📰 What Happened: Despite ideological mismatches, millions are leaving blue states for red-state metros in the Sunbelt, driven by housing affordability. The migration highlights the growing gap between political values and economic necessity, as even marginalized groups relocate to access affordable housing and better living standards.

🔍 A Closer Look: Sunbelt states offer cheaper housing largely because of permissive zoning and sprawl-based development. However, most new supply comes in the form of oversized, car-dependent homes rather than true “starter homes.” Meanwhile, more affordable condos and manufactured housing face zoning hurdles or bans, even in more build-friendly states.

🧠 Why It Matters: As affordable housing pulls residents into red states, Democrats risk long-term electoral losses. Solving housing affordability in blue states by allowing denser, modest housing could stabilize population trends, support economic equity, and preserve political representation.