Where are People Moving To/From in 2024 2 months ago

Whether you’re considering a move or simply curious about the latest trends, read on to discover where Americans are moving to in 2024 and why.

Key Takeaways

• People are moving primarily due to job opportunities, cost of living, and lifestyle preferences. 
• States people are leaving include Florida, California, Arizona, New Jersey, and Louisiana.
• States people are moving to include Texas, North Carolina, Massachusetts, South Carolina, and New York.
• If you are planning an upcoming move, let Sherpa take care of safely shipping your vehicle.

In This Review:

• Why Are People Moving?
• Sherpa’s Moving Analysis Methodology
• Top States People Are Leaving
• Top States People Are Moving to
• How to Move Across the Country
• Moving Trends FAQs

Why Are People Moving?

In 2024, relocation trends are influenced by various factors such as employment opportunities, housing affordability, climate, and quality of life. Economic conditions and remote work flexibility also play significant roles in people’s decisions to move. According to an Architectural Digest survey, 55% of Americans want to move, with affordability cited as the primary driver.

Emerging Trends

The Southeast, particularly the Carolinas and the Appalachian region, is becoming increasingly popular as more people seek a balanced lifestyle with a reasonable cost of living​ (PODS®)​. Cities in Idaho and Maine are also seeing significant population growth due to their job markets and outdoor amenities​ (Extra Space Storage)​.

Sherpa’s Moving Analysis Methodology

To identify the top states people are moving to and from in 2024, Sherpa Auto Transport analyzed its own sales data for 2024 to determine these trends. By examining the difference between vehicle pick-up locations (indicating where people are moving from) and delivery destinations (where they are moving to), we identified the top states for long-distance moves. This data primarily reflects cross-country relocations, providing insights into broader migration patterns that short-distance moves might not capture.

These insights and more can be explored in our detailed 2024 moving trends report. For more information, check out the full articles from moveBuddha, Extra Space Storage, and PODS®.

Top States People Are Leaving

Florida

Despite its sunny weather and no state income tax, Florida is experiencing an exodus due to increasing housing costs, crowded cities, and vulnerability to hurricanes. Major cities like Miami and Orlando see residents seeking more affordable and less disaster-prone areas.

California

California, known for its tech hubs and cultural landmarks, is losing residents because of its high cost of living, expensive real estate, and rising taxes. California’s major cities are becoming unaffordable for many, leading to the outflow of residents. PODS® listed Los Angeles as the city with the highest number of move-outs.

Arizona

Arizona’s exodus is driven by extreme heat, water scarcity, and a growing cost of living. Phoenix, its largest city, faces challenges with urban sprawl and rising home prices, pushing people to look for greener pastures.

New Jersey

Residents are leaving New Jersey due to high property taxes, cost of living, and congestion. Major urban areas like Newark and Jersey City are seeing a decline as people move to states with lower tax burdens and more space.

Louisiana

Louisiana’s out-migration is influenced by economic instability and frequent natural disasters. New Orleans, the state’s largest city, struggles with these issues, prompting residents to seek better opportunities elsewhere.

Top States People Are Moving To

Texas

Texas attracts newcomers with its booming job market, affordable housing, and no state income tax. Cities like Austin and Houston are popular for their vibrant economies and lower cost of living. Based on Sherpa’s shipments so far this year, the Dallas-Forth Worth area has the highest number of net movers out of all MSAs (Metropolitan Statistical Areas). This is further supported in search data, with Texas having the most moving-related searches so far this year.

North Carolina

North Carolina’s appeal lies in its moderate climate, growing job market, and quality of life. Raleigh and Charlotte are key destinations offering a balance of urban and suburban living. Asheville is another popular location based on its scenic beauty and vibrant culture.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts is drawing people due to its educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and economic opportunities. Boston, the largest city, provides a blend of historic charm and modern amenities.

South Carolina

South Carolina offers a low cost of living, pleasant weather, and a slower pace of life. Greenville and Charleston are especially charming, drawing a number of movers to the state. According to moveBuddha, South Carolina has the highest 2024 In-to-Out Move Ratio.

New York

Despite high living costs, New York is gaining residents due to its diverse job market and cultural opportunities. New York City remains a major draw for its unique lifestyle and endless opportunities.

How to Move Across the Country

Moving across the country can be a daunting task, but planning and preparation can make the process smoother. Here are some tips for a successful move:

1. Plan Ahead: Start planning your move at least a few months in advance. Create a moving checklist and timeline to stay organized.
2. Budget Wisely: Moving can be expensive. Budget for moving costs, including hiring movers, transportation, and any additional expenses.
3. Declutter: Take this opportunity to declutter your belongings. Donate or sell items you no longer need to reduce the amount you need to move.
4. Hire Professionals: Consider hiring a professional moving company to handle the logistics. Research and choose a reputable company with good reviews.
5. Pack Smart: Use sturdy boxes and packing materials. Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to for easier unpacking.
6. Notify Important Parties: Update your address with the post office, banks, utilities, and other important institutions.
7. Transport Your Vehicle: If you’re moving cross-country, consider using an auto transport service like Sherpa Auto Transport to ship your vehicle safely. We provide reliable and affordable solutions for household movers and anyone in need of a vehicle shipment.

By following these tips and staying organized, you can make your cross-country move as stress-free as possible.

Moving Trends FAQs