Redfin recently released a report that a record 25% of the house hunters on their site are considering a new city. It’s part of an overarching migration across America. People in large metropolises are moving to more affordable locations, while many others are working remotely post-pandemic, allowing for location independence.

In some of Florida’s largest centers, the proportion who are considering leaving is much higher than the national average. And many of the cities Floridians are looking at are out of state.

Now Redfin has revealed those searches by city, so we can track where people are likely to go.

Palm Bay

A record 52.8% of Palm Bay house hunters are looking outside of their city for homes. But it appears many want to stay in the state, as the proportion looking outside the state is much lower than that. Top out-of-state cities considered include:

• Washington DC (4.6%)
• New York (2.9%)
• Boston (2.0%)
• Los Angeles (2.0%)

These are followed by: Chicago, Seattle, Atlanta, and Denver.

Orlando

A good proportion of local house hunters (43.9%) are looking to leave the city. Again, it looks like many are planning to stay in the state, as the proportion considering out-of-state cities is much lower.

• Atlanta (3.0%)
• New Orleans (2.5%)
• Washington DC (2.1%)
• New York City (2.1%)

Some other cities considered include Seattle, Los Angeles, and Charlotte.

Cape Coral 

A healthy 36.9% of Cape Coral house hunters are searching elsewhere, with many considering moving out-of-state. Locals seem to be drawn to larger cities. Top contenders are:

• Chicago (9.5%)
• Boston (6.9%)
• New York City (5.2%)
• Washington DC (4.1%)

Other destinations include Detroit, Denver, Atlanta, Seattle, and Los Angeles.

North Port

About one-third of North Port house hunters (33.7%) are thinking of leaving the city. The top contenders are in the Northern parts of the country.

• Chicago (5.7%)
• Boston (5.5%)
• Washington DC (4.0%)
• New York City (3.9%)

Other far-flung considerations include Asheville, Atlanta, Seattle, Denver, and Dallas.

Tampa

Just ahead of the national average, about 26% of Tampa house hunters are looking outside of the city. Many of those are considering leaving the state. Some top contenders include:

• Atlanta (3.9%)
• Chicago (3.9%)
• Washington DC (3.9%)
• New York City (3.2%)
• Boston (3.4%)

Some locals are thinking of Los Angeles, Columbus, OH, Philadelphia, or Seattle.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is on par with the national average, with about 25% of house hunters considering leaving the city. Locals are looking all over the map:

• Washington (6.3%)
• Atlanta (5.4%)
• New York City (4.0%)
• Los Angeles (2.7%)

Some are also considering Boston, Virginia Beach, Savannah, Los Angeles, and Dallas.

Miami

As is fitting for one of the country’s fastest-growing cities, fewer people than average are trying to leave (18.5%). Those that are considering leaving the state are looking at other big cities:

• NYC (6.9%)
• Atlanta (5.3%)
• Boston (3.8%)
• Chicago (3.6%)
• Los Angeles (3.5%)

Some are also considering Dallas, Houston, Asheville, and Philadelphia.

Final Thoughts

Florida may look very different in a few years as current residents move out and new residents move in. Would you ever leave the state? What spots would you consider?