Where are People Moving To/From in 2025 2 months ago

At Sherpa Auto Transport, we’ve analyzed our year-to-date data to answer where are people moving to in 2025. This comprehensive guide will explore relocation trends and the reasons behind these trends, offering a snapshot of the most popular destinations and the states experiencing the highest net migration.

Whether you’re considering a move or simply curious about the latest trends, read on to discover where Americans are moving to in 2025 and why.

Key Takeaways

• 2025 moving trends are primarily influenced by job opportunities, cost of living, and lifestyle preferences.
• States people are leaving in 2025 include California, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, and Illinois
• Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Georgia are seeing the most growth as the states people are moving to in 2025.
• If you are planning an upcoming long distance move, let Sherpa safely ship your vehicle to your new home. We service all 50 states to get your car to your new home.

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 2025, moving trends are influenced by various factors such as employment opportunities, housing affordability, climate, and quality of life. Economic conditions and the continued flexibility of remote work are prompting many Americans to reconsider where they live.

According to a recent Architectural Digest survey, 55% of Americans expressed a desire to move, with affordability being the top motivation. This shift underscores the appeal of areas with lower housing costs, strong job markets, and appealing lifestyles.

In general, states with a lower cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market are likely to attract new residents.

Emerging Trends

States with attractive housing markets, such as Texas, South Carolina, and North Carolina, have seen steady population inflows, appealing particularly to young professionals and families looking for more space and economic stability.

Meanwhile, states with higher costs of living and competitive housing markets, like California and New York, continue to experience population outflows.

Southern states like Tennessee and the Carolinas have become hotspots for those looking to balance lifestyle and affordability. Many are drawn to these regions for their mild climates, outdoor recreational opportunities, and reasonable cost of living.

The Appalachian region has also seen growing interest as people seek out quieter lifestyles with access to nature while remaining near major metropolitan areas for work and social amenities.

Shifting Urban Centers

Some cities that were previously population magnets are now experiencing outflows as housing prices continue to climb. Urban centers like San Diego, Seattle, and New York City are seeing residents leave for smaller cities where homeownership feels more attainable and daily expenses are more manageable.

Cities in the Midwest, such as Columbus, Ohio, and Indianapolis, Indiana, are beginning to benefit from this movement, attracting individuals with affordable housing and an expanding job market.

Remote Work’s Influence on Migration

As remote and hybrid work policies have become more entrenched, Americans are increasingly moving away from traditional tech and finance hubs to find homes in areas that align with their lifestyle goals.

Instead of relocating solely for work, people choose locations offering access to the outdoors, safer neighborhoods, and quality schools. This shift continues to support growth in regions that might not have been considered major residential hubs pre-2020, expanding options for remote-friendly communities in suburban and rural settings.

These moving trends highlight the growing emphasis on affordability, lifestyle preferences, and flexibility as Americans weigh their options.

Sherpa’s Moving Analysis Methodology

To identify the top states people are moving to and from in 2025, Sherpa Auto Transport analyzed its car shipping data for 2025. We looked at net migration by using our auto transport customers’ pick-up locations and delivery destinations.

States with more pickups than deliveries will show a net migration outward, whereas states showing more deliveries than pickups represent moving trends to the state.

Because we specialize in cross-country car shipping, our data will primarily provide insight into long-distance moves rather than short-distance relocations.

For more information, check out the full articles from moveBuddha, Extra Space Storage, and PODS®.

Top States People Are Leaving

California

California, known for its tech hubs and cultural landmarks, is losing residents due to rising housing costs, expensive real estate, and taxes. Many California cities are becoming unaffordable for many, leading to a net migration outwards. The primary reasons people are leaving the Golden State include the high cost of living, rising housing prices, and concerns over taxation.

Major cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles are some of the most expensive places to live in the country, making homeownership difficult for young families and professionals alike. Rent and property costs are considerably higher than the national average, pushing residents to seek more affordable alternatives in nearby states.

PODS® listed Los Angeles as the city with the highest number of move-outs, with a high cost of living and rent prices noted as major driving factors.

In addition to affordability, lifestyle factors are also impacting migration from California. Wildfires, droughts, and power outages have contributed to quality-of-life concerns, prompting residents to look elsewhere.

States like Texas, Nevada, and Arizona have become popular alternatives for Californians, offering a lower cost of living, fewer natural disaster risks, and expanding job markets. Remote work flexibility offered by many tech companies has also allowed Californians to relocate while still maintaining their employment, further driving outflows.

San Francisco

San Francisco is one of the cities with the steepest outward net migration rates. The city’s technology-driven economy once drew workers from across the country, but with the rise of hybrid work, many tech professionals are choosing to relocate to more affordable regions like Austin, Denver, and Boise.

San Francisco’s challenges with housing shortages, congestion, and cost have made nearby California cities and out-of-state locales more attractive to those who can keep their Bay Area jobs while working remotely.

The trend has also contributed to growth in surrounding cities and states where many former San Franciscans are now settling.

New Jersey

New Jersey has long had one of the highest property tax rates in the country, which remains a major driver for residents considering moves out of state. In 2025, these high taxes, coupled with the elevated cost of living, are pushing many New Jersey residents to consider more budget-friendly states.

Cities in New Jersey are often within commuting distance of New York City, which adds to housing demand and cost, leading more people to consider relocating.

Quality of life and job flexibility are also influencing migration trends. Remote work is making it easier for people to keep their NYC-based jobs while moving to more affordable regions in states like Pennsylvania and Delaware.

Additionally, retirees who would traditionally have stayed in the Garden State are opting for states with warmer climates and lower tax burdens, such as Florida and North Carolina, further contributing to the state’s outflow.

New York

New York, particularly New York City, continues to experience a notable outflow of residents in 2025. High costs of living and competitive housing markets make the city unaffordable for many, especially young families and professionals who are priced out of the rental and housing market.

With skyrocketing rent and a high tax rate, many New Yorkers are relocating to more affordable parts of the country, often within the South or Midwest.

The continued rise of remote work has further allowed New Yorkers to consider relocating without needing to change jobs. This flexibility means that professionals who may have been tied to office spaces in Manhattan are now able to explore areas with lower living costs and more space.

Popular destinations include Florida, Texas, and Pennsylvania, where job opportunities continue to grow.

New York City

The New York City metropolitan area has the highest outward net migration from Sherpa’s 2025 moving trends. Traditionally a magnet for movers, Manhattan has seen a notable outflow in recent years, driven largely by high rent prices, intense density, and evolving workplace flexibility.

Many New Yorkers are now moving to cities with lower cost of living and more spacious housing options, such as Miami, Austin, and Nashville. The rise of remote work has enabled people to seek a lifestyle outside the expensive NYC metro area, especially those prioritizing housing affordability and a slower pace.

Massachusetts

In 2025, Massachusetts remains a state with high housing prices and a relatively high cost of living, which is leading many residents to look for more affordable states. The state’s metro areas, like Boston, have particularly high property values, which limit the housing options for middle-income earners.

Housing expenses and overall high taxes have spurred out-migration, particularly among retirees and professionals who find their money goes further in other regions.

Beyond affordability, Massachusetts also sees some migration due to weather conditions. Harsh winters and high heating costs are prompting some residents to consider states with warmer climates and lower utility costs.

Many are moving to the Southeast, particularly Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina, where the cost of living is lower, and the climate is milder, creating a more attractive living environment for those prioritizing affordability and lifestyle.

Illinois

Illinois, and specifically Chicago, has been experiencing a steady outflow of residents over the last several years, a trend that continues in 2025. High property taxes and an overall high cost of living in Chicago are pushing many residents to seek more affordable living arrangements elsewhere.

Illinois also faces budgetary issues and high debt, leading to concerns over rising taxes and reduced services, making it less attractive to long-term residents and newcomers alike.

The state’s cold winters are also a factor in migration decisions. People seeking warmer climates and lower costs are leaving Illinois for states like Texas, Tennessee, and Florida, where they find affordable housing, fewer tax burdens, and more pleasant year-round weather.

Chicago

Chicago is also experiencing an outflow of residents, with rising property taxes, urban crime rates, and high cost of living frequently cited as primary reasons for moving. Many Chicagoans are heading to nearby Midwestern and Sunbelt cities that offer lower housing costs and a more relaxed lifestyle, including Indianapolis, Nashville, and Charlotte.

These destinations provide similar urban amenities but with a greater sense of safety, space, and affordability. Additionally, with its long and cold winters, the weather in Chicago is pushing people to relocate to warmer states with milder climates.

Top States People Are Moving To

Texas

Texas continues to be one of the most popular states, attracting people from across the U.S. thanks to its affordability, economic opportunities, and lack of state income tax. This is further supported by search data, with Texas having the most moving-related searches so far this year.

The state’s relatively low cost of living and booming job market make it particularly appealing to young professionals and families. Major cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston are seeing some of the highest inward net migration, with Austin especially popular among tech professionals due to its expanding tech scene and startup ecosystem.

Austin’s vibrant culture, music scene, and progressive community have made it a top destination, while Dallas and Houston appeal with their diverse job markets and family-friendly amenities.

Texas’s wide open spaces and affordable suburban communities also draw in retirees and remote workers, making areas just outside major cities, like Frisco (near Dallas) and The Woodlands (near Houston), attractive for those seeking greener pastures.

Austin

Austin has become a hotspot for growth ue to its thriving tech industry, vibrant live music scene, and lack of state income tax. The city offers a unique blend of urban excitement with a laid-back, outdoorsy lifestyle, making it popular with families.

Known as a central tech hub with companies like Tesla and Oracle expanding in the area, Austin’s job market and entrepreneurial spirit make it especially appealing for those in the technology sector.

Dallas

Dallas’s strong economy, low cost of living, and no state income tax are driving a surge in new residents. Known as a business-friendly city, Dallas is home to numerous corporate headquarters and offers diverse job opportunities in fields like finance, healthcare, and technology.

The city’s vibrant cultural scene and family-friendly suburbs add to its appeal, attracting people of all ages looking for economic stability and quality of life.

Sherpa’s data shows the Dallas-Forth Worth area has the highest amount of net migration out of all MSAs (Metropolitan Statistical Areas).

Florida

Florida continues to draw new residents with its sunny weather, no state income tax, and affordable living costs. This is particularly attractive to retirees, but the state is also seeing growth among young families.

Vibrant metro areas like Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville are experiencing some of the highest influxes, as each offers a range of job opportunities, lower housing costs relative to coastal cities in other states, and access to beaches and outdoor activities.

South Florida, particularly Miami, has become a hub for finance and tech professionals, leading to significant population growth. Central Florida, including Orlando, remains popular due to its entertainment industry, while the state’s Gulf Coast is a magnet for those looking for waterfront living and milder, hurricane-resistant weather.

Florida’s Slowing Growth

While Florida’s lifestyle benefits and tax policies attract many, some residents are choosing to leave due to specific challenges. Rising housing costs in popular Florida cities, especially Miami, have made living expenses challenging for some, leading people to explore more affordable regions in other states.

Additionally, the risk of hurricanes and hot, humid summers can be deterrents for some residents, especially after Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. For these reasons, some Floridians are opting to relocate to nearby states like Georgia or the Carolinas, which offer a similar lifestyle with slightly different weather patterns and lower cost-of-living pressures.

North Carolina

North Carolina is one of the southern states attracting movers because of its moderate climate, growing job market, and quality of life. The Research Triangle area—encompassing Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill—continues to see rapid growth as it draws in professionals working in tech, education, and healthcare.

The presence of major universities and research institutions creates job opportunities and a highly educated workforce, attracting employers and remote workers alike.

Charlotte, the state’s largest city, is a major financial hub, second only to New York City in banking. With affordable housing, good schools, and a variety of cultural amenities, Charlotte is growing as a prime choice for movers in America.

Asheville, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is also popular, particularly for those seeking a blend of outdoor lifestyle, arts, and culture in a smaller city setting. It’s yet to be seen how Hurricane Helene‘s devastation to Western North Carolina will impact moving trends in years to come.

Raleigh NC

Raleigh is attracting newcomers with its growing Research Triangle, which includes nearby Durham and Chapel Hill, and a thriving job market in education, technology, and healthcare. The city is known for its affordability, excellent schools, and high quality of life, making it a top choice for families.

Raleigh’s mild climate and access to outdoor activities, combined with its proximity to research institutions, also draw in students and Millennials.

Tennessee

Tennessee is increasingly popular among movers, particularly due to its lack of state income tax, affordable living costs, and vibrant music and cultural scenes. Nashville leads in growth, attracting movers with its booming job market, especially in the healthcare, tech, and music industries.

Known for its live music scene and Southern charm, Nashville offers a mix of urban living and close-knit community vibes, making it a top relocation destination.

Outside of Nashville, Knoxville and Chattanooga are also bringing growth to the Volunteer State. Chattanooga, with its growing tech scene and scenic landscapes is appealing to those who value access to outdoor recreation.

Memphis, known for its rich history and culture, is another affordable option for families and individuals looking to move to Tennessee.

South Carolina

South Carolina attracts movers with its low cost of living, scenic coastlines, and warm climate. The state’s most popular cities include Charleston, Greenville, and the Myrtle Beach area.

Charleston is celebrated for its historic charm, coastal location, and growing culinary scene, drawing in Americans seeking a unique and vibrant community with access to beautiful beaches.

Greenville, located in the upstate region, is also seeing considerable growth, known for its affordable housing and expanding job market. Companies from various sectors are establishing roots in Greenville, making it attractive for professionals seeking career opportunities outside of large metropolitan areas.

Myrtle Beach remains a popular area for retirees and vacation home seekers due to its coastal appeal and relaxed pace, while Columbia, the state capital, is increasingly seen as a stable option for professionals seeking government or university-related jobs.

According to moveBuddha, South Carolina has the highest 2025 In-to-Out Move Ratio.

Myrtle Beach SC

Myrtle Beach South Carolina is known for its affordability, beach lifestyle, and appeal to retirees. The city attracts movers looking for a slower pace, lower cost of living, and easy access to the Atlantic coast.

Its tourism-based economy offers opportunities in hospitality and retail, and Myrtle Beach’s family-friendly environment and warm climate mean most of its growth is from Baby Boomers.

Georgia

Georgia, particularly the Atlanta metro area, continues to be a hot spot for net migration thanks to its diverse job market, affordable housing, and temperate climate. Atlanta is known for its strong economy, with a growing tech scene and established industries in finance, media, and transportation.

The city’s extensive network of universities also attracts students and educated graduates, contributing to its dynamic population growth.

Outside of Atlanta, cities like Savannah and Augusta are experiencing growth due to their more affordable living costs and unique southern charm. Savannah, with its historic architecture and coastal lifestyle, appeals to retirees and remote workers.

Augusta is known for its golf culture and growing healthcare sector, making it an attractive option for both professionals and families seeking a slower pace of life with ample career 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. By planning ahead, you can shop around for low cost options.
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