Where Are People Moving in July 2026? (moveBuddha Data)
Fact Checked by: July is the peak of moving season, and this month’s data shows the same underlying pattern that has defined 2026: movers are prioritizing locations that offer affordability, warm weather, and lower tax burdens.
We analyzed interstate move searches made through moveBuddha’s Moving Cost Calculator during July 2026 to identify which states and cities are drawing the most attention from prospective movers and which ones people are leaving behind.
Here’s what the data shows.
In-to-out ratio · moveBuddha Moving Cost Calculator data, July 2026
Ratios show inbound searches ÷ outbound searches. Above 1.0 = more people moving in. Below 1.0 = more people moving out. Based on moveBuddha Moving Cost Calculator data, July 2026.
(Updated: August 2026)
Where people are moving in July 2026:
- South Carolina jumps to the #1 destination state in July 2026, posting a 2.28 in-to-out ratio, the highest of any state this year. Myrtle Beach leads all cities nationally with a 7.60 ratio, and Summerville also cracks the top 10.
- Kansas breaks into the top 10 for the first time, ranking #2 with a 1.69 ratio. The story is largely Wichita, which posts a 4.40 city-level ratio on its own and reflects growing interest in the Midwest as a destination.
- Florida holds the #4 spot by ratio at 1.54 but still leads all states in net inbound share, capturing nearly 30% of total net inbound searches. The Villages, Kissimmee, Punta Gorda, and Fort Myers all rank in the top 10 most popular destination cities.
- Connecticut leads all exit states at 0.57, a position it has held consistently in recent months. New Jersey and Missouri are new faces in the bottom 10, with Missouri moves driven heavily by outbound searches from Kansas City.
- California dominates the exit city rankings, with three cities (Hawthorne, Fresno, and Riverside) in the top 10, and Irvine just outside the list. Hawthorne posts the lowest in-to-out ratio of any qualifying city.
- Kansas City, MO posts one of July’s strongest large-market exit signals, with a 0.27 in-to-out ratio. Missouri ranks #3 among exit states overall.
- Idaho and Georgia remain in the top 10 destination states, continuing a pattern of inbound interest in Boise and the Atlanta metro.
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Top 10 most popular states to move to in July 2026
We compared the rate of inbound move searches (destination state) against outbound searches (origin state) to calculate each state’s in-to-out ratio. A ratio above 1.0 means more people are searching to move in than out.
| State | In-to-Out Ratio |
|---|---|
| 1. South Carolina | 2.28 |
| 2. Kansas | 1.69 |
| 3. Idaho | 1.64 |
| 4. Florida | 1.54 |
| 5. Alabama | 1.48 |
| 6. North Carolina | 1.47 |
| 7. Arkansas | 1.42 |
| 8. Georgia | 1.41 |
| 9. Tennessee | 1.36 |
| 10. Texas | 1.24 |
Ratios show inbound searches ÷ outbound searches. Above 1.0 = more people moving in. Below 1.0 = more people moving out. Based on moveBuddha Moving Cost Calculator data, July 2026.
South Carolina claims the #1 spot in July 2026
South Carolina posts a 2.28 in-to-out ratio in July, the strongest result of any state in this year’s data so far. The state is drawing movers from across the Northeast and Midwest, and the city-level data backs it up: Myrtle Beach ranks #1 among all cities nationally, and Summerville makes the top 10 as well. With both Myrtle Beach and Summerville in the top 10, South Carolina’s inbound interest extends beyond a single city.
Several factors may contribute to South Carolina’s inbound interest, including its tax treatment of Social Security income, relatively affordable housing compared with many Northeast markets, and access to coastal communities. Summerville offers a different value proposition within the state, providing access to the Charleston metro at generally lower housing costs than Charleston itself.
Florida holds #4 by ratio but leads all states in overall inbound moving interest
Florida’s 1.54 in-to-out ratio puts it fourth in the state rankings, but it leads the country by share of net inbound search demand. Florida captures nearly 30% of all net inbound move searches in July, more than double South Carolina’s 14.8% share. Volume and ratio tell different stories, and Florida’s search volume is especially notable. No other state accounts for as much of July’s net inbound demand.
Four Florida cities appear in the top 10 destination list (The Villages, Kissimmee, Punta Gorda, and Fort Myers), reflecting interest across retirement markets, Central Florida, and the Gulf Coast. The four cities show that Florida’s inbound interest is spread across several parts of the state.
Florida accounts for nearly 30% of all net inbound move searches in July 2026. South Carolina is second at 14.8%, followed by Texas at 13.5% and North Carolina at 11.4%. Together, those four states capture more than two-thirds of all net inbound move searches.
| State | Share of net inbound moving quote searches |
|---|---|
| Florida | 29.7% |
| South Carolina | 14.8% |
| Texas | 13.5% |
| North Carolina | 11.4% |
| Georgia | 8.3% |
| Tennessee | 5.8% |
| Arizona | 4.2% |
| Alabama | 3.3% |
| Kansas | 2.9% |
| Idaho | 2.8% |
Ratios show inbound searches ÷ outbound searches. Above 1.0 = more people moving in. Below 1.0 = more people moving out. Based on moveBuddha Moving Cost Calculator data, July 2026.
Many of the leading inbound states combine warmer climates, relatively affordable housing, and favorable tax laws. July’s data suggests that Southern markets continue to attract substantial interest from prospective interstate movers. The Sunbelt’s pull on movers from high-cost coastal states hasn’t let up in July’s data.
Kansas at #2 and Arkansas at #7: new faces in the top 10
Kansas at #2 (1.69) is one of the most notable results in July’s state data. Kansas hasn’t historically appeared near the top of moveBuddha’s destination rankings, and its placement this month is largely driven by Wichita, which posts a 4.40 in-to-out ratio at the city level. Wichita offers some of the most affordable home prices of any city over 300,000 people in the country, paired with a stable job market anchored by aerospace and defense. For movers priced out of larger cities, it’s an increasingly visible option.
Northwest Arkansas, anchored by Bentonville and Fayetteville, has attracted growing relocation interest in recent years. The region combines major employers, an expanding technology and arts community, and home prices below those of many larger metropolitan areas.
Top 10 least popular states to move to in July 2026
Connecticut posts the lowest state ratio for the third straight month. New Jersey and Missouri join Maryland and California in the bottom five, extending July’s outbound-heavy rankings beyond the Northeast.
| State | In-to-Out Ratio |
|---|---|
| 1. Connecticut | 0.57 |
| 2. New Jersey | 0.68 |
| 3. Missouri | 0.68 |
| 4. Maryland | 0.69 |
| 5. California | 0.70 |
| 6. Utah | 0.71 |
| 7. Nevada | 0.72 |
| 8. Massachusetts | 0.73 |
| 9. New Hampshire | 0.73 |
| 10. Pennsylvania | 0.74 |
Ratios show inbound searches ÷ outbound searches. Above 1.0 = more people moving in. Below 1.0 = more people moving out. Based on moveBuddha Moving Cost Calculator data, July 2026.
Connecticut and the Northeast corridor: persistent exit pressure
Connecticut holds the worst ratio in the country at 0.57, unchanged from June. High property taxes, limited affordability relative to Southern alternatives, and a steady outflow toward Sun Belt states have made Connecticut a consistent exit leader in moveBuddha’s data. New Jersey follows at #2 with a 0.68 ratio. Its high housing costs and property taxes may be contributing to interest in more affordable destinations, particularly among households with flexibility to move farther from New York City. Massachusetts at #8 (0.73) rounds out the Northeast cluster of states, with Cambridge appearing in the exit city rankings as well.
Missouri enters the exit top 10 as Kansas City drives outbound searches
Missouri’s outbound searches are concentrated largely in Kansas City, which posts a 0.27 city-level in-to-out ratio and one of the lowest ratios among larger qualifying markets in July. Kansas City movers appear to be looking at nearby lower-cost markets, including Wichita just across the state line, as well as Sun Belt destinations. St. Louis contributes as well, but Kansas City is the primary driver of Missouri’s state-level exit position.
Utah and Nevada: Mountain West markets turn net outbound
Utah at #6 (0.71) and Nevada at #7 (0.72) both sit in exit territory in July, a shift from their standing as more popular destinations in earlier data. Utah’s housing market has become significantly more expensive over the past three years, and the outbound interest suggests some residents, particularly younger households, are weighing exits toward more affordable alternatives. Nevada’s outbound ratio can be attributed to North Las Vegas, which posts a 0.33 ratio, along with additional outbound interest from Reno.
Top 10 most popular cities to move to in July 2026
South Carolina and Florida lead the city rankings, but July’s top 10 is more geographically diverse than June’s. Wichita, Kansas; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and Laramie, Wyoming all appear among the leading destination markets.
| City, State | In-to-Out Ratio |
|---|---|
| 1. Myrtle Beach, SC | 7.60 |
| 2. The Villages, FL | 7.00 |
| 3. Kissimmee, FL | 6.67 |
| 4. Fayetteville, GA | 6.33 |
| 5. Sioux Falls, SD | 5.67 |
| 6. Punta Gorda, FL | 5.00 |
| 7. Laramie, WY | 4.75 |
| 8. Summerville, SC | 4.75 |
| 9. Fort Myers, FL | 4.57 |
| 10. Wichita, KS | 4.40 |
Ratios show inbound searches ÷ outbound searches. Above 1.0 = more people moving in. Below 1.0 = more people moving out. Based on moveBuddha Moving Cost Calculator data, July 2026.
Myrtle Beach leads all cities with a 7.60 ratio
Myrtle Beach, SC posts July’s highest ratio among qualifying cities at 7.60. Myrtle Beach has appeared in recent monthly data, but its #1 ranking in July reflects a real spike in inbound interest. The combination of oceanfront access, relatively low home prices, and South Carolina’s overall tax-friendly environment for retirees makes it a recurring destination for movers leaving the Northeast. Its repeated appearance in moveBuddha’s monthly data suggests that July’s result is part of a broader pattern of inbound interest, although city-level ratios may fluctuate more than state-level results.
The Villages, Kissimmee, Punta Gorda, and Fort Myers: Florida’s retirement corridor
Four of the top 10 destination cities are in Florida, and three of them (The Villages, Punta Gorda, and Fort Myers) are firmly in retirement market territory. The Villages at #2 (7.00) is one of the largest age-restricted communities in the country and consistently draws strong inbound interest from Northeast and Midwest retirees. Kissimmee at #3 (6.67) appeals to all ages, drawing from Orlando’s job market and tourism sector. Punta Gorda at #6 (5.00) and Fort Myers at #9 (4.57) both serve Gulf Coast buyers looking for more affordable entry points than Naples or Sarasota.
Wichita, Sioux Falls, and Laramie: the Midwest and Mountain West surprise entries
Wichita, KS at #10 (4.40) is one of the most notable additions to July’s city rankings. Its ratio contributes significantly to Kansas’s #2 state ranking and points to growing interest in the Central Plains. Sioux Falls, SD at #5 (5.67) benefits from South Dakota’s no-income-tax status and a low cost of living that has attracted both retirees and remote workers.
Laramie, WY ranks #7 at 4.75 and is the smallest market on the list by population. As with all city-level findings, its ratio should be interpreted with appropriate caution because smaller markets can experience greater month-to-month variation.
Top 10 exit cities in July 2026
| City, State | In-to-Out Ratio |
|---|---|
| 1. Hawthorne, CA | 0.05 |
| 2. Fresno, CA | 0.19 |
| 3. Cambridge, MA | 0.24 |
| 4. Kansas City, MO | 0.27 |
| 5. Des Moines, IA | 0.29 |
| 6. Riverside, CA | 0.31 |
| 7. Tallahassee, FL | 0.33 |
| 8. North Las Vegas, NV | 0.33 |
| 9. Albany, NY | 0.43 |
| 10. Madison, WI | 0.43 |
Ratios show inbound searches ÷ outbound searches. Above 1.0 = more people moving in. Below 1.0 = more people moving out. Based on moveBuddha Moving Cost Calculator data, July 2026.
Hawthorne, California: the most extreme exit ratio in July’s data
Hawthorne, CA posts the lowest city-level ratio in July at 0.05, equivalent to approximately 19 outbound searches for every inbound search. Hawthorne sits in the South Bay area of Los Angeles County, where median home prices and rent remain among the highest in the country. The result aligns with the broader state-level pattern: California ranks #5 among exit states with a 0.70 ratio. Hawthorne’s result is extreme, but the direction is shared across a lot of the state.
California’s four exit cities tell the same story across different markets
Beyond Hawthorne, Fresno (#2, 0.19), Riverside (#6, 0.31), and Irvine (just outside the top 10 at 0.46) give California three additional cities with heavily outbound-skewed ratios. These markets span California’s geography and income levels: Fresno is Central Valley, Riverside is Inland Empire, Irvine is Orange County. Together, the results show outbound-skewed search activity across several distinct parts of California rather than in one isolated metro.
Kansas City and Cambridge: the Midwest and Northeast add to the exit list
Kansas City, MO at #4 (0.27) is the most significant large-market exit city in July’s data. It’s also the primary driver of Missouri’s #3 ranking among exit states. The outbound interest from Kansas City points toward a mix of destinations: Sun Belt markets, but also Wichita, KS (just two hours south), which ranks #1 in July’s data for the state of Kansas and #10 among all cities nationally. Cambridge, MA at #3 (0.24) fits the broader Massachusetts exit pattern, with high housing costs and an expensive cost of living pushing residents to evaluate alternatives outside the Greater Boston area.
Most active states for local and short-distance moves in July 2026
Interstate moves capture the migration story, but a meaningful share of moveBuddha’s July search volume came from people planning local and short-distance moves within their own state. These rankings are influenced by both state population and the volume of moves occurring within major metropolitan areas.
| State | Rank by local search activity |
|---|---|
| 1. Texas | #1 |
| 2. California | #2 |
| 3. Florida | #3 |
| 4. North Carolina | #4 |
| 5. Virginia | #5 |
| 6. New York | #6 |
| 7. Illinois | #7 |
| 8. Pennsylvania | #8 |
| 9. Washington | #9 |
| 10. Georgia | #10 |
Rankings based on volume of local and intrastate move searches. Based on moveBuddha Moving Cost Calculator data, July 2026.
Texas leads local activity for the second straight month
Texas tops the local move rankings again in July. The state’s four major metros (Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio) generate constant internal movement as people relocate within metro areas, upgrade housing, or shift to suburbs. Texas’ strong interstate inbound ranking and high local search volume point to movement at both levels: people are considering moves into the state while existing residents continue relocating within it.
California’s internal churn remains high despite its exit state status
California ranks #5 on the interstate exit list and #2 for local move activity. The two findings aren’t in conflict. California is large enough to sustain heavy internal movement (Bay Area to Sacramento, Los Angeles to the Inland Empire) even as net outmigration continues for interstate moves. The findings measure two different types of movement. California’s large population can generate substantial local search activity even while its interstate searches lean outbound.
Washington enters the top 10 for local activity
Washington’s appearance at #9 for local move volume reflects the Seattle metro’s ongoing internal reshuffling. Movement between Seattle and surrounding markets such as Tacoma and Bellevue may contribute to Washington’s local search activity. The state’s #9 ranking shows meaningful intrastate movement, although the data does not identify the reasons residents choose to relocate within Washington.
What July 2026 moving trends tell us
July’s data reinforces what moveBuddha has tracked throughout 2026: movers appear to be following value, and the Sunbelt is still delivering it. The states drawing the most searches in July offer some combination of no income tax, affordable housing relative to origin markets, warm weather, and growing job markets.
South Carolina’s move to #1 is the headline result in July. A 2.28 ratio is the strongest state-level figure in this year’s data, and Myrtle Beach’s city-level performance reinforces it. Florida’s nearly 30% share of net inbound demand makes it the country’s highest-volume destination in July, even though it doesn’t have the highest in-to-out ratio.
The appearance of Kansas, Arkansas, and Wichita in the top 10 suggests that inbound interest is extending beyond the coastal Sun Belt. July’s rankings give lower-cost markets in the Central Plains and Midwest a more prominent place in the national relocation picture. The Midwest is becoming a more visible part of the relocation story.
On the exit side, the Northeast corridor remains the dominant source of outbound searches; Connecticut, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire all rank in the bottom 10. Missouri’s entry into the top 10 exit states, driven by Kansas City, adds a new Midwest dimension. Utah and Nevada moving into exit territory suggests that some of the Mountain West markets that attracted movers during 2021 and 2022 are now starting to see more outbound moves as their housing costs have caught up.
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Methodology & Sources
This analysis uses moveBuddha proprietary data collected from searches made through the moveBuddha Moving Cost Calculator during July 2026. The dataset covers interstate move searches, including both long-distance and short-haul interstate moves.
In-to-out ratio: The primary metric used throughout this report. It is calculated as:
[Number of searches for moves into a location] ÷ [Number of searches for moves out of a location] = In-to-out ratioA ratio above 1.0 indicates more inbound interest than outbound. A ratio below 1.0 indicates more people are searching to leave than to arrive.
What counts as a search: Each record represents a unique quote request submitted through the moveBuddha Moving Cost Calculator. Searches are classified by stated origin and destination city/state. Only interstate searches are included in state and city rankings; local and intrastate moves are excluded from the in-to-out ratio calculations but are counted separately in the local moves section.
Minimum volume threshold: State rankings include only states with 100 or more combined inbound and outbound searches. City rankings include cities with 20 or more combined searches. These thresholds help reduce statistical noise, although city-level ratios may still fluctuate more from month to month than state-level results.
Net inbound volume: Calculated as total inbound searches minus total outbound searches for a given location. Percentage share represents each location’s portion of total net inbound searches across all states.
moveBuddha data reflects search intent, not confirmed moves. Searches represent prospective movers actively exploring relocation options and may not all result in a completed move.
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