
Resort-Style Living
18%
Private & Tranquil
Top takeaway: Active and social living leads lifestyle preferences, but buyers are looking for a range of experiences rather than one definition of the ideal community.
65%
Walkability
58%
Social Opportunities
57%
Wellness
40%
Waterfront Features
#1 COMMUNITY FEATURE: WALKABILITY
34%
Prefer 55+ Communities
22%
Prefer Multigenerational Communities
44%
No Community-Type Preference
Top takeaway: Nearly two-thirds of respondents do not specifically require a 55+ community.
54%
Prefer approximately 1,500–2,500 square feet.
Top takeaway: More than half of respondents favor a moderate home size rather than simply seeking larger homes.
66%
Transparent Pricing
58%
Testimonials
51%
In-Person Tours
#1 TRUST FACTOR: TRANSPARENT PRICING
| Priority | Leading Finding |
|---|---|
| Top Destination Interest | Carolinas: 53–63% |
| Top Community Feature | Walkability: 65% |
| Top Trust Factor | Transparent Pricing: 66% |
| Preferred Lifestyle | Active & Social: 38% |
| Unsure Where to Move | 44% |
| Prefer 55+ Specifically | 34% |
| Preferred Home Size | 1,500–2,500 sq. ft.: 54% |
| Value In-Person Tours | 51% |
Walkability, wellness, social connection, and waterfront access rank prominently among community considerations.
Only 34% specifically prefer a 55+ community, while 66% either prefer multigenerational living or have no community-type preference.
Most respondents are considering moves more than a year into the future.
44% cite uncertainty about where to relocate as a factor delaying their move.
At 66%, transparent pricing is the strongest trust factor measured.
The 2026 ideal-LIVING Relocation Trends Report is based on ideal-LIVING audience research among relocation-minded consumers exploring destinations, communities, retirement, relocation, and second-home opportunities.
Results represent ideal-LIVING's audience and should not be interpreted as a nationally representative survey of all U.S. adults.
Source: ideal-LIVING 2026 audience research.