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According to a new consumer lifestyle survey from New York-based ""Relocation.com"":http://www.relocation.com, more Americans prefer smaller homes in the suburbs.
Forty-eight percent of the respondents to the nationwide survey stated that their ideal home size ranges from 1,000 to 1,999 square feet, a significant contrast to a ""National Association of Home Builders'"":http://www.nahb.com report five years[IMAGE] [COLUMN_BREAK]
ago that found the average home's square footage was 2,400 feet.
""We're definitely seeing more Americans downsizing due to the current state of the economy,"" said Relocation.com chairman and founder, Sharon Asher. ""But as more homeowners rethink how much space they need, I think we'll continue to see more innovative approaches to living well and sustainably within a smaller footprint.""
The survey also found that 54 percent of Americans prefer living in a suburban neighborhood, where homes are near a city but away from the hubbub. Only 24 percent of respondents indicated that they preferred an urban environment, and 22 percent favor a rural setting.
The survey, which was conducted in mid-October 2010, also revealed that living costs are not the main deciding factor when purchasing a home. Surprisingly, only 29 percent of respondents said it was the most important reason when considering a move.
Relocation.com provides information, tools, and resources for the 40 million people moving each year.
