How COVID-19 has changed where Americans live

The pandemic has changed how we work, how we live and, according to a new survey from the Pew Research Center, for many, it’s changing where we live.

Pew ran a survey in early June, and found about 22% of adults in the U.S. either moved because of the pandemic or know someone who has.

The biggest share of the movers was young people ages 18 to 29. About 1 in 10 of those adults relocated because of COVID-19, many prompted by college shutdowns.

People surveyed also told Pew they left to reduce their risk of catching the virus or because of financial reasons like job losses.

Actor Tracey Stephens was touring with a political comedy troupe that had all its shows cancelled when the pandemic started.

“I just had to make a choice, where either I stay in D.C., paying crazy rent with no job, or do I pack things up and just sit and wait it out? But better to sit and wait it out with family,” Stephens said.

Stephens ended her lease and moved in with her parents in Atlanta, where she’s finding some work.

Thirteen percent left their homes for a second home or vacation property, but 61% of the millions of people relocating because of the pandemic moved in with family, primarily with their parents or in-laws.