Why Now: People From New York, Washington and Boston Are Still Searching for Homes in South Florida
One reason South Florida stays on buyers' radar is that people from other parts of the country keep looking to move here. Redfin tracks where homebuyers search, and its data for the second quarter of 2026 show a clear pattern. Here is what it says, what it does not say, and why it matters whether you are buying or selling.
Who is searching
Redfin's migration data for April through June 2026 cover the Miami area, and the same figures appear on its pages for Miami Beach, Aventura, Davie, Weston, Plantation and Fort Lauderdale. New York was the top metro for homebuyers searching to move in, with a net inflow of 3,577. Washington followed with 1,077, Boston with 911, Chicago with 807 and Los Angeles with 630.
Redfin says that 4 percent of homebuyers nationally searched to move into these markets from outside metros. It also says that 23 percent of local homebuyers searched to move out, while 77 percent looked to stay within the metropolitan area.
Where people are leaving to
The outbound side is part of the story. Orlando was the most popular destination for local buyers who searched to leave, with a net outflow of 902, followed by Cape Coral with 756 and Sarasota with 300. So South Florida is both a destination and a source, and the flow is mostly within Florida.
What these numbers are, and are not
Redfin is clear about the method. The data do not reflect actual moves. They are based on a sample of about two million Redfin.com users who searched for homes across more than 100 metro areas, and a user must have viewed at least 10 homes in a three month period to be counted. They measure intent, not closings.
This research did not find a reliable source for international buyer numbers, so this post does not make claims about them. If international demand matters to your plans, ask your agent for current figures from the local Realtor association.
The luxury end is active
MIAMI Realtors reported on October 16, 2026 that Miami-Dade recorded 24 single-family and condo sales of $30 million or more through September 2026, topping the full year 2025 record of 21. The association's chief economist said upper end buyers have remained active. The association's totals leave out most new construction sales.
What it means for buyers
Out of state demand is a reason to prepare early. If you are relocating, get pre-approved, learn the neighborhoods before you visit, and decide on your priorities for commute, school options, insurance and monthly cost. Remember that Redfin rates many of these markets as not very competitive, so you may have time to compare.
What it means for sellers
If you own a home here, steady interest from other metros is helpful, but it does not replace accurate pricing. Redfin's September 2026 data show homes selling about 3 to 7 percent below asking across six cities. Price with recent sales in mind and prepare your paperwork so you can respond to interested buyers.
Keep the finances in view
Freddie Mac's survey of October 15, 2026 put the 30 year fixed mortgage rate at 7.40 percent, as reported by Bridge Point Business and Real Estate Advisors. Relocating buyers should get a written quote and add taxes, insurance and association fees to find a true monthly cost.
Sources: Redfin housing market pages for Miami Beach, Aventura, Davie, Weston, Plantation and Fort Lauderdale, migration and relocation sections, April to June 2026. Haute Residence, October 19, 2026, citing MIAMI REALTORS and RWorld, October 16, 2026. Bridge Point, October 15, 2026. Viewed October 21, 2026.
If you're looking to buy, sell, or invest in South Florida, Dean's the one for all your real estate needs.
Dean Isenberg, call 305-929-DEAN (305-929-3326), toll-free 833-ONE-DEAN (833-663-3326), or visit ONEDean.com
