Owners of homes built since 2020 face significantly longer driving commutes compared to other homeowners within the same metro areas, according to a recent analysis by John Burns Research & Consulting, a firm specializing in home-building trends. The report found that residents of newer homes spend nearly 31 minutes on one-way car commutes—about 12 percent more time than the average homeowner.

Newer homes are often located farther from urban job centers, largely due to the availability of more affordable land on the outskirts of metropolitan regions. “New homes are typically built farther out, especially for affordable entry-level communities,” said Alex Thomas, a research manager at the firm. Entry-level homebuyers tend to be more sensitive to price and often prioritize lower mortgage payments over shorter commuting distances, which contributes to these extended travel times.

The study focused exclusively on driving commutes, including travel by car, truck, or van. In many cases, owners of recently built homes also face longer drives for errands such as shopping and entertainment. Rising gas prices have increased the cost burden of these longer trips, although recent geopolitical developments, including an accord aimed at ending the conflict in Iran, may eventually ease fuel costs. Despite growing interest in electric vehicles, they still represent a very small proportion of the market.

Among U.S. cities, Stockton, California, stands out for having the largest disparity. There, owners of new homes commute by car 41 percent longer on average than other homeowners in the Bay Area metro region, reflecting Stockton’s position as an affordability-driven exurban market.

Conversely, owners of older homes, particularly those built before 1960, are more likely to use alternative modes of transportation. Nearly 8 percent of these homeowners commute by public transit, bicycle, or on foot, highlighting a greater reliance on non-driving options in established neighborhoods.

Remote work offers some relief for longer commutes. Approximately 20 percent of owners of newly constructed homes reported working from home at least three days per week. However, the ability to work remotely is often limited to higher-level employees, with entry-level workers less likely to have flexible work arrangements.

Overall, the findings underscore a continuing trend in the housing market where affordability drives residential development outward, resulting in longer and more time-consuming commutes for many new homeowners.