The 2026 Climate Migration Map: Best States To Buy For Long-Term Resilience

Buyers are more sensitive to climate risk than today’s sellers might realize. According to a report by Zillow, 83% of buyers have considered at least one climate risk when entering the real estate market. This could include checking to see if a house is in a flood zone or considering different parts of the country based on their weather patterns.

Currently, multiple maps highlight climate risks and migration patterns because of them. Some Americans are already moving to lower-risk areas, while other maps forecast expected migration trends in the coming years. Recent data and key trends in climate migration are shaping where Americans are moving, and these trends are happening now as climate change impacts become more visible.

FastExpert can provide support whether you live in a higher-risk or lower-risk area. As climate change is increasingly felt across the world, you can make strategic decisions for your housing and your equity. The 2026 Climate Migration Map is based on a rigorous methodology that combines data from multiple sources to assess state-by-state resilience.

Use this guide to understand the 2026 Climate Migration Map: the Best States to Buy for Long-term Resilience. Consider how you can market your house in the face of extreme weather events.

Why Climate Migration Matters in 2026

For many buyers, a house is a significant financial investment, if not their largest financial asset. Only 41% of Americans say they could cover an unexpected expense of $1,000 of more, while 37% of Americans don’t have enough emergency funds to cover a $400 emergency. While homeowners tend to be a little more well off (many mortgage lenders want to ensure their borrowers have a nest egg), many people can’t afford to lose their homes.

While home insurance providers can help with costs after catastrophic weather events, they can be slow-moving and might not pay for everything. Not only do climate disasters cause financial stress, but they also take an emotional toll. The stress of evacuating, losing precious momentos, and rebuilding can wear on families, especially those with kids who need to be brave during scary events.

Climate disasters also have a significant impact on the economy, as natural disasters and severe weather can lead to substantial financial losses, rising insurance costs, and declining property values in high-risk areas. This makes climate-resiliency and building strategies increasingly important for protecting both infrastructure and long-term property investments.

With 83% of buyers considering climate risks before purchasing, some sellers may need to consider how they market their homes and drive up interest in their properties. Homeowners struggling to attract offers can benefit from understanding the reasons a house isn’t selling and what to do, especially if people start migrating away from high-risk areas.

How Climate Change Is Redrawing The Real Estate Map

Climate disasters will start to shape real estate values, driving up costs in more resilient areas while causing population decline in others. Studies show that wealthier Americans are more likely to leave places with higher climate risks because they can afford the moving costs.

However, even middle-class Americans might leave certain markets to save money and live in more resilient parts of the country. In recent years, Florida has some of the highest home insurance premiums in the country at $5,838 per year on average for a $300,000 dwelling. Georgia, its neighboring state, has average costs of $2,041 per year by comparison. Potential property owners might find that moving states allows them to allocate more of their funds to their mortgage payments or put more money into savings.

The FEMA Resilience Analysis map is a good resource for understanding which areas are considered high risk. The counties in yellow, orange, and red have the highest risk of climate-related events, while those in blue have a lower risk. This is a good tool for considering whether your local real estate market is likely to be affected by climate change.

In recent years, the U.S. has seen a shift in migration patterns driven by climate change, with more people moving toward the Northeast, Pacific Northwest, and Great Lakes region.

Climate Risks To Consider When Buying

Every region has different severe weather events to consider. While you may be familiar with your local climate events, it’s important to research other issues that could be affecting areas you plan to move to. Multiple factors, such as the severity of storms, wildfire risk, and air quality, influence climate risk assessments for each region.

Here are a few common global warming risks across different parts of the United States.

• Southeast Coast: hurricanes and coastal flooding. States like Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas are at risk of getting hit by major storms. This risk can extend up into the Carolinas. Coastal states like Florida and Louisiana face serious flooding risks due to rising tides and intensifying storms.
• West Coast: fires and extreme heat. California is considered a high-risk state for wildfires, but many other Western states can be affected. Hotter, drier conditions mean wildfires are becoming more frequent and severe, and these fires can significantly impact air quality even far from the source.
• Northeast and Midwest: extreme cold. States in these regions are at risk of snowstorms and severe temperature drops.

That said, even areas with moderate climate risks could experience unexpected storms. Studies show “Tornado Alley” is shifting east, making it more likely to affect states like Missouri, Arkansas, and Illinois. States within the Appalachian Mountains could face an increased flood risk during particularly rainy seasons.

Extreme heat is now the deadliest weather-related hazard in the U.S., and drought is a growing threat in the Southwest and Great Plains.

Alternatively, flooding is the leading cause of natural disaster losses in the U.S., accounting for up to 90% of all natural disasters.

It’s impossible to avoid every single weather threat. Instead, be informed of potential threats where you live or where you are moving to – and how to prepare for them.

Best States To Buy For Long-Term Resilience

Every state comes with climate change risks and potential threats to your home. However, some states provide a little more security than others. Here’s what you need to know if you are considering where you want to live over the next few decades and are looking for enhanced resilience in your community.

Northeast Picks: Vermont and New Hampshire Rank

If you are considering moving to the Northeast, Vermont and New Hampshire rank highly on the FEMA map because they are far from the coast and have strong community support systems in place. This means various towns and cities are more likely to help each other rebuild and have the resources to do so following a major event.

These states also receive high marks because the natural disaster risk is low. The biggest concerns are related to temperature drops and snow accumulation.

Interior Picks: Low-Risk States For Remote Workers

Climate change is less likely to affect states in the middle of the country. While a hurricane on the coast can devastate several states within a matter of hours, storms across Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma have smaller impacts.

These states are also more rural, offering a lower cost of living and opportunities for people who want larger houses or live on larger plots of land. Buyers looking in these areas can strengthen their position by recognizing signs your offer will be accepted on a house.

Some rural communities are specifically trying to attract remote workers with their affordability and small-town lifestyles. These Zoom towns boast high-speed internet, ample social events, and a break from the stress of city life. If you are seeking remote job opportunities, moving to one of these states might be a good fit for you. In some markets, you may also weigh traditional buyers against selling your home to an investor who can close quickly if you need to relocate.

Coastal Considerations: Weighing Coastal Flooding Risk

Despite the risk of coastal flooding, many people still want to live in communities on the water. That said, not all cities have the same risks. Check the FEMA map to see which areas are more likely to get hit with storms or face flooding. Also, look at flood maps in specific neighborhoods to understand where the water goes.

For example, if desirable waterfront property in one community has suspiciously low property values, that area might be at risk of coastal flooding.

That said, climate change doesn’t stop at county borders or always follow historic trends. Even some of the safest states could face devastating effects of storms and Mother Nature’s wrath.

Building Resilience Into Your Purchase

Not everyone can afford to move to highly resilient areas. Some people need to transfer to specific communities for work, to take care of family, or simply because they match their lifestyle needs. If you are moving to an area that might be affected by climate change, be strategic in how you look for homes. Infrastructure improvements and innovative technologies are critical solutions for building resilience against climate risks. You can build resilience into your home search and find a house that is more likely to weather the storm.

Here are a few tips for building resilience into your home search:

• Know what risks to look for. If you are buying in an area known for its flood risk, check local maps to see which homes are closest to the flood plain. Limit your tours to homes that are in lower-risk areas.
• Look for climate change investments. Check for home improvements to increase energy efficiency and independence, like solar panels and generators. Look for storm windows and proper drainage in flood-prone areas. Recent improvements in the home insurance industry have led to better coverage availability and risk assessment. Know what to look for in the homes you tour.
• Look for homes designed with storm-resistant materials. Buildings constructed with storm-resistant materials can help withstand strong winds and flying debris.
• Consider properties designed with adaptive reuse in mind. Adaptive reuse extends a building’s lifespan and reduces waste, making it a sustainable choice.
• Explore the role of proptech. Proptech provides innovative solutions that enhance resilience, efficiency, and sustainability in adapting buildings to a warmer climate.
• Install renewable energy systems. Renewable energy systems can mitigate climate impact and provide a hedge against rising energy costs.
• Consider smart infrastructure. Smart infrastructure integrates technology and data analytics to optimize energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Regularly assess and maintain climate resiliency efforts. Ongoing assessment and maintenance are critical for continued property management success.
• Be realistic about replacement costs. Consider how much you will need to pay for home insurance to fully cover your property. Insurance pricing and premium growth are influenced by climate risk and regional factors, so build these insurance costs into your monthly budget.
• Wait to fall in love with risky homes. While many people dream about living on a beach or high on a mountain, confirm that you are willing to accept the potential risks and costs of purchasing these types of properties.

Investing in climate-resilient properties can improve investment returns and promote long-term profitability.

Even if you feel comfortable covering the home insurance costs and protecting your home against global warming events, you may have a harder time selling your property in the future. Buyers may also need to factor in hidden structural risks like, buying a house with termites and potential damage, when evaluating long-term resilience. Think about the immediate risks of purchasing high-risk properties and the long-term challenges you might face.

Choosing To Move Or Adapt To Climate Change

In the coming decades, more people will have to decide whether they are going to move or adapt to the effects of climate change. Research shows millions of Americans may shift away from the coastlines because of sea level rise and increased storm intensity. Homeowners will need to decide whether they want to stay where they are (and hope they can sell in the future) or move to other parts of the country where they feel safer.

Property owners who stay can make energy-efficiency and safety improvements to their homes. They can enhance resilience through generators, storm windows, and fire suppression systems. These investments might not completely protect the home, but they can reduce the impacts of climate change. They can also protect home values and keep the properties desirable to buyers.

Resilience improvements come at different budget levels. For example, to prevent water damage, more homeowners are putting their houses on stilts. This can cost between $20,000 and $150,000, depending on the house and location. However, other homeowners are investing in smaller preventive projects, such as ensuring there is adequate drainage and sealing leaks or cracks.

Find an Agent to Navigate Climate Change With FastExpert

You don’t need to be an expert in all things climate when moving to a new community. Instead, you can hire an experienced real estate agent who can help you understand the risks and the potential property improvements to look for. If that partnership isn’t working, it’s possible to change your Realtor after signing a contract by following the right steps. Similarly, as a seller, you can hire a Realtor who knows how to showcase your home’s best features to climate-sensitive buyers, and as a buyer, you may want an agent familiar with unique situations like how to buy a house as a single mom.

Start your home search process with FastExpert. Find an agent who works well with you and understands the risks and opportunities of living in the community. They can provide honest answers and support your buying or selling needs.

When in doubt, ask real estate agents directly about their experience with climate change and natural weather events. Make sure they can speak about their experience navigating disasters and meeting the needs of clients. A good real estate agent shouldn’t be afraid to have these discussions head-on.

Try FastExpert today and take the first steps in your real estate journey, and if you’re an agent, consider creating a free FastExpert agent profile to get qualified leads.