The Top States People are Moving to and from in 2025

Author(s)

Troy Whittle

Website

As times change, so do people’s 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. Over 25 million Americans moved in 2024, and there were a few standout states that attracted–and lost–the most residents. In this blog, we highlight the states that drew the most movers over the last year, and the states that saw the most departures. We also explore the reasons why people are eager to move and who these movers are.

Top 5 states people are moving to

These states saw the biggest influx of new residents (also known as “in-migration”) in 2024:

1. West Virginia: West Virginia earns its place in this list thanks to the state’s affordable housing, job opportunities, natural beauty, and proximity to larger metro hubs. It has the most affordable rental homes in the country and housing prices that are 20% more affordable than the national median. 
2. Delaware: New to this list, Delaware has become one of the fastest-growing states, attracting residents in search of more affordable homes with proximity to larger metropolitan areas like Philadelphia. It has also joined mainstays like Florida and Arizona as one of the most popular states for retirees—over 50% of new Delaware residents were age 65 or older.
3. South Carolina: With growing healthcare and tech sectors, a temperate climate, and affordable housing across the state, South Carolina was one of the most popular moving destinations of 2024. Many new residents came to save money—the cost of living is 6% lower than the national average, and housing is 21% lower—while others moved for its outdoor attractions, cities, and career opportunities.
4. 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 65% inbound moves in 2024. Cities like Raleigh, Charlotte, and Asheville are attracting young professionals and families, as they offer similar experiences to larger metro areas at a lower price.
5. Alabama: Between a growing tech industry presence, new affordable housing, and temperate weather to complement its beautiful scenery, Alabama has become a top destination for movers. Older retirees and young job-seekers make up much of the in-migration population, with cities like Tuscaloosa, Huntsville, and Athens attracting the most new residents. 

Top states people are shipping their cars to

Montway Auto Transport data showing the top 5 states with an increase in vehicle drop-offs (2020-2024):

This data reflects the states with the largest increase in vehicle dropoffs over the last 5 years. It includes in-state and out-of-state shipments. This increase could signal an uptick in people moving to the states, as well as increased auto-industry activity. 

Top 5 states people are leaving

The top 5 states with the highest out-migration rates in 2024: 

1. New Jersey: For the seventh year in a row, New Jersey lost more residents than it gained, with most of those saying they’re leaving for a more comfortable retirement and to be closer to family. The reasons that New Jersey is becoming less appealing will sound familiar: the state’s high cost of living and high property taxes have been a longstanding concern for much of the population. Most people leaving the state are under the age of 55, with 57% of people between 18-34 saying they want to leave.
2. California: For the first time in 10 years, California ranked above Illinois as the state with the most outbound moves. The moderate climate and booming tech industry aren’t enough to keep residents in the state. Many cite the high cost of living and housing prices as reasons why they are leaving. Job opportunities have decreased, extreme weather has increased, and the availability of remote work opportunities has led Californians to seek homes in other states. 
3. Illinois: In 2024, Illinois lost 56,235 residents, making it the Midwest’s biggest population loser. The state’s increasingly high cost of living, high state tax rate, budget deficits, and slow-growing economy have all contributed to its out-migration rate (not to mention the notoriously frigid and long-lasting winters). Many residents say they are leaving Illinois in search of more affordable housing, lower taxes, and better job opportunities.
4. New York: New York’s population has been steadily decreasing–– between 2020 and 2024, the state has lost 546,146 residents. This is largely due to the price tag that comes with being a New York resident. Its 125.1 cost-of-living index makes it the 4th most expensive state to live in, with housing prices 16% higher than the national average.
5. Massachusetts: The Bay State is known for its great schools and well paying jobs, but its housing prices and cost of living have pushed out many residents, earning it a place on this list. With a cost-of-living index even higher than New York’s, and housing prices that are 50% higher than the national average, Massachusetts experiences consistent out-migration. Most of the people leaving the state are between 25-44 years old, looking for more affordable places to start a family or buy a home.

Moving tips: 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 and are budgeting for your move accordingly. Find out how much it costs to move across the country and get tips to save.

Top 5 states people are shipping their cars from

The chart below, based on Montway’s internal shipment data, shows the states with the largest increase in vehicle pickups over the last five years. This includes shipments with in-state and out-of-state destinations. 

While vehicle pickups don’t always indicate outbound moves, the two are closely related. Auto transport is tied to both relocations and vehicle sales. Higher vehicle pickups can be due to a combination of more people moving within or out of these states and an increase in car sales within these states. 

What are the top reasons people moved in 2024?

Moving trends are driven by a variety of factors, including the availability of jobs, the desire for a warmer climate, and a lower cost of living. Some of the most common reasons people in the United States are moving include:

1. 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. More widespread remote-work options have also led to some people relocating since they are no longer tied to a physical location for their jobs. 
2. 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.
3. 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. 
4. 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 people relocate to a new state so they can upgrade to a larger or nicer home.
5. 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. 
6. 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.

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 Millennials are leaving places like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago in favor of more affordable “second cities” 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. This is in line with previous generations, moving away from large metropolitan hubs to more suburban and rural areas where it’s more affordable to own a home and raise a family. 

In contrast to their seniors, Gen Z are flocking to the country’s largest cities. Despite their high cost of living, cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago saw an increase in Gen Z migration rate compared to major decreases for all other generations. This influx of new, young residents is likely due to the social, professional, and cultural opportunities offered by these cities.

In terms of income, people at all points of the earnings spectrum are equally 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

In the U.S., 20% of workers work remotely, which equates to about 34,000,000 people. The rise of remote work has had a significant impact on moving and migration trends in the United States and beyond. 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 rise of digital nomads. These workers leverage their remote work privileges to stay in various locations throughout the year. There were approximately 7.9 million digital nomads in 2019. In 2020, the number rose to 10.9 million and reached 18.1 million by mid-2024.

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 contributed to the trends we’ve seen in moving and migration 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 safely at its new home. Learn more about Montway’s relocation services. 

Get started with a free instant quote or speak with a vehicle shipping advisor at 888-666-8929.