Our “Where Next?” survey explored how the Oat Milk Elite thinks about moving: not just where they might go, but what those choices say about class position, taste, and the trade-offs people are willing to make. The results point to a group that is generally house-proud yet restless, with relocation plans shaped as much by personal aspiration and identity as by financial realities.
The results indicate that, speaking generally, we are house proud, geographically skittish, and moderately discontent – a situation compounded by current mortgage rates, which have slowed movement and intensified our focus on whether a move will deliver cultural fit and status or, alternatively, a lifestyle upgrade. Upon closer inspection, the data suggests (perhaps predictably) that housing attitudes reflect not only varied personal aspirations, but varied family aspirations.
Semi-Rich and Stuck
Though neighborhood satisfaction is strongly correlated with net worth across most wealth brackets, people with a net worth of $750K-$1M – disproportionately coastal professionals with household incomes between $200K-$500K[3] – were less fond of their neighborhoods and less likely to want to live in wealthy neighborhoods. They were also much more likely than others to want to live abroad.
This specific group of white-collar grinders seems to be concerned about personal ROI on significant spend. This graph looks like burnout expressed in terms of housing.
Upper Middle is a member-supported publication. Want access to the data and analysis that has helped 5,300+ anxious professionals re-negotiate their relationship with status, taste, and money?
Already a member? Sign In.
➺ Weekly research-focused "Class Notes" essays looking at learned behaviors, cultural/social biases, and internalized expectations.
➺ Biweekly survey data-driven "Status Report" teardowns of why people like us act like this. (Future state: Access to raw data via AI portals.)
➺ Invitations to "Zero-Martini Lunch" live Q+As with scholars, authors, experts and minor celebrities with insight into the Upper Middle lifestyle.
➺ Other stuff. Access to deals. Introductions…. We're always trying shit.
