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As times change, so do peoples’ preferences and needs when it comes to where they live. World events, culture and demographic shifts lead to notable changes in where American citizens migrate. 25.6 million Americans moved in 2023, and between 2021 and 2022, the number of people who moved to a different state rose from 7.9 million to 8.2 million people.
Continue reading to discover some of the top destinations for people in search of a new state of residence and find out which states movers are leaving behind. We’ll also explore the reasons why people are eager to move and who these movers are.
Top states people are moving to
In recent years, some of the states with the greatest influx of new residents (also known as “in-migration”) include:
- South Carolina: With growing healthcare and tech sectors, temperate climate and affordable housing across the state, South Carolina was one of the most popular moving destinations of the last year. Many new residents came to save money—it’s 11.5% cheaper to live there than in the average state—while others moved for its outdoor attractions, cities and career opportunities.
- Florida: The tropical climate, tourist attractions and recreational opportunities are just a few reasons why so many people are moving to Florida. Between 2020 and 2023, the number of vehicles Montway transported to Florida increased by 86%, signaling a significant uptick in the number of people moving to the Sunshine State. Florida has grown significantly in the healthcare and technology industries, which has attracted younger people to the state looking for job opportunities. It also tops the list of states where retirees are moving.
- Texas: Everything is bigger in Texas, and that’s especially true for the state’s population growth. Texas added nearly half a million people last year, leading the country in population growth. The state’s four major cities (Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio and Austin) are a driving force behind the influx of residents, offering a wide array of job opportunities, culture and amenities. Based on Montway’s vehicle delivery reports, Texas saw a slight decrease in vehicles being delivered to the state in 2023 compared to 2022. Despite that, it was still one of the top destinations for car shipments last year, ranking just below Florida.
- Tennessee: The perfect combination of affordability (low cost of living plus no income tax), stunning scenery and a rich history of music, food and culture made this state a not-so-hidden gem for movers in 2023. Census data revealed a large number of movers flocking from all over the country, specifically California, Florida and Texas. Tennessee—for a growing population of 7 million residents, there’s no place they’d rather be!
- North Carolina: Not to be outdone by South Carolina, North Carolina stands out on the East Coast with a diverse economy and lower cost of living compared to other neighboring states. The finance and technology industries in the state continue to expand, contributing to North Carolina’s 63% inbound moves in 2023. Cities like Raleigh, Charlotte and Asheville are attracting young professionals and families, as they offer similar experiences to larger metro areas at a smaller price.
Montway data showing the top 5 states with an increase in vehicle drop-offs (2020-2023):
| State | Overall increase |
| Florida | 86.1% |
| Illinois | 78.3% |
| Texas | 76.8% |
| North Carolina | 74.2% |
| Georgia | 71.2% |
The top 5 states people are leaving
In recent years, some of the states that have seen the most exiting migration include:
- Pennsylvania: Compared to states with large (and expensive) cities like New York, California and Illinois, Pennsylvania might seem like a surprising outlier on this list. However, the state has been losing residents at a steady pace since 2020. It has yet to recover from employment losses during the pandemic while other states have seen significant growth and new job opportunities with comparatively better cost-of-living.
- Illinois: For 10 years running, Illinois has held its spot as the top state people are moving out of. The state’s increasingly high cost of living, high state tax rate, budget deficits and slow-growing economy have all contributed to its 62% out-migration rate. Many residents say they are leaving Illinois in search of better housing and job opportunities, according to IllinoisPolicy.org. Between 2020 and 2023, Montway’s records show a 63% increase in vehicles being picked up from Illinois.
- California: The moderate climate and booming tech industry aren’t enough to keep many California residents in the state. Many cite the ever-increasing cost of living and housing prices as reasons why they are leaving the area. Job opportunities in the manufacturing industry have declined, and the growing availability of remote work opportunities has led California residents to seek homes in other states. In the last four years, the number of vehicles Montway picked up in California rose by nearly 64%. California remains at the top of Montway’s list for the number of vehicle pickups and dropoffs.
- Minnesota: As the state’s population ages, many of its residents have left in search of more comfortable places to live, work and retire. State and local tax rates are higher in Minnesota than 38 other states. Considering the high cost of living combined with the state’s famously brutal winters, it’s no surprise some residents are looking to relocate.
- New Jersey: A relatively high state tax and cost of living have resulted in more New Jersey residents leaving the state. It has also seen a decline in industries such as pharmaceuticals and manufacturing, which have contributed to the exodus. Based on Montway’s vehicle pickup reports, there was a 59.9% increase in New Jersey residents transporting their vehicles between 2020 and 2023.
Are you one of the many movers making their way to a new state this year? Make sure you’re prepared with these 6 steps for moving out of state for the first time.
Montway data showing the top 5 states with an increase in vehicle pickups (2020-2023):
| State | Overall increase |
| Arizona | 92.7% |
| Texas | 82.2% |
| Washington | 74.3% |
| Florida | 71.4% |
| New York | 63.5% |
Are you one of the many movers making their way to a new state this year? Make sure you’re prepared with these 6 steps for moving out of state for the first time.
What are the top reasons people moved in 2023?
Moving trends are driven by a variety of factors, including the availability of jobs, the desire for a warmer climate and the lower cost of living. Some of the most common reasons people in the United States are moving include:
- Work: Many people move for job opportunities or to be closer to their place of work. Some individuals and families may also need to move for military assignments or a change of station. With the recent widespread adoption of remote work, people are also relocating since they are no longer tied to a physical location for their jobs.
- Family: Moving closer to family is a common reason for relocating, particularly for individuals with aging parents and parents who want to be closer to their children and grandchildren.
- Lifestyle preferences: Desirable climates, recreational options and specific cultural and social atmospheres are factors for many people who move. One of the major lifestyle improvements that movers cite is health. This can include better access to clean water and air, outdoor green spaces, healthcare facilities, a simpler lifestyle or a better work-life balance.
- Housing: Affordable housing is a significant motivator for moving. People often cite the high cost of living as a reason to leave one state and the low cost of living as the reason for moving to another state. Similarly, many folks relocate to a new state so they can upgrade to a larger or nicer home.
- Education: A desire for school districts with a better reputation or proximity to a particular school or university motivates families and students alike to relocate.
- Retirement: Retirement communities and locations with warm climates are a big draw for older adults who are preparing for retirement. Some retirees known as snowbirds will move between locations to avoid unfavorable weather. Read more from United Van Lines about how retirement and cost-of-living affected moves in 2023.
No matter why you find yourself relocating, Montway Auto Transport can help make the move easier. Montway’s relocation services will match you with the best carrier for your vehicle(s) and work with your schedule to make the move as smooth as possible. We’ve also created a handy guide to help you prepare and answer some of your most common moving questions.
What are the demographics of the people moving?
People of all ages, races and income levels move for a variety of reasons, including work, family and lifestyle preferences. However, some demographic trends can be observed. For example, younger people are more likely to move for job opportunities, while older people are more likely to move for retirement or to be closer to family.
Recently, it’s been observed that the Millennial generation is increasingly moving towards smaller “second” cities rather than the country’s largest metro hubs. While cities remain a popular destination for young adults and professionals, more Millennials are leaving places like New York, Los Angeles and Chicago in favor of more affordable locations like Cambridge, Massachusetts; Santa Clara, California and Seattle, Washington. These smaller cities offer the same job opportunities, culture and amenities as the larger ones, but at a more affordable price.
In terms of income, people at both ends of the earnings spectrum are more likely to move. Lower-income movers may move to areas with more affordable costs of living or to be closer to job opportunities, while high-earning individuals may move to areas with prestigious schools, an abundance of recreational activities and a high quality of life.
Digital nomads and moving trends
The rise of remote work has had a significant impact on moving and migration trends in the United States and beyond. With the increasing availability of online communication and collaboration tools, many people have the option to work remotely, either on a full-time or part-time basis. This has given people more flexibility to live and work from anywhere, resulting in the trend of people leaving urban areas in favor of rural or suburban locations.
It has also led to the creation of a group known as digital nomads. These workers leverage their remote work privileges to stay in various locations for brief stays. There were approximately 7.9 million digital nomads in 2019. In 2020, the number rose to 10.9 million and reached 17.3 million by the end of 2023.
This trend has been driven by a variety of factors, including the desire for a lower cost of living, more space and a better quality of life. Many people have also been attracted to areas with a strong sense of community and access to outdoor recreational opportunities. As a result, the recent rise in digital nomadism has created the shift we’re now seeing in moving and migration trends across the country.
Get moving, and leave your car to us
Montway Auto Transport is here to take some of the stress out of moving. With over 1 million vehicle shipments nationwide, we pride ourselves on offering easy booking and exceptional service to ensure your car arrives at its new home safely. Learn more about Montway’s relocation services.
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