Survey Reveals One in Three Americans Considering Relocating Due to COVID-19

A survey conducted by Fast revealed that COVID-19 has led 35% of American workers to consider relocating. Factors included the desire to live in less populated areas, the possibility of remote work and lower costs of living.  

SAN FRANCISCO, July 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- A new nationwide survey from Fast shows that 35% of American workers are considering relocation to a new city or town because of COVID-19. As the realities of the pandemic continue to discourage and restrict movement, especially in cities, American workers say that they are most often considering a move to a less populated area (40%), followed by 36% who say it's because there are more opportunities to work remotely than before the pandemic and 31% who are looking for a lower cost of living.

As the cost of living in major Americans cities continues to rise, and COVID-19 cases spike across states including California and Arizona, those in the West are now considering a move at the highest rates (43%), most importantly for a lower cost of living and a less populated area, compared to 36% in the Northeast, 35% in the South and 22% in the Midwest. The survey also found:

• 41% of those aged 18-34 and 40% of those 35-49 are now considering relocating, compared to only 17% of those 50 and older
• Men (44%) are considering a move almost twice as often as women (24%)
• The highest earners are now considering a move at the highest rates: 49% of those in the $150K+ income bracket are now considering relocation, compared to 31% for those making $100K-$150K, $50K-$100K and less than $50K
• Those with postgraduate degrees are considering a move most often (44%), followed by some college (36%), high school or less (35%) and an undergraduate degree (26%)

"Innovation can happen anywhere, and Americans are realizing that increasingly they can live where they want without sacrificing their career," said Fast Chief Operating Officer and Co-founder Allison Barr Allen. "Smart companies realize that their highly skilled employees will leave if they aren't given the flexibility to work from anywhere in the world."

It's clear that workplace flexibility is top of mind as Americans think about relocating to new cities – 66% of Americans say flexible remote work increases their interest in taking a new job, outpacing more traditional benefits:

• 51% say a generous paid time off policy increases their interest in taking a new job
• 48% say 401(k) matching
• 39% say professional development stipends
• 35% say wellness stipends
• 28% say paid time off to volunteer
• 23% say catered snacks or meals

Fast recently announced a hybrid workplace initiative called Fast Flex, allowing every team member to decide when and where they work, whether in the Fast office, from home or from another location anywhere in the world. Every Fast employee receives top-of-the-line tech gear, $500 to create a comfortable at-home office, plus a monthly stipend for high-speed internet and even regular shipments of snacks.

Fast's survey was conducted online within the United States among 600 U.S. adults ages 18 and older, who are currently employed in a job that could be performed remotely, between July 5-7, 2020.

About Fast

Fast's mission is to make buying online faster, safer and easier for everyone. Its Fast Login and Fast Checkout products enable a one-click sign-in and purchasing experience that makes it easier for people to buy and merchants to sell. The company's products work on any browser, device or platform to deliver a consistent, stress-free purchasing experience. Fast is entirely consumer-focused and invests heavily in its users' privacy and data security. Headquartered in San Francisco, Fast is a privately held company funded by Stripe, Index Ventures, Susa Ventures, Global Founders Capital and Brian Sugar – who also serves on the board. To learn more, visit fast.co.