Moving away from a state you've called home is rarely a simple decision. But when housing costs climb, taxes rise, and remote work makes location more flexible than ever, more people start weighing their options and looking elsewhere. In 2025, a familiar group of states continued to lose more residents than they gained. Here's a look at the top states people are leaving, and the reasons that are motivating their moves.

According to data from United Van Lines and North American Van Lines annual reports, these states saw the highest outbound migration in 2025:

New Jersey: For the eighth year in a row, more people left New Jersey than moved in—a streak no other state can match. High property taxes and a steep cost of living remain the driving forces behind departures, particularly among retirees and older residents. However, more movers between the ages of 18–34 are choosing New Jersey as a "launch state," drawn by proximity to New York City and career opportunities in finance and tech.

California: In 2025, California had the lowest ratio of moves in-to-out, ranking among the top states where people are leaving. High housing costs, rising insurance premiums, wildfire risk, and remote work flexibility have all accelerated departures from the state. San Francisco in particular, continues to see steep population declines as tech workers spread out to more affordable metros.

New York: Since 2020, more than 1 million New Yorkers have left for other states. Its cost-of-living index remains one of the highest in the country, and housing prices well above the national average continue to push families, young professionals, and retirees toward more affordable states. The rise of remote work has only made it easier for New Yorkers to make the leap.

Massachusetts: Massachusetts offers world-class schools and strong salaries, but its rising housing prices and cost of living have made it increasingly hard for residents to stay. The state sees consistent out-migration among 25–44 year olds looking to buy homes and start families somewhere more affordable.

Illinois: In a notable shift, Illinois moved off the top outbound list for the first time in over a decade, reaching roughly equal numbers of people moving in and out of the state. It's an encouraging sign, though the state's long-standing challenges with high taxes, budget deficits, and a slower-growing economy remain. Chicago, meanwhile, is seeing a surge of interest among movers, up 42% since 2019.

Moving tip: If you're relocating to a new state, check out our guides to moving out of state for the first time and what it costs to move across the country.

The table below is based on Montway's internal shipment data and shows the five states with the largest increase in vehicle pickups between 2020 and 2025.

Arizona led all states in pickup growth, more than doubling in volume over the five-year period. Texas and Florida followed closely, each approaching a 100% increase. New Jersey also appears on the list, consistent with its large number of outbound movers.

As with deliveries, vehicle pickup volume reflects a combination of relocation activity and auto market trends rather than outbound moves alone. Higher pickup volumes in a state can indicate people moving out, but also active vehicle sales and dealer network activity within that state.

The motivations behind 2025's moves look a little different from prior years. For the first time in decades, the desire to be closer to family surpassed career reasons as the top driver of interstate relocation. Here's a breakdown of the key motivators:

Family: Being near family was the top reason Americans moved in 2025, cited by 29% of movers in United Van Line’s survey. This reflects a broader cultural shift following years of pandemic-driven distance: people are prioritizing connection over convenience.

Career and job opportunities: Job-related moves came in second at 26%, with growing tech and healthcare industries in states like Oregon, North Carolina, and Idaho drawing workers from across the country.

Retirement: Retirement motivated 14% of movers, with warmer climates and lower tax burdens in states like South Carolina, Florida, and Delaware remaining favorites for older Americans.

Affordability and housing: While the cost of living ranked lower in 2025 than in previous years, it’s still a driving force for many movers—especially as people choose between destination cities. Mid-sized metro areas with lower housing costs are consistently winning out over major urban centers.

Remote work: With roughly 20% of American workers still working remotely, location flexibility continues to reshape where people choose to live. Mid-sized cities and smaller towns are benefiting as workers trade expensive ZIP codes for places that fit their lives better.

Young and middle-aged movers: Millennials and Gen X—together accounting for 73.6% of all moves in 2025—are largely settling into more affordable "second cities". These destinations (Raleigh, Charlotte, and Nashville, for example) offer similar cultural and professional energy of a major hub at a more affordable price. 

Meanwhile, Gen Z is choosing large cities despite the cost, drawn by social opportunities and career networks. New Jersey's inbound movement among 18–34 year olds is a good example of this.

Retirement-age movers: Older Americans who are either retired or nearing retirement are still the most likely to make a major interstate move. These movers generally gravitate toward warmer climates and states with lower property taxes.

Middle-income earners: Income also played a defining role in who moved in 2025. Those making between $50,000 and $100,000 annually were the most mobile Americans, accounting for nearly 40% of all moves. High earners making over $200,000 were the least likely group to move. For many movers, their goal is to find a place where their paycheck goes further.

Remote workers: Sometimes referred to as digital nomads, remote workers continue to be a uniquely mobile segment. Their freedom to move anywhere is driving interest in smaller cities and towns that might otherwise fly under the radar. This group is increasingly seeking places defined less by status and more by whether it can accommodate their daily life.

Want to know which states are attracting the most new residents? Learn more in our blog on the top states people are moving to. 

No matter where your move takes you, Montway Auto Transport is here to help. We’ve shipped over one million vehicles nationwide, earning 100,000+ 5-star reviews. With nearly 20 years in business, we’ve built our reputation as a leader in auto transport by providing simple, reliable, and flexible car shipping services. Learn more about Montway’s relocation services. 

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