There are lots of reasons why people choose to move—things like housing prices, overall affordability, job opportunities, lifestyle and even the weather can all play a part. If you’re thinking about relocating, checking out where most people are moving in the U.S. can give you a clear picture of the current trends in how people live, work and spend their time. So whether you’re planning a move or just curious, it’s worth asking: “Where are people moving in 2025?”
Top States for New Residents
Based on data from moving companies and the U.S. Census Bureau, the Sun Belt continues to be the top choice for people relocating between states. Warm weather definitely plays a role in that. When people are asked where they’d like to live, sunny places like Florida, California and Hawaii often come up. But when asked why they would actually move, weather ranks only sixth—other factors like cost of living, jobs and lifestyle are more important.
Top States for New Residents
Based on data from moving companies and the U.S. Census Bureau, the Sun Belt continues to be the top choice for people moving between states. Warm weather definitely plays a role in that. When people are asked where they’d love to live, sunny places like Florida, California and Hawaii are often at the top. But when it comes to the real reasons they consider moving, weather isn’t the biggest factor—it actually ranks sixth. More important reasons people give include:
- Cost of Living
- Personal Safety
- Being Close to Nature
- Living Space
- Family
This trend fits with what we’ve been seeing lately—more people are leaving big cities and moving to the suburbs or countryside to escape high living expenses. Most of the time, they’re not even looking for better jobs—they’re just after a better quality of life that doesn’t require a bigger paycheck. That’s a major reason why so many chose to settle in smaller towns during the pandemic. Thanks to remote work and more flexible schedules, people were able to step away from the busy, stressful city lifestyle and enjoy a simpler, more peaceful way of living in rural areas.
At the moment, over a third of Americans say they’re considering a move this year. The idea of starting over has always been a big part of the American Dream, so it’s no surprise that many people are thinking about it. But if we look at past trends, only about 8 to 10 percent actually go through with it. The ones who do move will probably choose one of the top spots where most people are relocating.
Texas
With low taxes, affordable housing and plenty of open space, Texas has become a favorite spot for families, retirees and young professionals just starting out. In the past few years, industries like finance, healthcare and tech have grown quickly—especially in cities like Austin, Dallas and Houston—almost reaching the level of major hubs like San Francisco and New York. Smaller towns nearby, such as Frisco and The Woodlands, have also seen growth, mainly from remote workers and retirees looking for a quieter, more relaxed place to live.
North Carolina
Almost all of North Carolina’s population growth over the past four years—about 95%—has come from people moving in rather than being born there. In 2024 alone, more than 82,000 new residents made the state their home, putting it right behind Texas. Over half of them (52%) moved for work or to be near family, while another 20% came to enjoy their retirement.
What draws most people to North Carolina is its budget-friendly housing and solid economy. Charlotte, the largest city in the state, is actually the second-biggest banking center in the U.S., right after New York City. Then there’s the Research Triangle—Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill—which is well-known for its strong presence in education, healthcare, tech, life sciences and pharmaceutical research.
Although the larger cities have grown the most, smaller towns near the Blue Ridge Mountains—such as Greensboro and Winston-Salem—have also seen a lot of growth. These towns offer great access to nature and play an important role in North Carolina’s healthcare, education, tech and manufacturing sectors. That’s a major reason why many people from nearby states are deciding to move there.
South Carolina
Thanks to its beautiful scenery, affordable housing and expanding job market, South Carolina has become a top choice for people moving within the U.S. Cities like Charleston and Greenville have experienced steady economic growth, attracting professionals from industries like healthcare, manufacturing, aerospace and tech.
Greenville, located at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a great option for people who want job opportunities without the hustle of a big city. Meanwhile, Charleston stands out for its historic charm, great food and outdoor activities like sailing and fishing—all made even better by the area’s mild weather that lets you enjoy them year-round.
Myrtle Beach has turned into a favorite destination, especially for older adults. With its nice weather, golf courses, affordable living, plenty of entertainment and quality healthcare, it’s an ideal place for seniors looking for a fun and active retirement.
Florida
Similar to Texas, Florida doesn’t charge a state income tax. While home prices are slightly above average, the overall cost of living is still cheaper compared to places like California. That, along with the sunny weather, makes it a top choice for retirees looking for a comfortable lifestyle. But it’s not only older adults making the move—Florida is also bringing in younger, well-paid professionals who are building careers in fields like defense, aerospace, energy and tech.
Although Miami has seen the biggest growth, cities like Tampa, Orlando and Jacksonville have also welcomed many new residents. Florida is still recovering from several natural disasters that struck in the second half of 2024 which may be why fewer people moved there last year compared to the year before. Still, the state’s outlook remains positive.
Tennessee
Tennessee is now a go-to state for people relocating, mainly because of its strong economy, beautiful scenery and low costs for housing, food, and utilities. Nashville has brought in the most new residents—not only for its fun atmosphere and well-known music scene but also for its solid job market and more affordable living compared to many other cities.
Thousands of skilled workers have also moved to Knoxville and Chattanooga, two of Tennessee’s fastest-growing spots for tech and manufacturing careers. The nearby Smoky Mountains and Cumberland Mountains add to the appeal. These mountain ranges run through Eastern and Southern Tennessee, just outside these cities and offer lots of outdoor fun like hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing.
Long-Distance Moving Services
STI has been helping people relocate nationwide since 1999. We’re a full-service moving company that takes care of everything—planning, packing, shipping, storage and final delivery. Reach out to us for a free quote and let’s make your move easy from beginning to end.
