The Rise of the Cozy Revolution: How Americans are Choosing Home Sweet Home After the Pandemic

ATLANTA – Recent studies indicate that the trend of remaining indoors and engaging in fewer external activities is persisting from the pandemic period. 

Moreover, this shift is seemingly influencing individuals and communities across multiple dimensions, including psychological, social, and economic aspects. 

Key insights:

The research from Clemson University and UCLA’s Institutes of Transportation Studies indicates that since 2019, residents of the United States have decreased their time dedicated to out-of-home activities by nearly an hour on a daily basis. The average duration for such activities dropped from 334 minutes (5.5 hours) each day to 271 minutes (4.5 hours) by 2021. 

The context:

The patterns developed during the COVID-19 lockdowns have contributed to a widespread acceptance of the “homebody” lifestyle. 

Eric Morris, one of the study’s contributors, commented, “Dining out and drinking at bars and restaurants have also diminished. Perhaps we are engaging in less shopping, which is evidently declining. Maybe we require fewer dining establishments.” He further pointed out the difficulties faced by commercial real estate and city administrations, noting, “Certain municipal areas are experiencing significant challenges with office vacancies, leading to struggles in downtown recoveries.”

Why this matters:

The transition towards reduced out-of-home engagements affects local economies, retail sectors, and city planning. Diminished foot traffic in retail locations is creating obstacles for commercial property markets and urban infrastructure, leading researchers to contemplate necessary modifications for subsequent projects.

Future considerations:

As these tendencies persist, urban planners and local administrations may need to reassess infrastructure to accommodate the lesser demand for retail and dining facilities. This might involve transforming underused spaces or developing more community-oriented areas to address shifting requirements.