“Grass is Greener” mentality is strong among the nation’s top talent, new survey shows

In a recent survey of 886 American workers, intriguing patterns emerged about how people feel about their current living situations, and their proximity to family. This data shows the varying degrees to which people feel their quality of life could be improved by a change in geography across age, gender and regional lines.

1. Nearly 70% of Americans are Craving a Change of Scenery

A surprising 68% of full-time workers think they’d be better off living in a different United States city or town, a sign that a majority of the workforce believes they could benefit from a new backdrop. A smaller 11% felt strongly that they were already “living their best life” in their current location, suggesting only a minority have achieved their ideal setup.

As respondents age, the appeal of moving somewhere new increases. Only 39% of the youngest group surveyed (25-29) felt they’d be better off elsewhere, compared to 52% in the 30-44 group and 55% in the 45-54 group. Younger respondents tended to show a higher rate of neutrality or slight disagreement, possibly indicating they’re still in the early stages of determining where they want to settle.

2. Men are More Ready to Move On

More men than women feel like a move could improve their lives, with 56% of men saying they’d be better off elsewhere, compared to just 48% of women.

This could reflect differences in career mobility, family dynamics, or perhaps women’s preference to maintain existing community bonds.

3. Where You Live Shapes How You Feel

From the East Coast to the West, location impacts satisfaction big time. Those living in the Middle Atlantic and Pacific states have the strongest sense that they could be better off somewhere else (75% and 73% respectively) which may be a reflection of the increasing burden of living in the major metros in these areas. High costs of living, traffic congestion, and environmental challenges may make the idea of relocation more appealing in these regions.

Conversely, those in the West North Central region (Minnesota, the Dakotas, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri and Oklahoma) are happiest where they are, suggesting that they’re getting something right about life in “flyover country.

4. Family Matters

More than half 54% of respondents say they wish they lived closer to family. Women showed a higher rate of satisfaction with current family distance, at 46% compared to men’s 39%, indicating that women might already feel they’ve struck a good balance between closeness and space.

5. The 45+ Crowd is Eager for Closer Family Ties

As people hit their mid-40s and beyond, the desire for family closeness jumps. Nearly 63% of this group wish their family lived closer, compared to just 43% of the 18-29 age group, who are often happy with some distance. It seems as people get older, family support and connections become increasingly important.

Conclusion

The survey paints a complex picture of how Americans feel about where they live and their proximity to family. Whether considering a move to improve quality of life, balancing family closeness, or simply finding satisfaction in a current location, people’s needs and priorities differ significantly across age, gender, and region. As remote work continues to shape where people can live, these insights into where Americans would truly feel “better off” provide valuable perspectives for communities working to enhance community, family and lifestyle offerings.

Methodology

MakeMyMove conducted a survey of 886 Americans in October 2024 utilizing the SurveyMonkey Audience panel. Respondents were Americans between the ages of 25 and 54, employed full time and had a minimum annual household income of $75k.