Moving Trends Report for 2024: Where are Americans moving to?

Last Updated: Jul 25, 2024
11 min read

(Update: July 24, 2024)

Mid-2024 Moving Trends:

34 states have seen move-in interest fall since Q1 2024. This aligns with reports from moving companies indicating this year’s moving season is slower than ever, even in the nation’s most popular states.
The Carolinas are #1. South Carolina is the top state by the move-in-to-out ratio, the number of searches for moves in divided by those out. North Carolina is a net volume winner, earning the most net searches for moves in, taking Q1 winner Texas (now #3) out of the top spot.
ID & MS are way more popular now than in 2023. Idaho (+22%) and Mississippi (21.5%) are seeing the greatest spikes of searches for moves in.

Roughly 13% of Americans moved each year before the onset of the pandemic. After the onset of the 2020 pandemic, 22% of Americans moved in response to the virus or know someone who has. More recently, Census data shows that despite a decline in shorter-distance moves, longer-distance moves picked up in 2022 with an estimated 8.2 million moving between states in a single year.

And this year? The cumulative impact of inflation across the past few years has Americans staying in their homes longer, possibly downsizing, while others who choose to move are flocking to areas with some of the nation’s more affordable homes.

Retirement, remote work protocols, politics and inflation are all contributing to the moves we’re seeing nationwide. Movers continue to seek out nature and affordability.

As we hit the peak of summer move season, we wanted to know what are the moving trends we’re seeing in mid-2024?

Moving in mid-2024, what changed?

#1 South Carolina continues to attract a large number of new residents, with mid-2024 data showing the state is attracting 2.17 moves in for every one out.
The states seeing the highest increase in moving search demand since 2023 are Idaho (+22%) and Mississippi (+21.5%).
North Carolina and Florida overtake Texas from its top spot in Q1 with the highest net volume of searches as of mid-2024. Rounding out the top 5 are South Carolina and Tennessee.
2024’s mid-year top 10 cities to move to by highest inflow-to-outflow ratio are Ocala (FL), Myrtle Beach (SC), Asheville (NC), Greenville (SC), Cary (NC), Chattanooga (TN), Palm Coast (FL), Sarasota (FL), and Charleston (SC). 8 Florida cities are in the top 25 and 5 North Carolina cities.
Which big(ger) cities are getting even bigger? #1 Raleigh, NC, is the most popular big city to move to in Q2 2024, followed by #2 Tampa (FL), #3 Orlando (FL), #4 Charlotte (NC), and #5 Nashville (TN).
California Leavin’. California’s major cities are still losing big in 2024, with San Diego, San Francisco and Los Angeles among the biggest cities seeing way more moves out than in.

I. Nationwide, where are moves headed in early 2024?

The latest Census data shows that from 2022 into mid-2023, Texas and Florida continue to dominate net domestic migration gains. What caught our eye, though, is the #10 top county by net domestic migration: Horry County, South Carolina.

South Carolina is the state moveBuddha data has seen dominate searches, with a consistent rate of 2-times more interest for moves in than out for going on 5 years straight.

And it’s not just South Carolina. North Carolina and Tennessee consistently rake in way more moves in than there are headed out, especially as we move into 2024’s moving season.

The big shift: 34 states have seen move-in interest fall since Q1 2024.

Why is that remarkable? Typically, from early in the year and into summer, we see an increase in moving traffic. Summer is peak moving season, after all.

But even top move-to destinations like Texas, West Virginia, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Alabama, Nevada, Montana, Wyoming, and Arkansas all saw a decline. Of the 33 states earning more interest for moves in than out, 22 saw a drop in their move-in-to-out ratio.

Of course, The Lone Star and Sunshine State are still popular among movers, coming #17 and #15, respectively, when looking at the ratio of moves in-to-out.

Click the year “button” below to see the changing trends:

It’s not exactly that the top move-to states are losing their popularity.

States like Texas and Florida continue to see major growth. But, the rising cost of living in yesterday’s top move-to cities like Austin and Miami (recently found a top move-out metro), has slowed down the inflow of new residents and sent some packing.

The trend of moving South has also spotlighted less-populated states like Alabama and Mississippi, which have seen a significant rise in their move-in rates from 2023 to mid-2024.

But according to our latest count, Idaho is seeing the greatest uptick of interest for moves into the state, with a 22% increase in the move in-to-out ratio, from 1.3 last year to 1.6 in 2024.

Wyoming is also gaining steady popularity as more Americans consider it a place they might want to call home.

II. Getting away from the Crowd: 2024’s most and least popular states

Nationwide, which states are people moving into way more than locals want to move out in 2024?

We analyzed moveBuddha search data to uncover 2024’s most and least popular states to move to and from.

Most popular states of 2024, so far…

Here are the most popular states that people are moving to in 2024:

Rank	State	In-to-out Move Ratio
1	South Carolina	2.17
2	North Carolina	1.77
3	Arkansas	1.61
4	Idaho	1.59
5	Tennessee	1.56
6	West Virginia	1.55
7	Maine	1.54
8	Wyoming	1.51
9	Oklahoma	1.40
10	Alaska	1.39

South Carolina continues its winning streak for attracting new residents into the middle of 2024. Once touted for its incredibly affordable cost of living, with inflation and increased popularity, the state is indexed at a 97.6 for cost of living (where the U.S. is 100).

The good news is that the population growth is fueling the state’s economies; healthcare and tech industries are growing rapidly in many SC cities like Columbia, Greenville, and Lockhart, attracting more and more workers to The Palmetto State.

Likewise, southern states with mild weather and ample outdoor recreation opportunities, like South Carolina, North Carolina, Arkansas, Tennessee, and even West Virginia, top the charts for inbound compared to outbound moves. While you’ll find big-city life in any of these states, they’re better known for outdoor concerts and stunning nature preserves.

In the West, states like Idaho and Wyoming are often drawing in moves from the Westernmost states like California. While Oklahoma’s pulling rank as an increasingly popular place to move thanks to cities offering affordable homes, safe streets, and great schools.

Look out for moves into Maine. Like those outdoorsy and popular-to-move-to-Southern states, Maine is a great place for outdoor recreation. It’s also one of the states with the most retirees. Two important factors likely influencing those choosing to move to the state in 2024.

Overall, areas with a lower cost of living, a steady climate, and better access to outdoor activities continue to see the most growth. More expensive areas will continue to see people leave as the cost of living becomes an even greater challenge.

Least popular states of 2024

Rank	State	In-to-out Move Ratio
1	California	0.47
2	Rhode Island	0.61
3	New Jersey	0.63
4	Connecticut	0.68
5	Maryland	0.77
6	Illinois	0.77
7	Massachusetts	0.78
8	Nebraska	0.83
9	North Dakota	0.85
10	Louisiana	0.88

For outbound moves, densely populated urban states are still the least popular destinations, with many more people looking to leave than relocate there. Four of the top five least popular states ranked among the 10 most densely populated U.S. states.

The story hasn’t changed in California and New Jersey. The two states have been among the top 3 exit states since 2020. While Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Maryland, which have all seen consistent outflow, are finding themselves among those seeing the most this year.

These states, in addition to being densely populated, face affordability challenges in an America struggling with inflation. New Jersey residents pay the country’s highest property taxes, deal with exorbitant real estate and rent prices, and increasingly see corporate headquarters leave the state, taking jobs with them. Nearby Connecticut is facing the same challenge and also losing residents.

Who is missing from the list? 2020’s #1 exit state, New York, has dropped out of the list as of 2023 and into mid 2024.

The states with the highest net volume of searches for moves in: North Carolina #1 as of mid 2024

When it comes to the pure volume of searches, the most populous states always top the list: California, Florida, and, of course, Texas. But volume doesn’t tell the whole story.

What is more interesting is the net volume, the number of searches for moves in minus the number of searches for moves out.

Here are the 5 states with the highest net volume of searches for moves in:

Early 2024 saw Texas leading the way, but the latest data shows that North Carolina has stepped to the top. The state is earning a higher net volume of searches for moves in than any other state in the nation.

Next in line are Florida, Texas, South Carolina and Tennessee. While Florida and Texas’s size aids in their ability to attract high volumes of moves, it’s especially noteworthy that states like SC and TN are right behind them. Both of these state’s rapid growth rate along with attracting some of the highest volumes of interest mean they are on track to make big population gains in 2024.

III. Small Cities, Big Nature: Which cities were especially popular in 2024 across the country?

We know which states dominate U.S. migration this 2024 (so far), but which cities are leading the pack?

As you might expect, it wasn’t highly populated urban hubs that drew the largest proportions of new residents. Instead, small and mid-sized cities with plenty of affordable housing and outdoor recreation emerged as big winners.

Top cities to move to in 2024

Here are the top cities people are moving to in 2024:

Rank	City, State	In-to-out Move Ratio
1	Ocala, FL	2.66
2	Myrtle Beach, SC	2.54	↑
3	Asheville, NC	2.35	↑
4	Wilmington, NC	2.22	↑
5	Greenville, SC	2.21	↑
6	Cary, NC	2.09	↓
7	Chattanooga, TN	1.9
8	Palm Coast, FL	1.89
9	Sarasota, FL	1.79
10	Charleston, SC	1.78

The appearance of 3 Florida cities in the top 10 shouldn’t be surprising, especially not #1 Ocala which is currently snagging the top spot. The Central Florida city offers lower new home prices (under $300K), a quiet lifestyle, and growing cultural options. It’s known as the “Horse Capitol of the World,” after all. Palm Coast and Sarasota also land in the top 10.

While The Villages took the Moving Trends top spot at the end of 2023 and is Florida's most desired city to move to in 2024, early in 2024 that particular retirement boomtown hasn't made the list —yet.

However, another hot retirement city, Myrtle Beach, SC takes the #2 spot as of mid 20204 and, nearby, #4 Wilmington, NC does too. Wilmington’s large historic district, vibrant waterfront, and proximity to the “salt life” are a few reasons it's one of America’s most popular cities. The popularity of Myrtle Beach is huge, with the metropolitan area ranking as the #1 metro to move to in 2024 net in-moves per capita.

#5 Greenville, SC, is another city seeing a surge in popularity. The strong job market is a big reason why. Opportunities abound in the city in the healthcare, tech, and manufacturing industries, with companies like BMW and GE employing thousands of residents in the area.

Exit cities of 2024

Rank	City, State	In-to-out Move Ratio
1	Oakland, CA	0.53
2	Memphis, TN	0.54
3	Baton Rouge, LA	0.55
4	Littleton, CO	0.55
5	Long Beach, CA	0.61
6	Herndon, VA	0.61
7	San Jose, CA	0.62
8	Tallahassee, FL	0.64
9	Los Angeles, CA	0.67
10	Sunnyvale, CA	0.68

California’s struggles to retain residents continue in 2024, with five Golden State cities seeing large numbers of residents looking to leave. Oakland, Long Beach, San Jose, Los Angeles, and Sunnyvale all see about half as many searches for moves in as out.

Surveys show that many Californians love living in California and applaud the state for its diversity. The problem is the cost of living has become exorbitantly high. The Golden State has had three consecutive years of population declines, according to U.S. Census data. The reasons for leaving different cities may differ slightly, but it likely boils down to one main thing: cost of living.

While Tennessee and Florida are winning big, their big cities Memphis and Tallahassee are not. Both are seeing large numbers of searches for moves exiting their cities.

Urban trends: Which urban areas are the most popular to move to in 2024, so far?

Looking purely at cities with the highest search volumes, we can see which of the nation's largest cities are most or least popular to move to.

Move aside, Miami, #1 Orlando, and #3 Tampa are drawing the attention of Americans looking to move in early 2024. #2 Charlotte, #4 San Antonio, and #5 Houston are also seeing much higher interest for moves in than out.

Big cities with the highest in-to-out ratio:

Rank	City, State	In-to-Out Move Ratio
1	Raleigh, NC	1.55
2	Tampa, FL	1.51
3	Orlando, FL	1.46
4	Charlotte, NC	1.42
5	Nashville, TN	1.27
6	Colorado Springs, CO	1.25
7	New York, NY	1.23
8	Las Vegas, NV	1.19
9	Jacksonville, FL	1.15
10	Houston, TX	1.14

The most popular urban area to move to at mid year 2024?

Raleigh, North Carolina, with 155 moves in for every 100 out takes the top spot.

Surprisingly, the data shows that New York continues its comeback trajectory. Other data backs up this trend. NYC lost few people in 2022-2023 than in 2021-2022, reversing a trend that started in the pandemic.

Number one in 2022 and ranked #2 in 2023, Tampa, is still at the top of the list of big cities to move to in 2024. With Orlando right behind, falling from #1 as of early 2024 (Q1-2024), to #3.

Meanwhile, Sunbelt and Mountain West cities like Charlotte, Nashville, Colorado Springs, Las Vegas, and Houston continue the positive momentum.

Big cities with the lowest in-to-out ratio:

Rank	City, State	In-to-out Move Ratio
1	Los Angeles, CA	0.67
2	San Diego, CA	0.69
3	San Francisco, CA	0.77
4	Chicago, IL	0.9
5	Philadelphia, PA	0.92

It's no surprise that California cities dominate this list with Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco seeing the most residents looking to head out vs. move in.

Outmigration from the top exit cities has decreased compared to recent years. Previously, cities had in-to-out ratios as low as 0.32, indicating only 32 inbound moves for every 100 outbound. This year, the improved ratios suggest a slowdown in outmigration and a growing influx into these cities.

Lifestyle moves in 2024, from remote-ability to affordability

Movers want more space to stretch out, a house they can afford, and milder climates, either for retirement or to enjoy outdoor activities.

Trends that accelerated in the pandemic and haven't let up since.

The shift toward the Sunbelt and Mountain West has been evident for years, and it’s continuing as remote work stubbornly remains, people flee high-cost states like California and New Jersey, and Baby Boomers retire to the beaches, often in the South, but they may even be considering coastal Maine.

California’s notable struggles to retain residents remain a theme in early 2024. Despite loving the California dream, residents there can no longer afford it. Texas and Florida have stolen the spotlight in recent years as top destination states, and still are home to some of the hottest move-to cities in the nation. But South Carolina, North Carolina, Arkansas, Idaho, and Tennessee are steadily rising as competition.

People usually move to be close to family or for work opportunities, but another reason is for money and lifestyle. Looking at the most popular states and cities in 2024, it’s evident movers are choosing vibrant small towns and cities that offer cultural amenities and a spectrum of lifestyles. It doesn’t hurt that the cost of living is better, too.

Methodology & Sources

We use moveBuddha proprietary data collected from 2020 through June 30, 2024, to analyze move trends. The data comes directly from the moveBuddha Moving Cost Calculator.

In-to-out ratio: We rely primarily on the in-to-out ratio equation in our analysis to see which cities are earning more residents by moves in than losing them via moves out: [Number of queries for moves in] ÷ [Number of queries for moves out] = [in-to-out ratio].