What Winter-Haters Get Wrong
“How to Build a Life” is a weekly column by Arthur Brooks, tackling questions of meaning and happiness. Click here to listen to his new podcast series on all things happiness, How to Build a Happy Life.
For many years, the rate at which Americans move has been falling. But as remote work has gone from a necessity during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic to an unforeseen employment perk, that trend might be coming to an end. Twenty-two percent of Americans relocated during the pandemic or know someone who did, according to the Pew Research Center. Another survey found that a whopping 56 percent said they planned to move in 2021.
People have lots of reasons to move, whether they’re considering proximity to family (to get more—or less!). As I write, I am looking out my window at a gray fall morning in Boston and know full well what gloom lies ahead. As people all over the Northern Hemisphere face a long, cold, dark winter, you might be thinking that now is your chance to look for a sunnier place to live. Some in places such as South Carolina and Texas want you to think you’ll be happier if you do.
