A new study suggests that while most Americans say they like where they live, many also believe their lives would improve if they moved elsewhere. The findings point to a complicated relationship adults in the United States have with their surroundings—satisfaction is tinged with frustration and the pull of possibility.
The survey, conducted online from July 3 to 5, 2025, polled 1,000 U.S. adults and was commissioned by Clever Offers, a platform that helps people quickly sell their homes. The report does not specify how the respondents were recruited, making it unclear whether the results are representative of the nation as a whole or stem from a more self-selected group.
According to Clever, 69% of respondents said they like where they currently live, a slight drop from 73% the year before. At the same time, frustrations appear to be mounting: 68% reported feeling frustrated with their location, up from 59% in 2024. Nearly half—46%—said they feel embarrassed about where they live, while only 26% viewed their community as something others would envy.
Despite these mixed feelings, many Americans are open to a fresh start. The survey found that 61% believe moving to a new city or state could improve their lives, while 73% could be convinced to relocate within the country and half said they could be persuaded to move abroad. Still, moving does not always guarantee happiness; 29% reported they had already relocated in search of a better life, only to discover that little had changed.
When asked what makes a place desirable, respondents consistently pointed to practical and quality-of-life factors. Good weather (67%), low crime rates (66%), low cost of living (64%), affordable housing (53%), natural beauty (52%) and low taxes (51%) topped the list. Access to amenities and health care also ranked highly, along with low unemployment, strong infrastructure, good schools and public transit options.
On the other hand, the worst community traits singled out by respondents were high crime rates (75%), high cost of living (67%), high taxes (62%) and poor weather (58%). Other turnoffs included expensive housing, run-down infrastructure, traffic, unfriendly residents, crowding, limited health care access, lack of amenities and weak public transportation.
Even with strong motivations to move, many respondents cited barriers holding them back. Cost was the most common obstacle, with 46% saying they simply could not afford to relocate. Others pointed to the hassle of moving (43%), ties to family and friends (41%), or the sense that their current location was “good enough” (34%). Concerns about uprooting children, job restrictions, risk and long-term housing commitments also played a role.
When asked about the most desirable cities to live in, respondents named Nashville, Tampa, Seattle, San Diego, Denver, Charlotte, Boston, Orlando, Raleigh and New York.
The survey highlights how Americans’ relationships with their communities are rarely straightforward. While many express affection for their current homes, frustrations and hopes for improvement often leave them wondering if life might be better somewhere else.
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