Beyond the Welcome Mat: The Rise of Outdoor Living

Outdoor spaces are stealing the spotlight.

Outdoor spaces are no longer just for summer barbecues; they’ve become an extension of the home itself. In fact, 60% of homeowners say they’ve canceled plans just to hang out in their backyard, and over a quarter say they spend more than 10 hours outside every week.

With more people embracing outdoor living as a lifestyle, the wish lists are getting longer and more luxurious. If money were no object, homeowners say the #1 feature they’d add today is a resort-style pool with a waterfall (27%). Rounding out the top dream upgrades?

• A climate-controlled greenhouse, for year-round veggies and major zen 
• An outdoor kitchen with a pizza oven 
• A guest house, for when the in-laws visit 

Trending outdoor projects, and how much it costs to bring them to life.

To find out what’s trending outdoors, Zillow analyzed AI-powered natural language search data to uncover the most sought-after outdoor features on Zillow. The top contenders? Functional favorites like patios and fences, alongside aspirational upgrades like pools, gardens, and detached garages. These projects not only improve everyday comfort but can also boost curb appeal and possibly home value.

Here's how much these popular upgrades cost, on average:

1. Patio - $4,598
2. Swimming Pool - $1,500 to $85,000+ (depending on the type of pool, materials, and design)
3. Fence - $3,314
4. Detached Garage - $16,000-$37,000 (depending on size)
5. Garden - $373-$1,382

And the dream doesn’t stop at typical backyard features. Zillow’s top outdoor searches also include “barn,” “farm,” “horses,” and even “pond,” proving that #CountryCore isn’t just having a moment on social media–it’s now defining outdoor aesthetics for homes. Homesteading and hobby farming are on the rise, with more homeowners craving space, nature, and a little rural flair, even if they’ve never actually ridden a horse. In fact, 50% of homeowners have dreamed of owning a farm or horses and over half (59%) of people would move farther from a city to have more land.

“We’re seeing a growing interest in horse and farm properties on Zillow,” said Amanda Pendleton, Zillow’s home trends expert. “Whether it’s the dream of keeping animals, growing a garden, or simply enjoying wide-open views, these outdoor features offer a sense of escape and possibility that’s hard to find in more urban settings. For many, it’s about embracing a lifestyle that feels both aspirational and attainable — one where they can put down roots and make the outdoors truly their own.”

Homeowners are willing to sacrifice (and even go into debt) for the perfect yard.

The obsession with outdoor living runs deep. So deep, in fact, that many homeowners would give up beloved indoor features in exchange for their dream outdoor setup. If you would trade your kitchen island or spa-like bathroom for more backyard bliss, you wouldn't be alone.

And when it comes to financing the dream? A full 71% said they’d consider going into debt to build the ultimate outdoor space. It’s clear: curb appeal isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s become a lifestyle investment.

You don’t need a full makeover—or a big budget—to upgrade your yard. Start by investing in quality outdoor furniture that reflects your style. It creates a lasting foundation you’ll love year after year. Then refresh the look with budget-friendly updates like throw pillows, rugs, and potted plants.

Curious who has already hopped on the trend? These cities are leading the pack.

From porch remodels to pool installations and lush gardens, homeowners across the country are rolling up their sleeves (and calling in the pros) to boost their curb appeal. Whether it’s a full-service lawn makeover or just fresh fence paint, these cities are investing to create outdoor spaces that reflect their personal style and boost their curb appeal along the way.

Of course, even dream yards come with a chore list.

While upgrading your outdoor space can bring serious joy, maintenance isn’t always a walk in the park. Here are homeowners top complaints when it comes to maintaining their yard.

Despite these pain points, most homeowners say they’d rather focus their energy (and their budgets) on upgrades that deliver lasting value (and maybe spark a little curb appeal envy from the neighbors). Some tools can also make maintenance easier. A fork-style weeder pulls up the whole root without forcing you to bend, and tackling weeds when the soil is moist makes the job much easier.

And while a picture-perfect lawn is the dream, not every outdoor trend is winning over the neighborhood. Inflatable holiday decorations for every season drew the most side-eye, with 27% of homeowners saying they’ve seen enough seasonal inflatables to last all year. Faux grass earned mixed reviews, too: low maintenance is great, but 21% aren’t sold on the synthetic look. Then there are giant patio TVs—great for movie nights, but some homeowners (18%) would rather enjoy the sunset than the screen. 

Ready to build your own backyard oasis?

Whether you’re dreaming of a garden that grows with you, a pool that turns your backyard into a resort, or just want to enjoy a perfectly mowed lawn without the hassle, Thumbtack can help.

Download the Thumbtack app today to connect with local pros who can help you accomplish more at home and bring your outdoor vision to life. Stylish patios, lush lawns, and next-level curb appeal are just a tap away.

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Survey Methodology: 

This SurveyMonkey online poll was conducted between June 5-6 among a national sample of 1,036 homeowners (18+). Respondents for this survey were selected from the nearly 3 million people who take surveys on the SurveyMonkey platform each day. The modeled error estimate for this survey is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.

Zillow Methodology:

Zillow analyzed hundreds of search terms from April 2025 to identify common outdoor features shoppers are searching for using natural language search on Zillow. This AI-powered tool lets shoppers search for homes in the same way they would talk to their friends and family by entering conversational phrases into the search bar.

Thumbtack Methodology:

Thumbtack looked at data on which projects customers have requested on Thumbtack related to backyard maintenance and improvements. The Thumbtack request data is from January to May 2025 and includes the following categories: Deck or Porch Remodel or Addition, Outdoor Landscaping and Design, Swimming Pool Installation, Swimming Pool Maintenance and Cleaning, Gardening, Garage Installation, Full Service Lawn Care, Lawn Mowing and Trimming and Tree Planting. City rankings for best yards are based on the total number of yard-related Thumbtack requests per capita.