Many factors influence where people choose to move—like housing prices, overall cost of living, job opportunities, lifestyle and even the weather. If you’re considering relocating, checking out where most people are moving in the U.S. can give you a clear picture of current trends in society, the economy and what kind of life people are looking for. So whether you’re planning a move or just want to stay informed it’s a good time to ask: “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 is still the top choice for people relocating between states. Warm weather plays a part, for sure. When asked where they’d like to live, many people mention sunny places like Florida, California or Hawaii. But when it comes to the real reasons they’d consider moving, weather is actually number six on the list. The bigger factors are:
- Cost of Living
- Feeling Safe
- Being Closer to Nature
- Living Space
- Family
This trend matches what we’ve been seeing lately—more people are moving out of big cities and into the suburbs or countryside to escape the high cost of living. In many cases, they’re not looking for higher-paying jobs. They just want a better quality of life without needing to make more money. That’s a big reason why so many people moved to smaller towns during the pandemic. Thanks to remote work and flexible hours, they were able to leave the fast-paced city life behind and enjoy a simpler, more peaceful lifestyle in rural areas.
At the moment, over a third of Americans say they’re considering a move this year. Starting over has always been a key 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 around 8 to 10 percent actually go through with it. Those who do move usually end up choosing one of the top spots where most people are heading.
Texas
Because of low taxes, affordable housing and plenty of open space, Texas has become a favorite for families, retirees and young adults starting out. In the last few years, its finance, healthcare and tech sectors have grown a lot—especially in cities like Austin, Dallas and Houston—almost reaching the level of big hubs like San Francisco and New York. Nearby places like Frisco and The Woodlands have also grown, mainly attracting remote workers and retirees looking for a quiet, comfortable place to live.
North Carolina
Almost all of North Carolina’s population growth over the past four years—around 95%—has been from people moving in, not from births. 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 job opportunities or to be near family, while another 20% came to enjoy their retirement.
What draws most people to North Carolina is the affordable cost of housing and a strong job market. Charlotte, the largest city in the state, is actually the second-biggest banking center in the U.S., right after New York City. There’s also the Research Triangle—Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill—which is well known for its focus on education, healthcare, technology, life sciences,and pharmaceutical research.
Although the larger cities have grown the fastest, smaller towns near the Blue Ridge Mountains—such as Greensboro and Winston-Salem—have also seen a lot of growth. These areas give people easy access to nature and play a big role in North Carolina’s healthcare, education, tech and manufacturing sectors. That’s a major reason why many people from nearby states are choosing to move there.
South Carolina
Thanks to its beautiful scenery, affordable homes and a growing job market, South Carolina has become one of the top states people are moving to. Cities like Charleston and Greenville have seen steady economic growth, attracting workers in industries like healthcare, manufacturing, aerospace and tech.
Greenville, located at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a great choice for people who want job opportunities without living in a big city. Charleston, on the other hand, is famous for its historic charm, great food and outdoor activities like sailing and fishing—all made even better by the area’s mild weather all year long.
Myrtle Beach has turned into a favorite place, especially for older adults. It offers golf courses, nice coastal weather, a low cost of living, plenty of activities and great healthcare—making it an ideal spot for seniors looking for a fun and active retirement.
Florida
Like Texas, Florida has no state income tax. While home prices are a little above average, the overall cost of living is still cheaper than in states like California. This, along with the warm weather, makes it a popular choice for retirees looking for a comfortable lifestyle. But it’s not only older adults moving in—Florida is also bringing in younger, high-earning professionals who are building careers in defense, aerospace, energy and tech.
While 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 happened in the second half of 2024 which may be why fewer people moved there last year than the year before. Still, the state’s outlook remains positive.
Tennessee
Tennessee has become a go-to state for movers because of its strong economy, beautiful scenery and low costs for things like food, utilities and housing. Nashville has seen the biggest wave of new residents—not only for its energetic atmosphere and well-known music scene but also because it offers solid job opportunities and a more affordable lifestyle than many other big cities.
Thousands of skilled workers have also moved to Knoxville and Chattanooga, two of the fastest-growing spots in Tennessee for tech and manufacturing jobs. 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 activities like hiking, kayaking and rock climbing.
Long-Distance Moving Services
NoBorders Van Lines has been helping people move across the country since 1999. We’re a full-service moving company that handles everything—from planning and packing to shipping, storage and final delivery. Get in touch with us today for a free quote and let’s make sure your move starts smoothly and ends just the way you want.