Due to the shifting economy and lack of affordable housing, fewer people moved in 2022 than in 2021. How will U.S. moving patterns continue to change in 2023? Check out some of the most popular states people are moving to and the migration trends to keep an eye on in the coming year!
Moving Trends for 2023
As we reviewed various trends and migration patterns from 2022, there were a few commonalities that stood out, which may help predict how and where Americans will relocate in 2023.
Affordability Is Essential
As housing affordability declines, many Americans are looking to relocate to a different state or city for more affordable homes and lower costs of living. Finances and growing expenses were the main reasons Americans moved in 2022. However, we’re expecting to see a more stable housing market in 2023, making moving more feasible for many.
Americans seeking higher financial security weighed the costs of urban vs. suburban living. Remote work has allowed many Americans who previously lived in expensive cities to relocate to more affordable cities without sacrificing career opportunities. This U.S. migration pattern explains why more people have been leaving urban areas and moving to the suburbs.
Work-from-Home Jobs Allow for Freedom
The growth of remote work opportunities will likely continue to influence U.S. migration trends in 2023. Since the start of the pandemic, over 4.9 million Americans have credited remote work as their reason for moving.
With the number of remote workers tripling between 2019 and 2021, the number of remote positions is expected to continue to increase in 2023. Americans seeking a work-from-home job may be looking to move to the best places to work remotely. For example, Jacksonville, San Antonio, and Tucson are some of the top-rated cities for remote work, making them attractive destinations for movers in 2023.
More Space Is All the Rage
An examination of U.S. migration patterns revealed a nationwide shift from downtown communities to the surrounding suburbs, indicating a rise in desirability for suburban living. Americans who were considering moving to a new state or city looked for homes with attractive amenities like yard space, home offices, and home gyms or workout options. Ultimately, people want homes with porches, spacious backyards, and room to breathe—something much more difficult to find in packed downtown areas. The desire for more space has Americans flocking to places like Idaho, New Mexico, and Nebraska—all of which have a low population density and plenty of open space.
People from All Age Groups Are Moving
Mover demographic trends have remained relatively similar over the past few years. We predict people of all ages and backgrounds will continue to move in 2023, with young Americans most likely to persist in moving south and west across the United States. And as many retirees continue to move to warmer states like Florida, plenty of families live in multi-generational homes for financial reasons and accessibility to loved ones.
Proximity to Family Is Important
Proximity to family and loved ones has been found to be one of the main reasons people will stay in or move back to their hometowns—a fact that hasn’t changed in recent years. The geographic location of one’s family can be a deciding factor for Americans of all ages when moving out of state or to a new city.
Over 55% of Americans say they live within an hour of family so they can be present for family functions, offer support for aging or new parents, and bond with siblings and extended family. More than half of young adults ages 18 to 24 choose to live with family in order to lower living expenses, creating a rise in multi-generational households. The recent growth in remote work opportunities makes moving closer to family a more sustainable and long-term option.
Climate Impacts
In 2022, we saw residents moving away from states that experience extreme weather toward more insulated areas inland. For 34% of Americans, seeking more stable weather was cited as a reason that could motivate them to relocate—a trend we predict will continue in 2023. Natural disasters and unpredictable weather patterns can cause stress and property damage, making places with more stable climates—like Utah, Arizona, and Idaho—desirable places to move to in 2023.
Top States People Are Moving to in 2023
We looked at the states that saw the most growth in 2022 and noticed some moving trends that may carry over into 2023. Specifically, states with more space, lower costs of living, and remote work options will continue to be the ideal places to live in the U.S. Check out this list of the top six states people are moving to in 2023!
Arizona
Americans are moving to Arizona—Phoenix, Mesa, and Gilbert all saw population growth in 2022. Arizona is the perfect place for those looking for work-from-home opportunities or digital nomads looking to take part in The Grand Canyon State’s outdoor adventures. Scottsdale is one of the best cities for jobs, and Tucson is one of the best cities for remote work. If you’re moving to catch more sunny days, cities like Phoenix and Tucson are ranked as some of the sunniest cities in the U.S., giving these residents tons of outdoor activities and things to do. Residents living in Arizona can explore Grand Canyon National Park, enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Glen Canyon Park, hit the links for high-quality golfing in Arizona at courses like Raven Golf Club and TPC Scottsdale, or explore the famous ghost town of Jerome!
Florida
The Sunshine State ranks as one of the best states to live in, seeing consistent population growth. Florida’s beaches, warm weather, diversity, strong workforce, and affordability entice many to move to Florida. While the cost of living in Florida may be slightly higher than the national average, it’s still feasible to live here—there’s no state income tax, property taxes are low, and Florida’s housing is relatively affordable, too. Florida has many places to explore, including the Latin American-influenced Miami, the bay access and beaches near Tampa, and the state capital of Tallahassee. Moving to Florida allows for frequent trips to Disney World and Universal Studios, but locals also love exploring the state’s outdoor curiosities, including the St. Pete Sunken Gardens, Dry Tortugas National Park, Devil’s Den Spring, and Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay.
Georgia
With Atlanta voted as the best place to move in 2023, The Peach State is expecting to see a lot of growth. This Southern state boasts an unemployment rate significantly lower than the national average at only 2.9%. Georgia’s low cost of living and low taxes also make this Southern state one of the most affordable places to live! Moving to populated cities like Atlanta or Savannah opens up tons of career opportunities due to large company headquarters like Home Depot, UPS, Delta Airlines, and the Coca-Cola Company. In their free time, Georgia’s residents enjoy hiking, camping, or biking on one of the many trails in Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, trips to the Georgia Aquarium, strolling through the historic City Market in the Landmark District, or taking in gorgeous views at Rock City atop Lookout Mountain!
Idaho
As one of the best places to live near the mountains and thanks to low crime rates, Idaho has seen one of the highest population growth rates in America. This state has seen more people move in than out, with Meridian among the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. The Gem State offers people looking to spread out open space and a chance to join a growing economy—in particular, Boise‘s strong job market sets it up as one of the best cities for job-seekers. Residents love to visit major state attractions like Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve, Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Lake Coeur d’Alene, and Shoshone Falls Park.
North Carolina
With its low cost of living and robust job market, many have flocked to North Carolina for its affordability. Metro areas like Charlotte and Raleigh have seen a population boom over the past few years. Oak City, Durham, and Chapel Hill make up Research Triangle Park, a leader in science and technology—making these cities an excellent home for young professionals in STEM. At the same time, smaller cities like Asheville account for some of the best places to live in the South! Locals love to go bird-watching at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, see breathtaking views during a hike through Chimney Rock State Park, and admire the scenery of “America’s favorite drive” while cruising the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Texas
The sprawling prairies of the Lone Star State draw in movers seeking room to grow, affordable land and housing, and remote or in-person job opportunities. While big cities like Austin and Dallas continually experience growth, suburbs and smaller cities like Katy, Richmond, and Frisco have seen an increase in population growth due to the low cost of living and land-owning options. Texas offers considerable space, great culture, and plenty of things to do. When you live in Texas, you can explore the extensive network of hiking trails at Big Bend National Park, splash in the surf at Stewart Beach, spray-paint your custom design on the sculptures at Cadillac Ranch, or wander the cave systems at Natural Bridge Caverns.
Thinking about moving to a new city or state in 2023? With locations all over the country, Extra Space Storage is your go-to partner for short-term and long-term self storage needs. Find a storage unit near you!
FAQs
Natural disasters and unpredictable weather patterns can cause stress and property damage, making places with more stable climates—like Utah, Arizona, and Idaho—desirable places to move to in 2023.
Where is everyone moving to in 2023? ›
Based on migration data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Americans are moving to Austin, Texas; Raleigh, North Carolina; Orlando, Florida; Dallas, Texas; and Phoenix, Arizona. The most moved-to cities are based on percentage increases in population since 2010.
Where are Americans moving to? ›
PODS long-distance moving data shows that Americans are continuing to move to cities in Florida, Texas, Tennessee, and the Carolinas in droves — over 80% of the most moved-to cities on our top 20 list came from these popular southern states.
What states are people leaving the most? ›
Top states residents are leaving
The annual 2022 United Van Lines National Movers study is out! But it wasn't good news for New Jersey or New York. A similar report from United Van Lines showed New Jersey as the top outbound state, followed by Illinois, New York, Michigan, and Wyoming. The full list is below.
What are the top cities people are leaving? ›
San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles are the top cities Americans want to leave, according to Redfin. Other cities in the top ten including Washington, D.C., Chicago, Boston, Seattle, and Denver.
What is the fastest-growing city 2023? ›
Georgetown, Texas: The Fastest-Growing City in the Nation
With an impressive growth rate, Georgetown leads all cities and towns with a population of at least 50,000.
What are the best states to move to for the future? ›
| ▲ Overall Rank | State | Economy |
|---|
| 1 | Wyoming | 1 |
| 2 | Vermont | 27 |
| 3 | South Dakota | 17 |
| 4 | New Hampshire | 10 |
18 more rowsJan 12, 2023
Portugal has a warm climate and a much lower cost of living than the US, which makes it one of the easiest countries to immigrate to from the US. Portugal is well known for its beautiful beaches, rich culture and history, and vibrant cities.
What state are most Californians moving to? ›
The most common destinations for California migrants were Texas, Arizona, and Nevada. Texas had the most California transplants from 2020 to 2021: 105,000. Arizona (with 63,000 California transplants) and Nevada (55,000) were next highest.
Where is the best place for an American to live? ›
What is the safest country for American expats? According to the 2022 Global Peace Index, the five safest countries are Iceland, New Zealand, Ireland, Denmark, and Austria.
Change in population, 2020 to 2022
Idaho, Montana and Florida saw the most population growth, while New York, Illinois and Louisiana saw the most decline.
What state is growing the fastest? ›
Utah experienced the nation's fastest growth in housing units, with an increase of 3.3% between July 1, 2021, and July 1, 2022, followed by Idaho (2.8%) and Texas (2.3%). Rhode Island (0.2%), New Jersey (0.2%), Illinois (0.2%) and Connecticut (0.3%) had the slowest rates of housing growth.
What is the most expensive state to leave in? ›
According to several studies on cost of living, Hawaii is the most expensive U.S. state to live in. Prices are typically double in Hawaii compared to those on the mainland, and the continued rise in inflation is making costs ranging from housing to health care much more expensive.
What is the most moved to state in 2023? ›
One of the most popular states to move to in 2023 is Texas, and for good reason. This state boasts an impressive job market since it is home to many tech companies, startups, and artistic hubs.
Where are Gen Z moving to? ›
Top Cities Where Gen Z Is Moving
| City | Net Migration |
|---|
| 1 | Washington, D.C. | 12,912 |
| 2 | Columbia, SC | 11,640 |
| 3 | Boston, MA | 10,271 |
| 4 | Atlanta, GA | 7,756 |
6 more rowsMar 29, 2023
Here's how editors said the magazine determined its picks: Analyzing the 150 most populous metropolitan areas and evaluating several factors including job prospects, affordability, growth and quality of life. Topping the 2023-24 list: Green Bay, Wisconsin.
What will be the biggest city in 2025? ›
City population 2025
| 1 | Tokyo, Japan | 36,400,000 |
|---|
| 2 | Mumbai (Bombay), India | 26,385,000 |
| 3 | Delhi, India | 22,498,000 |
| 4 | Dhaka, Bangladesh | 22,015,000 |
| 5 | Sao Paulo, Brazil | 21,428,000 |
56 more rowsHere, we look at the 10 largest cities by 2030, as predicted by the United Nations' (UN) World Urbanization Prospects.
- 1 – TOKYO, JAPAN – 37.2M PEOPLE.
- 2 – DELHI, INDIA – 36.1M PEOPLE. ...
- 3 – SHANGHAI, CHINA – 30.8M PEOPLE. ...
- 4 – MUMBAI, INDIA – 27.8M PEOPLE. ...
- 5 – BEIJING, CHINA – 27.7M PEOPLE. ...
- 6 – DHAKA, BANGLADESH – 27.4M PEOPLE. ...
16 Fastest Developing Countries in 2023
- Cambodia.
- India.
- Philippines.
- Benin.
- Niger.
- Ethiopia.
- Rwanda.
- Democratic Republic of Congo.
1. Mississippi. Coming in as the cheapest state to live in in the United States is Mississippi with a cost of living index score of 83.3. It also has the lowest average housing costs in the nation at 33.7% below the national average.
States With Lowest Cost of Living
Mississippi is the state with the lowest cost of living in the US, with a cost of living index of 85. This means that the cost of living in Mississippi is 15% lower than the national average. The state has a low cost of housing, groceries, and utilities.
What is the best state to make lot of money? ›
This statistic shows the best states to make living in the United States in 2019. In 2019, Wyoming was ranked as the best state to make a living in the United States, with the cost of living index at 90.5 value and the median income of 40,240 U.S. dollars.
What is the friendliest country to move to? ›
Download Table Data
| Country | Rank | 2023 Population |
|---|
| Portugal | 1 | 10,247,605 |
| Taiwan | 2 | 23,923,276 |
| Mexico | 3 | 128,455,567 |
| Cambodia | 4 | 16,944,826 |
60 more rowsWhich are the most popular countries for moving abroad?
| The Top 10 Countries for Moving Abroad | Number of countries that want to move here the most |
|---|
| 1. Canada | 30 |
| 2. Japan | 13 |
| 3. Spain | 12 |
| 4. Germany | 8 |
6 more rowsCosta Rica
And you don't need to go broke while living and working there, because Costa Rica is one of the cheapest countries to live in for Americans. Bargain flights from the US can also be found easily, making a trip to Costa Rica even more attractive.
Where are people from California moving to 2023? ›
TOP DESTINATION STATES FOR PEOPLE LEAVING CALIFORNIA
Where are Californians moving to in 2023? The most popular move-to state from California in 2023 is Texas, followed by Florida. Washington, Oregon, and Tennessee also made the top five.
Why are so many people leaving California? ›
More and more people are leaving California's urban areas like Los Angeles and moving into less-expensive communities like the Inland Empire - or exiting the state altogether. "The main reason is people are looking for where their money goes a little further than here," Coelho said.
What two cities are Californians moving to? ›
So, which cities are Angelenos now flocking to the most? Las Vegas and San Diego, according to Redfin data. As mortgage rates and home prices continue skyrocketing, nearly one-quarter of homebuyers nationwide looked to move to a different metro area, marking a record high, Redfin reported.
Where is the nicest cheapest place to live in US? ›
Best Places to Live in the U.S.: 10 Most Affordable Cities
- Wichita Falls, Texas.
- South Bend, Indiana.
- Toledo.
- Erie, Pennsylvania.
- Fort Wayne, Indiana.
- Evansville, Indiana.
- Akron, Ohio.
- Buffalo.
A strong exchange rate, affordable housing, and free healthcare are just some of the reasons leading so many American citizens to make the move across the pond.
Wyoming is the least populated state in the U.S. According to the 2020 census, Wyoming has a population of 576,851 people.
Which U.S. cities are shrinking fastest? ›
U.S. Cities With the Largest Rate of Population Decline, 2021 to 2022
| City | Change From 2021 |
|---|
| 1 | Jackson, Mississippi | −3,732 |
| 2 | St. Louis, Missouri | −6,984 |
| 3 | Taylorsville, Utah | −1,372 |
| 4 | Orem, Utah | −2,240 |
11 more rowsMay 18, 2023
Population Losses
New York City continued to exhibit the largest numeric decline, losing 123,104 people from 2021 to 2022.
What states are growing and shrinking? ›
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. states of Florida, Idaho and Montana grew the most in terms of population, while New York, Illinois and Louisiana suffered the most shrinkage from July 2020 through July 2022, according to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
What is the fastest-growing state economically? ›
Preliminary current dollar GDP estimates also released today for the full year of 2022 show the Texas economy grew to an estimated $2.36 trillion in size—up from $2.1 trillion in 2021. This represents an estimated growth rate of 14.8%, faster growth than the nation as a whole.
What will be the largest U.S. cities in 2030? ›
The Largest Cities in 2030
The top 10 would remain the same, except that Boston would be replaced by Phoenix. As a result, only four of 1950s top ten remain in 2030 – New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Philadelphia (Figure 2). The rise of Phoenix is particularly impressive.
What are the 10 most expensive states to retire to? ›
Here are the top 10 most expensive states to retire in, according to WalletHub:
- New York.
- New Jersey.
- Vermont.
- Massachusetts.
- Maryland.
- Washington.
- Connecticut.
- Maine.
Singapore and New York City tied for the first rank amongst the world's most expensive cities in 2022, pushing Israel's Tel Aviv from the first place in 2021 to the third place in 2022.
What is the most expensive thing in the world? ›
International Space Station: $150 Billion
The most expensive thing in the world is related to the Universe and it is the International Space Station. The amount which has gone towards its existence in terms of building and designing is $150 billion.
Why are people moving in 2023? ›
One-third of Americans are considering moving in 2023 due to rising housing costs or a lack of job opportunities.
Business Insider also reports that more people are expected to move to Florida in 2023. They cite a report by U-Haul, which found that Florida is the top destination for one-way U-Haul truck rentals in 2021. The report also predicts that Florida will continue to be a popular destination for people relocating in 2023.
What is the best date to move into a new house 2023? ›
Auspicious Dates To Move House 2023
| January 2023 | Conflicting Zodiac Sign | February 2023 |
|---|
| 27 Mar 2023 (Mon) | Tiger | 26 Apr 2023 (Wed) |
| 29 Mar 2023 (Wed) | Dragon |
| 30 Mar 2023 (Thu) | Snake |
| May 2023 | Conflicting Zodiac Sign | June 2023 |
54 more rowsDec 2, 2022
States With the Highest Moving Rates
Californians, in large numbers—to the tune of over 367,000 residents—left the state, primarily to southern states, including Texas and Arizona. New York followed closely behind with a loss of roughly 352,000 residents, while Illinois saw over 122,000 leave the state.
What big things are happening in 2023? ›
Predicted and scheduled events
- June 25 – 2023 Guatemalan general election.
- July 23 – 2023 Spanish general election.
- August 23 – 2023 Zimbabwean general election.
- September 8 – October 28 – 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
- October 22 – 2023 Argentine general election.
The Villages, FL metro area was the fastest-growing U.S. metro area between 2021 and 2022, increasing by 7.5%.
What age group moves the most? ›
According to Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies and World Economic Forum: People move less often as they age, and young adults between the ages of 20-29 move the most.
Where are Floridians moving to? ›
The paper is reporting that Floridians and others are migrating to Alabama's Gulf Coast, prompted by high prices in the Sunshine State and its transient lifestyle. That's one of the reasons why Baldwin County grew faster than any other Alabama county from 2010 to 2020.
Why do so many seniors move to Florida? ›
Many folks choose to retire in Florida for tax reasons alone. There are no state taxes on social security, pension funds, IRAs, 401(k)s, or other retirement incomes, which makes the state specifically attractive to folks over the age of 65.
What will happen to Florida in 2030? ›
The population will continue to grow; Florida will have about 5 million new residents. About 1 in 4 Floridians will be 65 or older. Non-ethnic whites will become a minority by 2030, and nearly 1 in 5 Floridians will be foreign-born.
Is the end of 2023 a good time to buy a house? ›
The combination of persistent buyer demand and low inventory has driven property prices up. There are fewer sellers, so prospective buyers need to contend with higher housing prices. As such, if you buy a home in 2023, you're likely to pay a premium.
Homebuyer.com data analysis indicates that, for first-time home buyers, June 2023 is a good time to buy a house relative to later in the year. This article provides an unbiased look at current mortgage rates, housing market conditions, and market sentiment.
What is the luckiest day to move in? ›
Move into your new home on a Thursday, considered by some to be the luckiest day. That is, unless everyone else is moving on a Thursday, which will make getting a van pretty difficult.
Where are people moving to get away from climate change? ›
A small but growing number of Americans are moving to New England or the Appalachian Mountains, which are seen as safe havens from climate change.
Where are people moving to because of climate change? ›
But it's not just southern states, including Louisiana and Florida, that residents are increasingly fleeing due to climate issues. Numerous coastal towns in Alaska are also being impacted, as diminishing sea ice exposes them to storms, and rising temperatures thaw the ground and put countless structures at risk.
Why are people moving out of Florida? ›
A nearly 14,000-member Facebook group for people moving out of Florida has cited severe weather, low wages, crowded beaches, changing politics, and steep housing prices as reasons people left.
