We are finally beginning to settle back into normal life after the pandemic, which means that there are now new patterns that are shaped by economic factors, changing work dynamics, and lifestyle preferences.
Throughout the past few years, there have been significant shifts in how and where Americans choose to live, and our collective moving patterns tell a story of changing values and adapting lifestyles. Let’s talk more about the latest moving trends and discuss where people are packing up for and why.
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Where Are the Most Popular States to Move to?
The allure of Southern states is still as strong as ever, but there’s been a noticeable shift in which areas are attracting the most newcomers. Here are the top states to move to:
North Carolina
North Carolina, also known as the Tar Heel State, is experiencing a boom in popularity and is one of the most moved to states. This state has diverse landscaping that ranges from beautiful beaches to stunning mountain vistas.
Cities like Charlotte, Raleigh, and Asheville are drawing in both young professionals and families because of their thriving job markets, vibrant cultural scenes, and relatively affordable cost of living.
North Carolina is the perfect blend of urban amenities and natural beauty, which is a huge part of the appeal. The Research Triangle, comprising Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, continues to be a magnet for tech and biotech companies, providing ample job opportunities.
Meanwhile, the state’s more laid-back areas offer a slower pace of life without sacrificing access to modern conveniences.
South Carolina
South Carolina is another popular state where people are moving. The state’s low cost of living, warm climate, and access to both beaches and mountains make it an attractive destination. Cities like Greenville and Myrtle Beach are particularly popular, offering a mix of southern charm and modern amenities.
The state’s affordability is a major plus for many movers. South Carolina’s housing costs and overall cost of living are significantly lower than the national average, making it a great option for both retirees and young families. The state’s growing economy, particularly in sectors like manufacturing and tourism, is also attracting new residents seeking job opportunities.
Tennessee
Tennessee, the Volunteer State, is quickly becoming a go-to destination for anyone looking to move. Nashville’s booming music and tech scenes, coupled with no state income tax, make it especially appealing.
It’s not just about the big cities, though – smaller towns like Knoxville and Johnson City are also seeing growth as people look for a slower pace of life without sacrificing access to urban amenities.
Tennessee’s diverse geography, from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Mississippi River, offers a variety of lifestyles to suit different preferences. Additionally, its strong economy, anchored by industries like healthcare, automotive manufacturing, and music provides a solid job market for newcomers.
Georgia
The Peach State is another place that is rising in moving trends, as Atlanta takes the lead in attracting new residents. Atlanta’s diverse economy, cultural offerings, and affordable housing market compared to other major metros make it a smart choice for families and young professionals.
Beyond Atlanta, Georgia offers a mix of bustling cities, charming small towns, and coastal communities. Georgia’s growing film industry has brought new jobs and a ton of admiration. In the meantime, cities like Savannah offer a unique blend of history, culture, and coastal living that appeals to many residents.
| State | Key Cities | Highlights |
| North Carolina | Charlotte, Raleigh, Asheville | Diverse landscapes, strong job market, affordable cost of living, vibrant cultural scenes. |
| South Carolina | Greenville, Myrtle Beach | Low cost of living, warm climate, mix of southern charm and modern amenities, growing economy. |
| Tennessee | Nashville, Knoxville, Johnson City | Booming music and tech scenes, no state income tax, diverse geography, strong job market. |
| Georgia | Atlanta, Savannah | Affordable housing, diverse economy, cultural offerings, growing film industry, a mix of cities and towns. |
Where Are People Moving From?
Just as interesting as where people are moving to is where they’re leaving. Here are the states and cities seeing the most outbound moves:
California
There are a ton of people moving out of the Golden State, mostly from major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. Between the high costs of living, crazy house prices, and quality of life concerns, many California residents are looking for more affordable places to live.
Even though the state has beautiful weather and a strong economy, its high taxes and skyrocketing housing costs are pushing many residents to consider other options. Traffic congestion, concerns about crime in some urban areas, and the increasing frequency of natural disasters like wildfires are also contributing factors.
New York
The New York City area, including parts of New Jersey and Connecticut, is also experiencing high rates of outbound moves. The pandemic accelerated a trend of people leaving the city for more space and lower costs of living.
While New York City will always have people devoted to living there, the challenges of urban living became more pronounced during the pandemic. The high costs, small living spaces, and the desire to have more outdoor access has led many people to reconsider their attachment to living in the Big Apple and its surrounding areas.
Illinois
Chicago, in particular, is seeing a notable number of residents pack up and leave and is one of the states people are leaving. While Chicago is home to many major companies, it’s not always enough to keep employees to stay.
High taxes, concerns about crime, and harsh winters are often the reasons why people are leaving. Illinois’ fiscal challenges, including high property taxes and ongoing pension issues, have created a level of uncertainty, prompting residents to look elsewhere.
Illinois’ population has been particularly pronounced in rural areas and smaller cities, reflecting border trends of urbanization and economic shifts.
Florida
While Florida remains a popular destination for many, some areas like Miami are actually seeing more people leave than arrive. Rising housing costs, insurance woes, and increasing concerns about climate change and severe weather are contributing factors.
In recent years, Florida’s popularity has led to rapid development and rising costs in many areas, particularly along the coasts. The increasing frequency and severity of hurricanes, coupled with rising insurance premiums, are causing some residents to rethink their long-term plans in the Sunshine State.
| State/City | Key Issues | Contributing Factors |
| California | High cost of living, housing prices, quality of life issues | High taxes, expensive housing, traffic congestion, and natural disasters like wildfires. |
| New York | High cost of living, small living spaces | Pandemic-driven desire for more space, high costs, urban living challenges. |
| Illinois | High taxes, crime concerns, harsh winters | Fiscal challenges, high property taxes, economic uncertainty, harsh weather. |
| Florida | Rising housing costs, insurance woes, climate concerns | Increasing costs, severe weather events like hurricanes, rising insurance premiums. |
Why Are Companies Moving?
It’s not just individuals and families on the move – businesses are relocating too. Companies are increasingly drawn to states offering lower operational costs, tax incentives, and a better quality of life for employees. Texas, Georgia, Arizona, North Carolina, and Tennessee are particularly popular destinations for corporate relocations.
Cities like Austin, Atlanta, Phoenix, Raleigh, and Nashville are benefiting from this trend. They offer a combination of business-friendly policies, growing talent pools, and attractive lifestyles that appeal to both companies and their employees. The shift to remote work has also allowed companies to be more flexible in their location choices.
Some companies maintain a presence in major cities, while also opening smaller offices in more affordable areas. This approach allows them to tap into diverse talent pools and potentially reduce costs.
What Are the Top Cities People Are Moving to?
While state-level trends are important, city-specific data reveals even more interesting patterns. Here are some of the hottest destinations for movers:
Myrtle Beach, SC / Wilmington, NC
This coastal region, spanning two states, tops the list for the second year running. Beautiful beaches, a relaxed lifestyle, and lower costs of living compared to many other coastal areas make this a popular choice for both retirees and remote workers.
The area’s growing economy, particularly in sectors like healthcare and tourism, provides job opportunities beyond just seasonal work. The mild climate and abundance of outdoor recreation options are also major pros for anyone looking for a more active lifestyle.
Ocala, FL
While Florida has seen a slowdown in new arrivals overall, Ocala bucks the trend. Located in central Florida, it offers a more affordable alternative to coastal cities while still providing access to many of the state’s amenities.
Ocala’s “Horse Capital of the World” moniker reflects its strong equestrian culture, attracting enthusiasts from around the country. Ocala’s location is about halfway between Orlando and Gainesville, which provides access to larger job markets while maintaining a small-town feel.
Houston, TX
As the largest city in Texas, Houston continues to draw in new residents with its strong job market, diverse economy, and relatively affordable housing compared to other major metros. Houston’s lack of zoning laws has led to a unique urban landscape and generally more affordable housing options.
The city’s diversity, both in terms of population and economic opportunities, makes it attractive to a wide range of newcomers.
Greenville-Spartanburg, SC
This upstate South Carolina region is gaining popularity for its blend of outdoor recreation, growing job opportunities, and lower cost of living compared to larger cities. This area has successfully reinvented itself from its textile manufacturing past, now having a diverse economy with strengths in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and technology.
The revitalized downtown areas of both Greenville and Spartanburg offer the urban amenities many look for without the high costs associated with larger cities.
Charlotte, NC
North Carolina’s largest city is attracting newcomers with its booming financial sector, growing tech scene, and quality of life offerings that rival much larger metros.
Charlotte’s reputation as a banking hub has expanded to include a growing technology sector, providing more diverse job opportunities. Its investment in public transportation and green spaces has enhanced its livability, making it attractive to both young professionals and families.
Common Moving Trends
There are several key factors that shape moving trends:
Inflation and Interest Rates
High inflation and interest rates are impacting the housing market and, by extension, moving patterns. While housing inventory is growing in many areas, high mortgage rates are making it difficult for many to buy. This is leading some potential movers to stay put or consider renting instead.
The Federal Reserve’s efforts to combat inflation have led to higher interest rates, making mortgages more expensive. This has cooled the housing market in many areas, potentially slowing the pace of moves. However, it has also created opportunities for cash buyers and anyone able to navigate the higher rate environment.
Severe Weather and Natural Disasters
It is becoming very common for climate change concerns to be factored into moving decisions. Areas that are prone to hurricanes, wildfires, or flooding are seeing some residents leave for safer ground. This moving trend is particularly noticeable in coastal Florida and parts of California.
The increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters are prompting many to reassess their long-term living situations. Areas with more stable climates and a lower risk of extreme weather are becoming more attractive. This shift could have long-term effects on property values and insurance costs in high-risk areas.
Cost of Rentals
As fewer people are able to buy homes due to high interest rates, demand for rentals is increasing in many cities. This is driving up rental costs, which in turn is influencing where people choose to move.
The rental market has become increasingly competitive in many areas, with rising prices and low vacancy rates. This is particularly challenging for young adults and lower-income families, possibly driving them to consider less expensive areas or shared living arrangements.
Return-to-Office Regulations
As more companies implement return-to-office policies, we may see a shift in moving trends. Some remote workers who relocated during the pandemic may need to move closer to their offices.
However, this trend isn’t as pronounced as some predicted, with many companies adopting hybrid models that still allow for some remote work. In fact, we’ve seen multiple situations with companies like Amazon and Walmart forcing employees back into the office and firing them if they don’t comply.
The ongoing negotiation between employers and employees over work arrangements is influencing moving decisions. Some workers are prioritizing flexibility and may choose to live further from traditional job centers if they can maintain a primarily remote or hybrid work arrangement.
Final Thoughts
Moving trends in America continue to evolve, shaped by economic factors, lifestyle preferences, and broader societal trends. The Southern states remain the most popular, but we’re seeing shifts towards up and coming areas in the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Georgia.
If you are considering moving, consider using ARC Relocation’s Realtor Rebate Program. As a homebuyer or seller, you may be able to receive a cash rebate based on your property’s purchase or sale price when you work with a real estate agent through ARC.