Key facts
- Raleigh, North Carolina, is the top market for 'baby chasers,' a trend of older Americans moving near children and grandchildren.
- The 2026 Baby Chaser Index by NewHomeSource and Zonda identifies markets with growth in both younger and older demographics.
- Family connections are the primary driver for retirees relocating.
- Top markets combine job growth, quality of life, and housing affordability.
- Data shows increased inventory, longer selling times, and price reductions in these growing metros, offering buyer flexibility.
Raleigh, North Carolina, has emerged as the leading market for 'baby chasing,' a demographic trend where older Americans relocate to be closer to their children and grandchildren. This designation comes from the 2026 Baby Chaser Index, released by NewHomeSource and Zonda, which identifies housing markets experiencing growth across multiple generations.
The annual index found that Raleigh, which climbed from third to first place, added 24,000 households in 2025, driven by growth in both younger and older demographics. This trend is supported by research indicating that one in four baby boomers intend to retire near their children or grandchildren, with family connections cited as the primary driver for such moves.
Markets like Nashville, Houston, Dallas, and Charlotte also feature in the top 10, alongside Boise, Charleston, Austin, San Antonio, and Atlanta. These locations typically combine robust job markets and quality-of-life factors, such as educational and healthcare opportunities, with housing affordability that benefits both young families and relocating parents.
Markets in the Carolinas and Texas continue to show strong performance, though Florida markets were absent from this year's top 10. While population growth is significant, recent housing data suggests increased inventory, longer selling times, and frequent price reductions in these metros. For instance, Raleigh-Cary has a median list price of $484,069 with homes averaging 102 days on the market, and 48% of listings experiencing price cuts. Similarly, Charlotte shows a median list price of $479,000 with 54% of properties seeing price reductions.
This market dynamic, characterized by longer marketing times and price adjustments, could provide greater flexibility and negotiation opportunities for seniors considering a move to be closer to family, offering a range of choices based on budget and lifestyle preferences.
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