Midwest
The nation’s largest study exploring what makes homeowners happy where it matters most — in their homes.
How Happy are Midwestern Homeowners?
With friendly (and booming) cities, mouth-watering cuisine — Like Kansas City BBQ, St. Louis’ Provel Cheese and Chicago-style pizza — iconic sports franchises and top-notch art communities, Midwesterners are a happy bunch. Especially when it comes to their homes. Homeowners in this region say their central air conditioning, new roofs, hardwood floors and growing property values give them reason to celebrate.
Happiest Home Projects
Midwestern homeowners told us about the completed home projects that have brought them the most joy — and about the projects they desire that will make them even happier. When projects overlap, it means they make homeowners happy whether they’re enjoying them now or aspiring to enjoy them later.
Top Completed Projects
Already Making Homeowners Happy
- Paint interior room/area
- Remodel the kitchen
- Replace/refinish flooring
- Remodel (a) bathroom
- Plant garden/landscape
Top Projects That Would
Make Homeowners Happier
- Remodel the kitchen
- Remodel (a) bathroom
- Install or replace driveway or walkway
- Replace/refinish flooring
- Replace/add windows
A Snapshot of the Typical Home
The results of our 2017 Homeowner Happiness Survey suggest that these characteristics describe the average Midwestern home:
Homeowners have:
3.2 bedrooms
Homeowners have:
2.1 bathrooms
Average time living in home:
13 years
Average square footage:
1,790
Age of home:
41 years
Northeast
The nation’s largest study exploring what makes homeowners happy where it matters most — in their homes.
How Happy are Northeastern Homeowners?
The Northeast’s bustling cities, three centuries of history, world-renowned arts culture and serious love of seafood (Maine even passed a law in 1939 banning tomatoes in clam chowder) make it one of the most iconic regions in the United States — and home to some of its happiest homeowners. But it’s not just lobster rolls and a storied past that keep North Easterners content. Homeowners on the eastern seaboard cite hardwood floors, remodeled kitchens, patios and decks as major contributors to their satisfaction.
Happiest Home Projects
Northeastern homeowners told us about the completed home projects that have brought them the most joy — and about the projects they desire that will make them even happier. When projects overlap, it means they make homeowners happy whether they’re enjoying them now or aspiring to enjoy them later.
Top Completed Projects
Already Making Homeowners Happy
- Remodel the kitchen
- Paint interior room/area
- Remodel (a) bathroom
- Replace/refinish flooring
- Plant garden/landscape
Top Projects That Would
Make Homeowners Happier
- Remodel the kitchen
- Remodel (a) bathroom
- Replace/add windows
- Install or replace driveway or walkway
- Build a patio / deck / porch / sun room
A Snapshot of the Typical Home
The results of our 2017 Homeowner Happiness Survey suggest that these characteristics describe the average Northeastern home:
Homeowners have:
3.1 bedrooms
Homeowners have:
2 bathrooms
Average time living in home:
15 years
Average square footage:
1,680
Age of home:
46 years
South
The nation’s largest study exploring what makes homeowners happy where it matters most — in their homes.
How Happy are Southern Homeowners?
What’s making almost 90 percent of Southern homeowners happy? It’s not just the “yes ma’ams,” sweet tea, Mardi Gras parades, football tailgates and beautiful beaches. Southerners also enjoy central air conditioning, natural light, hardwood flooring, adequate closet storage and new roofs. Additionally, with an average home age of 28, southerners have the newest homes in the country.
Happiest Home Projects
Southern homeowners told us about the completed home projects that have brought them the most joy — and about the projects they desire that will make them even happier. When projects overlap, it means they make homeowners happy whether they’re enjoying them now or aspiring to enjoy them later.
Top Completed Projects
Already Making Homeowners Happy
- Paint interior room/area
- Remodel the kitchen
- Replace/refinish flooring
- Remodel (a) bathroom
- Plant garden/landscape
Top Projects That Would
Make Homeowners Happier
- Remodel the kitchen
- Remodel (a) bathroom
- Replace/add windows
- Replace/refinish flooring
- Plant garden/landscape
A Snapshot of the Typical Home
The results of our 2017 Homeowner Happiness Survey suggest that these characteristics describe the average Southern home:
Homeowners have:
3.2 bedrooms
Homeowners have:
2.3 bathrooms
Average time living in home:
12 years
Average square footage:
1,880
Age of home:
28 years
West
The nation’s largest study exploring what makes homeowners happy where it matters most — in their homes.
How Happy are Western Homeowners?
Where do 10-gallon hats, surfer havens and some of biggest — and quirkiest — cities in the country collide? The American West. While the looks and culture of this region may vary, one thing remains the same: western homeowners are a happy group — and for good reason. Homes in the West are generally newer than those in the North or Midwest, and include natural light, central air conditioning, fresh paint and an abundance of trees. Growing home equity is also keeping western homeowners content.
Happiest Home Projects
Western homeowners told us about the completed home projects that have brought them the most joy — and about the projects they desire that will make them even happier. When projects overlap, it means they make homeowners happy whether they’re enjoying them now or aspiring to enjoy them later.
Top Completed Projects
Already Making Homeowners Happy
- Remodel the kitchen
- Paint interior room/area
- Replace/refinish flooring
- Remodel (a) bathroom
- Plant garden/landscape
Top Projects That Would
Make Homeowners Happier
- Remodel the kitchen
- Remodel (a) bathroom
- Replace/refinish flooring
- Paint exterior
- Replace/add windows
A Snapshot of the Typical Home
The results of our 2017 Homeowner Happiness Survey suggest that these characteristics describe the average Western home:
Homeowners have:
3.2 bedrooms
Homeowners have:
2.2 bathrooms
Average time living in home:
12 years
Average square footage:
1,840
Age of home:
35 years
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