One of the issues we frequently encounter with our Lamorinda real estate clients is the question about whether this is the “right time” to sell, and often followed by the question of “where should be go?” A recent article in the Wall St. Journal suggests that there could potentially be other options for consideration by those pondering where they should move next. The article, “The New Suburbs, A Plane Ride Away” discusses how young professionals are now making moves to Pacific Northwest areas such as Portland and Seattle, and commuting to their jobs in the Bay Area. Reasons given for the new trend include:
- The greater availability of reasonably priced flights on Southwest Airlines and Virgin America
- Better telecommuting technology and WiFi availability on flights
- More flexible telecommuting policies by many companies
- Superb quality of life in cities like Portland and Seattle… with Portland specifically noted for its outstanding urban design in the Pearl District, and
- The extraordinary attractiveness of Pacific Northwest real estate values when compared to the Bay Area.
If this is viable for young professionals, then why not for empty-nesters who seek to restructure there financial obligations, perhaps still keep their hands in the Bay Area business world, and come back to visit friends and family on a frequent basis? It’s an interesting and viable alternative to Bay Area housing costs, and one that may make the “sell now?” question easier to answer. At the very least, it’s food for thought.
