Over the past few years, many families embraced suburban living for the first time, leaving the city for space, quiet, and a new way of life. These moves were often driven by the unique circumstances of the time—remote work, a need for more room, and an urgency to make big decisions quickly.
Fast forward to today, and life is settling into more familiar rhythms. With companies enforcing return-to-office mandates and families reflecting on what they’ve learned about their new communities, many are rethinking where “home” should be.
Welcome to the era of re-suburbing—a chance to pause, reassess, and move to a suburban community that truly fits your family’s lifestyle, values, and long-term plans.
Why Families Are Re-Suburbing
The pandemic-era wave of suburban migration brought about some big changes, but not every move resulted in a perfect fit. Many families made decisions based on immediate needs rather than future priorities. Space became the top priority, with some relocating to towns or states they hadn’t considered. And while these moves may have checked a few boxes at the time, they often came with compromises families are now revisiting.
“We’re hearing from many new clients ready for a ‘take two,’” says Alli Levine, Director of Communications at Suburban Jungle. “During the pandemic, families moved quickly—whether for proximity to loved ones, more space, or the ability to work remotely. As priorities have shifted with the return to office or kids starting school, they’re ready to find a community that truly works for their lifestyle.”
For many families, re-suburbing isn’t about undoing their previous decision but refining it. It’s a chance to dig deeper, reassess what they’ve learned over the past few years, and find a town that best aligns with their evolving goals.
Strategy is Key to a Successful Search
When it comes to finding the perfect suburb, strategy is everything. At Suburban Jungle, the process begins with an in-depth strategy session that goes beyond commute times and school rankings. It’s about truly understanding what makes a community feel like “home.”
“When clients work with us, we guide them through every step of the search,” says Alli. “It’s not just about the essentials, like commute and schools, but also about lifestyle, community vibe, and even how ‘suburban’ they want to go.”
For example, walkability is a frequent topic of discussion. While city life offers unparalleled accessibility, the definition of walkability in the suburbs can vary greatly. Do you envision stepping out your front door and being minutes from coffee shops, parks, and the train? Or are you okay with a short drive to downtown, preferring a home with more space and privacy? These preferences often shape the suburban experience in ways many families don’t realize until they’ve lived it.
Another critical factor is balancing differing preferences within a family. “We often see couples with opposing views on what their ideal town looks like,” Alli explains. “Our role is to help them explore various options, from walkable downtowns to more spacious, quieter neighborhoods, and find a balance where both partners feel at home.”
Suburban Jungle’s town-first approach ensures clients find the right community before searching for a home. Many re-suburbing clients had focused on the house for their initial move. “A lot of these moves happened quickly during a chaotic time,” Alli adds. “Now, families are coming to us for guidance, knowing we can help them make a more informed decision that aligns with their priorities.”
This tailored approach ensures that families feel confident and empowered throughout the process, exploring towns that check every box on their list—and often discovering priorities they hadn’t considered before.
The Return-to-Office Shift
One of the biggest drivers of the re-suburbing trend? Commuting. Companies like Amazon, Apple, and Salesforce have rolled out return-to-office mandates, pushing families to rethink their proximity to the city.
“When remote work was the norm, people didn’t worry about living hours—or even states—away from the office,” says Alli. “But now, with many being called back three, four, or even five days a week, commuting has become a top concern.”
Families are weighing more than just distance—they’re assessing the quality of their commute. Does their town have a direct train line to the office? How frequent are trains during peak hours? Is parking at the station convenient? And perhaps most importantly, how comfortable is the ride itself? For many, a slightly longer train ride with a guaranteed seat beats a shorter, more crowded commute.
This shift has made towns with strong transit options and proximity to the city more appealing than ever, leading families to reevaluate their current situations.
What Suburban Jungle Clients Are Looking For
Re-suburbing isn’t just about cutting down commute times—it’s about finding a community that works for every aspect of your family’s life. Here’s what Suburban Jungle clients are prioritizing in their searches:
#1. Commute
A manageable and comfortable commute is now non-negotiable. Families are prioritizing direct train lines, reliable schedules, and easy access to transportation hubs. The goal is to minimize stress and reclaim valuable time during the workweek.
#2. Schools
Education is always a top priority for families, especially those with kids entering kindergarten or transitioning into higher grades. Strong schools don’t just support academics—they often create a sense of community and stability, making them a crucial factor in decision-making.
#3. Lifestyle
Many families who initially prioritized space are now focusing on lifestyle. Vibrant downtowns, outdoor activities, and cultural amenities have become key considerations. Families want more than a backyard—a community that feels engaging and connected.
Your Take Two (AKA Let’s Get It Right This Time)
Re-suburbing is about so much more than finding a new house. It’s about discovering the right town for your family’s lifestyle, values, and future. Maybe the first time around, you made a quick decision during a chaotic time. This time, Suburban Jungle can guide you through a process that ensures your next move is the right one.
“When families come to us, they’re not just looking for a house—they’re looking for a community,” Alli explains. “We help them uncover the nuances of suburban life, from culture and schools to local amenities and long-term potential. Our goal is to ensure every family feels confident and excited about their next chapter.”
Schedule a free initial strategy call today, and let’s find the place that feels like home—for now and for the future.
