A lot of different things affect where people decide to move—like the cost of housing, how affordable a place is overall, the kind of lifestyle it offers, job openings and even the local weather. If you’re thinking about moving, looking at the most popular places people are heading to in the U.S. can give you a good idea of what’s changing socially, economically and in terms of how people want to live. So whether you’re planning a move yourself or just curious about how things are shifting, it’s a good time to ask: “Where are people moving in 2025?” check out our article on moving out of Illinois.
Top States for New Residents
According to info from moving companies and the U.S. Census Bureau, the Sun Belt is still leading when it comes to people moving from one state to another. The warmer weather definitely has something to do with it. When people are asked where they’d like to live, most say sunny spots like Florida, California or Hawaii. But when asked why they’d actually think about moving, weather only came in sixth place—behind other more important reasons like:
- Cost of Living
- Personal Safety
- Proximity to Nature
- Living Space
- Family
This goes hand in hand with recent moving patterns, where more and more people are leaving big cities and heading to the suburbs or countryside to avoid high living costs. A lot of the time, they’re not even chasing better jobs—they just want a place that offers a good quality of life without needing to earn more money. That’s one big reason so many people chose to move to smaller towns during the pandemic. With remote work and flexible schedules, they could leave behind the stress and hassle of city life and enjoy a more relaxed, down-to-earth lifestyle in rural areas.
Right now, more than a third of Americans say they’re thinking about moving this year. Starting fresh has always been a big part of the American Dream, so it makes sense that many people have it on their minds. But if we look at the past, only about 8 to 10 percent actually end up making the move. Those who do will likely pick one of the most popular places everyone’s heading to.
Texas
Thanks to low taxes, reasonable home prices and lots of open land, Texas has become a top pick for families, retirees and young adults starting their careers. In recent years, its finance, healthcare and tech industries have seen major growth—especially in cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston—getting close to the level of places like San Francisco and New York. Nearby towns like Frisco and The Woodlands have also seen a boost, mostly from remote workers and retirees wanting a peaceful place to live.
North Carolina
Nearly all of North Carolina’s population growth in the last four years—about 95 percent—came from people moving in rather than being born there. In 2024 alone, over 82,000 new people settled in the state, making it second only to Texas. More than half (52 percent) moved for job opportunities or to be closer to family. Another 20 percent came to enjoy retirement.
What attracts most people to North Carolina is its affordable housing and strong economy. Charlotte, the state’s biggest city, is the second-largest banking hub in the country after New York City. Then there’s the Research Triangle—made up of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill—which is known for its focus on education, healthcare, tech, life sciences and pharmaceutical research.
While the bigger cities have seen the most growth, smaller towns near the Blue Ridge Mountains—like Greensboro and Winston-Salem—have also expanded quite a bit. These places not only offer easier access to nature but they also contribute a lot to North Carolina’s healthcare, education, tech and manufacturing industries. That’s a big reason why people from nearby states are choosing to move there.
South Carolina
With its natural beauty, reasonably priced homes and growing job market, South Carolina has become one of the most popular places to move in the U.S. Cities like Charleston and Greenville have seen strong economic growth, bringing in professionals from fields like healthcare, manufacturing, aerospace and tech.
Greenville, situated at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is perfect for those looking for career opportunities away from big cities. On the other hand, Charleston is known for its historic buildings, amazing food scene and outdoor activities like sailing and fishing, all of which can be enjoyed year-round because of the area’s mild climate.
Myrtle Beach has become a popular spot, especially among older adults. With its golf courses, coastal weather, low cost of living, fun things to do and excellent healthcare, it’s a great place for seniors who want an enjoyable and active retirement.
Florida
Just like Texas, Florida doesn’t have a state income tax. Even though housing costs are a bit higher than average, the overall cost of living is still lower than in places like California. That, along with the warm weather, has made it a popular spot for retirees who want a comfortable life. But it’s not just seniors moving in—Florida is also attracting younger, high-earning professionals who are drawn to careers in defense, aerospace, energy and tech.
While Miami has grown the most, other cities like Tampa, Orlando and Jacksonville have also seen a lot of new residents. Florida is still bouncing back from several natural disasters that hit in the second half of 2024 which might explain why fewer people moved there last year compared to the one before. Even so, the state’s future still looks promising.
Tennessee
Tennessee has become a popular choice for people moving thanks to its strong economy, great views and affordable costs for food, utilities and housing. Nashville has attracted the most newcomers—not just for its lively city vibe and famous music scene but also because it offers good job options and a lower cost of living compared to many other cities.
Thousands of skilled workers have also moved to Knoxville and Chattanooga which are two of the fastest-growing areas in Tennessee for tech and manufacturing jobs. The nearby Smoky Mountains and Cumberland Mountains make the region even more attractive. These mountain ranges stretch through Eastern and Southern Tennessee, just outside those cities and offer plenty of chances for outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking and rock climbing.
Long-Distance Moving Services
STI 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.