Where Are People Moving to in 2025?

2025 brought new challenges and opportunities for individuals and families. From the rise of hybrid work models to the ongoing affordability crisis in the housing market, there are many reasons why Americans are deciding to pack their bags and move to a new city and state.

In 2025, we saw significant shifts in outbound and inbound state data. While southern states remain a predominant destination for inbound migration, Idaho saw the most inbound moves in 2025. California became the top outbound state, with New Jersey a close second behind. Our data suggests Americans are deciding to relocate to mid-sized cities that are family-friendly and affordable.

So, where are people moving to in 2025? Here's where Americans moved and what these trends say about housing, cost of living and living conditions.

Takeaways from the 2025 Moving Migration Report

While some of the findings of the 2025 Moving Migration Report were expected, a number of others were surprising. Here are some of the top takeaways from the report:

• Move volume (the number of individuals that moved in 2025) decreased 3% compared to 2024.


• Idaho saw the most inbound migration in 2025, for the second year in a row.


• Southern states remained primary draws for those moving, with top destinations including South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee.


• Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina have consistently been among the top inbound states since 2020.


• California was the top outbound state for the second year in a row.


• Texas replaced Washington as the fifth top outbound state for 2025.


• The most popular day to move in 2025 was Friday, and the most popular month was June. July was the second most popular month and May was the third.

Quality of Life Is the Top Concern for Movers in 2025

In 2025, Americans moved to places with affordable housing and cheaper communities. Many working professionals still have remote jobs and can relocate from expensive cities such as Los Angeles or Washington, DC, to cities like Boise or Nashville. These cities offer affordable housing and a lower cost of living.

Economic Influences: Mortgage Rates and the Housing Market

In 2025, mortgage rates dropped from 7% to 6.2%. While rates have steadily fallen, the cost to buy a home in the United States remains high, leading many potential buyers to hold off on big purchases. However, individuals and families with flexible jobs are choosing to relocate to smaller, second-tier cities to buy homes at affordable rates.

Current homeowners are also less likely to move in the 2025 housing market. Many are choosing to stay put because they don’t want to lose their low mortgage rate, often called the “lock-in effect.” While housing inventory continues to increase, sales are stagnant, and fewer people are moving.

Highest Income Tax States Concerns in 2025

It should come as no surprise that states with higher income tax rates see increased rates of emigration; many of the top outbound states have the highest tax rates in the country.

California residents have long endured some of the highest tax rates in the United States. Higher taxes reduce overall income and leave fewer funds for discretionary spending and investments. High property taxes (on top of already high property costs) further encourage Golden State residents to look elsewhere.

Top Inbound States and Cities in 2025

The most moved-to states in 2025 were Idaho, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and Florida. Among the top inbound states in the Moving Migration Report, some cities saw a higher influx of new residents than others. These cities offer a higher quality of life, family-friendly attractions and affordability. The top cities in 2025 include:

• Charlotte, North Carolina, has seen significant growth over the last three years. The city has a low cost of living and great weather. There's also a ton of family-friendly events, activities and breathtaking green views surrounding the city.


• Nashville, Tennessee, is a vibrant city with a rich history and many fun-filled attractions. It is known as the Music City and attracts music lovers and artists alike. Residents can also expect a low cost of living and affordable housing.


• Dallas, Texas, has everything you need: great restaurants, endless- family-friendly activities and various fun-filled attractions. There are tons of great places to visit, including the Meyerson Symphony Center and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. The cost of living is also relatively low, and there are many job opportunities available in various industries.


• Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, is a popular city for working professionals, recent college graduates, and new families. There are plenty of job opportunities within the tech and healthcare sectors. While housing prices continue to rise as the demand grows, there are still plenty of affordable, family-friendly suburbs throughout the city.


• Boise, ID, is an attractive mid-sized city that offers affordable housing and a low cost of living. It’s also known for its close proximity to nature and endless entertainment for recent college graduates and young families.

Top Outbound States and Cities in 2025

The states with the highest outbound migration were California, New Jersey, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Texas. Many Americans are choosing to relocate for several reasons. In states like California and New Jersey, high living and housing costs lead the list, while extreme weather can often be a common factor as well. Among the top outbound states, the following cities saw the most outbound migration.

• Los Angeles, California: Affordability and high tax rates are the two most common factors driving migration. Since many Los Angeles-based companies also offer remote work opportunities, workers can relocate to more affordable cities and keep their jobs.


• San Diego, California: Individuals living in San Diego are being priced out of the area due to the rising cost of living and the competitive housing market.


• Houston, Texas: Over the years, this city has experienced harsh flooding, leading to a significant increase in insurance costs. Many people are choosing to relocate to other cities in Texas or to nearby states.


• Chicago, Illinois: Chicago is known for harsh winters and humid summers. Many people are choosing to leave the extreme weather behind for cities with a more tolerable climate.


• Washington, DC: Many people who work and live in the Washington, DC area work for the federal government. The mass layoffs across different departments have led many workers to flee to more affordable areas.

Election Year Movers

After the elections at the end of 2024, many people felt politically motivated to relocate to different cities and states. However, while people talk about moving from blue to red states, or vice versa, there wasn't a mass exodus from any specific states or cities. While California, New Jersey and Illinois are considered blue states, these places also have a higher cost of living, which is likely the main reason for the uptick in outbound migration. These states have also seen a significant increase in outbound migration since 2011, well before the election year.

The Methodology

In compiling this data, we examine many different angles, including researching population reports and speaking to top companies in the moving industry to gain insider knowledge. Additionally, we examine the cities that have seen the most considerable growth and studies and statistics surrounding the topic.

Once we have our data, we investigate the underlying causes. Demographic surveys help us understand the leading reasons for long-distance moves throughout the country. We are in the unique position of learning from our own customers what drives their decision to relocate.

Summary of Findings: Where are Americans Moving to?

The 2025 Moving Migration Report offers new insight into the different trends driving migration in the United States. Our data shows us that people are pursuing cities and states that provide a higher quality of living and affordable housing.

Additional factors that drive moving to another state include the desire for access to nature, family-friendly attractions and job opportunities. 

While remote work is still popular, it's not the "new norm." Many people are returning to the office or taking on hybrid opportunities, which is why cities with great job opportunities, like Dallas, Texas, are seeing a significant uptick in inbound movers. 

Will Los Angeles and Chicago continue to see a population loss year-over-year? Will Idaho continue to see a significant uptick in inbound movers? Only time will tell! As 2025 comes to a close, it’s time to ask where 2026 will take you.

2025 Press Kit

The North American Van Lines 2025 Migration Map press kit includes a detailed press release, an informative infographic, and customized images highlighting key migration trends. Explore state and metro migration rankings and gain insights into the relocation patterns shaping the U.S. this year.