Fewer Americans are moving on average each year, and 2025 continued the trend. Facing rising home prices and economic uncertainty, movers are making calculated decisions about affordability, family, and quality of life. Among those who did move last year, most didn’t go far—78% of all moves in 2025 were within the same state. 

Over the course of the year, a familiar pattern emerged: the South and Pacific Northwest continued to attract new residents, while the Northeast and parts of the West Coast kept losing them. Here's a look at where Americans moved in 2025 and what to expect in 2026

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

Oregon: Oregon's rise was the biggest moving and migration story of 2025. In just one year, the state jumped from eighth in inbound migration to first place. Its expanding tech and healthcare sectors attracted a large share of career-motivated movers, with over one-third of new residents citing job opportunities as their primary reason for relocating. 

West Virginia: West Virginia has become a go-to destination for people who want proximity to major metro areas without the price tag. With some of the most affordable housing in the country and easy access to cities like Washington D.C., Pittsburgh, and Columbus, it drew a mix of remote workers, career movers, and those simply looking for more breathing room. Over 22% of new residents said moving closer to family was their top motivation.

South Carolina: For the sixth consecutive year, South Carolina ranked among the top inbound states. A lower cost of living, growing healthcare and tech industries, and a temperate climate continue to make it one of the country's most consistent migration magnets. Coastal cities like Myrtle Beach and Wilmington, NC (just across the border), were some of the most popular metro destinations in the entire country.

North Carolina: North Carolina remains one of the most popular destinations on the East Coast, and for good reason. It boasts a diverse economy, a strong job market in finance and technology, and cities like Ashville, Charlotte, and Raleigh, all at a cost of living below the national average. Wilmington ranked among the top inbound metros in the country in 2025.

Idaho: After topping North American Van Lines' inbound list in back-to-back years, Idaho has firmly established itself as one of the country's fastest-growing states. Boise continues to attract young professionals with its reliable job market and outdoor lifestyle, while the state's overall affordability and lower taxes keep bringing in families and remote workers from pricier West Coast cities.

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 deliveries between 2020 and 2025.

Florida, Texas, and Massachusetts nearly doubled in delivery volume over the five-year period, with Massachusetts showing the highest percentage growth. Georgia and North Carolina round out the list, consistent with the broader migration data showing population growth across the Southeast.

It's worth noting that California led all states in the amount of vehicle deliveries, but its growth rate of 62.8% was lower than that of any state in the top five. This reflects California’s large existing base rather than growing demand. A high number of deliveries doesn’t always mean that more people are moving there. They can also reflect increased auto industry activity, dealer-to-dealer shipments, and regional vehicle sales trends. 

If it felt like fewer people were moving in 2025, that's because they were. Residential mobility hit one of its lowest points in decades, and a large part of the reason comes down to one thing: mortgage rates.

Between 2020 and 2022, millions of Americans locked in home loans at rates below 3%. When rates climbed to 6–7% in the years that followed, those homeowners found themselves in a financial bind. Selling meant giving up a monthly payment that could be hundreds of dollars cheaper than anything available today. This “lock-in effect” caused many homeowners to stay put, keeping inventory low and the housing market unusually quiet.

However, there's reason to think 2026 will be different. With rates dropping to their lowest level since 2022, the financial incentive to stay locked in place is starting to weaken. If rates continue to ease, more people will feel ready to make their move.

In short, the people who moved in 2025 really wanted to move. And in 2026, more of them may finally be able to.

If 2025 was the year of the deliberate mover, 2026 looks set to continue in the same direction—with some interesting twists.

Mid-sized university towns in the South and Southwest are projected to see the strongest inbound move ratios. Knoxville, Tennessee, leads the forecast as the #1 destination city, followed by Tulsa, Oklahoma; Vancouver, Washington; Savannah, Georgia; and Tucson, Arizona.

At the state level, the South and Southwest remain dominant. Tennessee in particular stands out, with Nashville drawing comparisons to Austin at its peak. Major corporate investments, including Oracle relocating its global headquarters to Nashville, and Amazon expanding its Operations Center of Excellence downtown, have brought thousands of high-paying tech and corporate jobs to the area. 

Additionally, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Idaho are all expected to continue their strong inbound trends. Alaska is the wildcard; projected to attract 2.45 new residents for every one who leaves, reflecting a growing appetite among movers for places that are affordable and uncrowded, even if unconventional.

The main theme heading into 2026: movers aren't chasing the same places everyone else wants to go. They're finding their own corners that are smaller, more affordable, and built around a workable life.

Curious about which states people are leaving behind? See our companion guide, top states people are leaving.

Montway Auto Transport is here to take some of the stress out of moving. With over one 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. 

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