Surveys like to paint a simple picture: Americans either love where they live or they’re dreaming of someplace better. The reality, as this latest study shows, is much more complicated.

According to a new Clever Offers survey of 1,000 adults, most Americans say they like their current city—69% gave their home base a thumbs-up. But scratch the surface and frustrations bubble up. Nearly the same number—68%—admit they’re dissatisfied with aspects of their location. Even more telling, almost half say they’re embarrassed by where they live.

For real estate professionals, that tension between contentment and restlessness is where opportunity lives.

The Push and Pull of Place

Despite frustrations, Americans aren’t rushing to pack boxes. Cost is the main barrier, with 46% saying they can’t afford to move, followed by the hassle (43%) and ties to family and friends (41%). Still, the dream is alive:

61% believe life would improve in a new city or state. 73% are open to relocating domestically. 50% would consider moving abroad.

That kind of openness to mobility suggests a fluid housing market, even if the pace of moves doesn’t match the desire.

What Makes a City Desirable?

Respondents were clear about what they value most. The top draws included:

Good weather (67%) Low crime rates (66%) Low cost of living (64%) Affordable housing (53%) Natural beauty (52%) Low taxes (51%)

Quality-of-life factors like schools, public transit, and health care access also ranked high.

On the flip side, the biggest deal-breakers were high crime (75%), high cost of living (67%), high taxes (62%), and poor weather (58%). Infrastructure problems, traffic, and limited amenities also landed on the list of complaints.

The 10 Most Desired Cities

So where do Americans most want to live right now? The survey named:

The mix is telling. Sun Belt destinations like Tampa, Orlando, and Charlotte shine thanks to lifestyle, affordability (at least relative to coastal markets), and pro-growth policies. But legacy metros like Boston and New York remain aspirational—despite high costs—because of jobs, culture, and connectivity.

Takeaways for Real Estate Professionals

For developers, investors, and brokers, the message is clear: demand is dynamic and driven by more than just price. Americans are weighing cost of living alongside lifestyle factors like weather, natural amenities, and infrastructure. That’s why places like Nashville and Raleigh are pulling in both talent and capital.

But the barriers to mobility—cost, hassle, and family ties—mean that many people will choose to renovate, refinance, or rethink their current situation rather than move. That’s an opening for agents and investors in secondary markets, where residents may be dissatisfied but unable (or unwilling) to leap to the “dream city.”

The bottom line: Americans are restless, but their moves will be selective. The opportunity lies in knowing not just where people want to go, but why—and positioning yourself to deliver solutions in both destination and stay-put markets.