Moving Trends Report 2022: Where are Americans Moving?

From beautiful beaches to vast desserts and mesmerizing mountain views, America is the country with the most magnificent scenery. The sheer beauty of land drives millions of Americans to change their hometowns each year. However, the climate and beautiful landscape aren’t the only reasons these people look for a new hometown. There are many more. If you are curious about why or wish to gather information for your future relocation, you have come to the right place. The professionals from Best Long Distance Movers will help you find out everything about the moving trends in the USA with this Moving Trends Report 2022.

If you are ready for this big step and relocate with the help of long distance movers California or any other state-based, there are a number of factors you need to take into consideration. It would be very useful to know where Americans have moved throughout 2022 and why they decided to do so. You may even be surprised by some of the top picks on our list. By having insight into the statistics, you may find out more about other social trends. That may encourage you to move to a particular place next, along with many others who share your infatuation with a place.

Moving trends statistics

According to the Government’s report, most Americans that decided to relocate were leaning toward the western regions and the states in the South. Some of the states that showed the most significant population increase since 2010 were the following:

1. Utah – with a population increase of 18.37%
2. Idaho – with a population increase of 17.32%
3. Texas – with a population increase of 15.91%
4. North Dakota – with a population increase of 15.83%
5. Nevada – with a population increase of 14.96%
6. Colorado – with a population increase of 14.8%
7. Washington – with a population increase of 14.58%
8. Florida – with a population increase of 14.56%
9. Arizona – with a population increase of 11.88%
10. South Carolina – with a population increase of 10.66%

Which were the most popular states to relocate to in 2022?

In the third quarter of 2022, the list of the top states to move to looks a little bit different. According to the statistics, people in the USA most frequently move with the help of long distance movers in Florida to the following places:

1. Hawaii (2.62 in-to-out ratios)
2. Alaska (2.49 in-to-out ratio)
3. Maine (2.16 in-to-out ratio)
4. Montana (2.07 in-to-out ratio)
5. South Carolina (1.93 in-to-out ratio)
6. North Carolina (1.83 in-to-out ratio)
7. Vermont (1.80 in-to-out ratio)
8. Tennessee (1.71 in-to-out ratio)
9. Florida (1.69 in-to-out ratio)
10. Wyoming (1.66 in-to-out ratio)

Reasons for the popularity of the top states according to the moving trends report 2022

It’s no surprise that Alaska and Hawaii are the states that keep and attract the most new residents, according to the experts from Hawaii long distance moving companies. This is partially due to their geographic location, many outdoor activity opportunities, and mesmerizing landscape. Being close to the Pacific, both of these states offer watersport activities, such as sailing, surfing, water skiing, and paddling through the most beautiful scenery, and many others true adventurers will appreciate.

Another reason why these scenic states are so popular may be the reason that more and more people are working remotely. Due to the recent lockdowns during the pandemic, many individuals learned to appreciate spending time in the great outdoors. At the same time, southern states with mild weather and outdoor recreation opportunities draw the attention of movers. States such as South and North Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida, closely followed in popularity. Although you can find big city life in all of these states if you wish, they tend to get more attention for their beautiful nature preserves and outdoor events.

The least popular states people moved to in 2022

Just as some states in the USA attracted the most residents, there were also states that had among the lowest inflow of residents in America. According to movers tracking statistics, the following states had very few new residents:

1. California (0.51 in-to-out ratio)
2. New Jersey (0.53 in-to-out ratio)
3. Illinois (0.68 in-to-out ratio)
4. New York (0.70 in-to-out ratio)
5. Maryland (0.70 in-to-out ratio)
6. Louisiana (0.70 in-to-out ratio)
7. Connecticut (0.73 in-to-out ratio)
8. Utah (0.75 in-to-out ratio)
9. Rhode Island (0.75 in-to-out ratio)
10. Nebraska (0.77 in-to-out ratio)

The main reason these states had so few new residents is their density. All the states that can be found on this list fall under the category of most densely populated states in the United States of America. Living in the city has become quite unattractive in recent years, especially during the pandemic. States like California, New York, and Illinois are, besides being crowded, also not budget-friendly. The cost of living here is among the highest in the USA.

The main challenges are high taxes for the property, and increased rent and real estate prices. Furthermore, long distance moving companies in Illinois state that large companies are relocating, which means there are fewer jobs. It’s only logical that people are moving away in search of better living conditions. All three states – Illinois, New York, and California are facing the same problems. Once economically powerful states are now struggling with the lack of employers, high tax rates, and unaffordable real estate.

The most popular cities people relocated to in 2022

We have mentioned the most popular states people are moving to. But which cities did they choose? As you may anticipate, the most popular ones aren’t crowded urban cities. The places most people choose to relocate their homes with the help of  Idaho long distance movers are the ones with fewer residents. Those are usually small and mid-sized cities. So, the most popular cities we can highlight in the moving trends report 2022 are the ones that have a variety of affordable homes and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Therefore, we might list them as follows:

1. Ocala, Florida – with a 3.28 in-to-out ratio
2. Portland, Maine – with a 2.92 in-to-out ratio
3. Chattanooga, Tennessee – with a 2.78 in-to-out ratio
4. Eagle Rock, North Carolina – with a 2.69 in-to-out ratio
5. Missoula, Montana – with a 2.67 in-to-out ratio
6. Asheville, North Carolina – with a 2.62 in-to-out ratio
7. Honolulu, Hawaii – with a 2.45 in-to-out ratio
8. Anchorage, Alaska – with a 2.43 in-to-out ratio
9. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – with a 2.38 in-to-out ratio
10. Sarasota, Florida – with a 2.32 in-to-out ratio

Reasons people move here

The number one ranked city Ocala, in Florida, is widely popular due to its cultural scene and nature exploration activities. Many residents of Ocala enjoy museum exhibitions and art shows. Furthermore, it provides one of the most popular exploring attractions. Namely, you can rent a boat with a glass bottom in Silver Springs State Park and explore the local fauna. By gliding across the water, you will be able to see numerous fish, alligators, and manatees under the water. This city in central Florida now has 60.000 residents with all of the new residents coming. However, because of the 524 people that move in for every 100 that move out, this city can soon become one of America’s metropolises.

As for North Carolina’s most popular cities Ashville and Eagle Rock, we can safely say that people are moving here because of the beautiful nature. Both of these cities have a lot of hiking trails. Also, they offer an opportunity to visit some of the most gorgeous national parks. In fact, most top-rated cities owe their popularity to their landscapes and outdoor activity opportunities their residents enjoy. It is the most common reason why people choose long distance movers North Carolina to help them relocate here.

Most popular urban cities people moved to in 2022

Although smaller and less populated cities take the cake when it comes to most new residents, some people are happier living in a big city. Therefore, a few larger cities had an excellent inbound-to-outbound ratio. So, some of the most popular big cities people move to after hiring long distance moving companies in New Jersey in 2022 are the following:

1. Tampa, Florida – with a 1.84 in-to-out ratio
2. Orlando, Florida – with a 1.75 in-to-out ratio
3. Charlotte, North Carolina – with a 1.73 in-to-out ratio
4. Raleigh, North Carolina – with a 1.71 in-to-out ratio
5. Nashville, Tennessee – with a 1.69 in-to-out ratio
6. Jacksonville, Florida – with a 1.51 in-to-out ratio
7. Colorado Springs, Colorado – with a 1.50 in-to-out ratio
8. Denver, Colorado – with a 1.45 in-to-out ratio
9. Boston, Massachusetts – with a 1.43 in-to-out ratio
10. Dallas, Texas – with a 1.40 in-to-out ratio
11. Austin, Texas – with a 1.33 in-to-out ratio
12. Atlanta, Georgia – with a 1.22 in-to-out ratio
13. Miami, Florida – with a 1.19 in-to-out ratio
14. Houston, Texas – with a 1.17 in-to-out ratio
15. San Antonio, Texas – with a 1.17 in-to-out ratio
16. Portland, Oregon – with a 1.15 in-to-out ratio
17. Seattle, Washington – with a 1.14 in-to-out ratio
18. New York, New York – with a 1.12 in-to-out ratio
19. Phoenix, Arizona – with a 1.12 in-to-out ratio
20. Las Vegas, Nevada – with a 1.11 in-to-out ratio

As shown, the most popular big cities to move to are located in Florida (Tampa, Orland, and Jacksonville) and Texas (Dallas, Austin, Huston, and San Antonio). Luckily, you will be able to find affordable homes if you choose to relocate here after contacting Texas long distance movers. For instance, the median home price in Tampa is close to the national average, which is $437,702.

Why is South so popular among movers?

Some of the top cities on the lists where Americans are moving to are located in the South of the country. But why are they so attractive? Is it due to affordable living costs and real estate? Maybe it is. However, even if the prices were available, they won’t be so for much longer. At the beginning of 2022, Ocala and Portland were the only cities that had higher real estate prices. Homes here cost more than $428,000, more than the national average. The rest had very affordable real estate prices that were below the national average.

However, through the course of the year, the prices increased – drastically. In the third quarter of 2022, out of the top ten most popular cities, only three (Myrtle Beach, Ocala, and Chattanooga) have prices that are below or close to the national average. The rest have surpassed the national average costs. Roughly estimated, the real estate prices have risen up from 19% to 70%! This may be the reason why cities that were popular at the beginning of the year are not among the favorites right now. Florida’s Ocala alone has an increase of 64% when it comes to available homes. Although Florida was among the most popular states to move to with long distance movers Ocala FL, people now think twice before they relocate there.

The most unpopular cities people relocated to, according to the moving trends report 2022

The reasons that people want to leave rather than stay in these cities are many. However, one of the main ones is the high price of real estate. Nowhere on this list will you find a city with an affordable home. Most of them have real estate prices that are higher than the national average. Therefore, don’t expect to pay any less than $1.000.000. Even in Almeda, which is ranked four, you would have to prepare $1.400.000 if you wish to buy a home.

1. Bronx, New York – with a 0.37in-to-out ratio
2. Staten Island, New York – with a 0.40 in-to-out ratio
3. Murrieta, California – with a 0.42 in-to-out ratio
4. Alameda, California – with a 0.46 in-to-out ratio
5. Falls Church, Virginia – with a 0.46 in-to-out ratio
6. Trenton, New Jersey – with a 0.47 in-to-out ratio
7. Astoria, New York – with a 0.49 in-to-out ratio
8. Woodbridge, Virginia – with a 0.49 in-to-out ratio
9. Huntington Beach, California – with a 0.49 in-to-out ratio
10. Costa Mesa, California – with a 0.50 in-to-out ratio

How have moving trends in the USA changed?

Like many other things, the pandemic of COVID 19 affected the moving trends in the USA. Roughly estimated, 13% of Americans used to move each year before the pandemic. In the first year of the pandemic, that is, between March 2020 and March 2021, the statistics showed the lowest moving rate since 1948, when the Government started tracking relocations. Only 8% of Americans changed their hometowns. However, later on during the pandemic, there was a tracking of 32% moving population, primarily young peopled from ages 18 to 24.

What are the factors that affect the USA moving trends?

We have already mentioned that there are numerous reasons people are choosing to move from one place to another. When it comes to moving in America, expert movers like Alabama long distance movers have noticed some similarities that determine the top cities people are moving to. However, the list tends to change depending on who is moving. Namely, there are top cities that are popular among seniors ready for retirement, others with young professionals looking for employment, families with children, etc.

Nevertheless, no matter the age group of the movers, statistics tend to show that they all have some similar reasons for relocating with the help of long distance movers in Colorado. Even if these reasons for moving are personal, they can show the most popular places people are moving to because of these reasons. And if some of them drive you to consider relocating yourself, looking into them might help you narrow down your search.

The most common personal reasons for relocating

• Moving for a job – one of the many reasons that tend to affect the moving trends report 2022 is the fact that 32.5% of American people move to other cities because they found employment somewhere else or because they are in need of a job.
• Moving closer to friends or family – most people don’t want to be too far away from their loved ones. This is the main reason why so many ( 31.8%) stayed within a 30-mile radius after relocating.
• Searching for a better climate – those ready for retirement most commonly search for a region with a warmer climate to move to, although it isn’t uncommon for young people to do so as well. In 2022, 20% of seniors changed their homes due to retirement, followed by 17% of younger people.
• Using remote employment possibilities – modern technology has given us the wonderful option of working online, from any corner of the world. And mostly, people want to take advantage of this by finding a perfect home and moving there.
• Looking for affordable living costs – one of the most common reasons for relocating is finding more affordable living costs. Due to the increase in rent and utilities after the pandemic crisis, 27% of people wish to move somewhere where they won’t have to spend as much.
• Needing more living space – 18% of movers are moving away from large cities and tend to settle in smaller towns where they can have more living space.

Moving due to employment

One of the most common reasons people relocate their homes is in search of a job. Many succeed to obtain employment in another city and therefore are bound to relocate there. On the other hand, many others move in the hope to find a job and more affordable living costs in another state. According to the statistics, 32.5% of all Americans who relocated in 2022 moved because of employment. Some of the most popular cities people relocated are North Port, Orlando, and Jacksonville in Florida, and Austin and Dallas in Texas. It’s no wonder long distance movers in Jacksonville FL were so busy throughout this year.

And long distance movers Austin weren’t far behind. However, even if cities with the most desirable jobs are in Florida and Texas, we can point to another excellent opportunity. The state of Colorado ranks at the top of most lists as the state that has the best job market. Currently, around 3 million people are employed in Colorado, while about 170,000 are unemployed. therefore, the unemployment rate is only 5.4%.

Furthermore, local residents in Colorado love their jobs, which puts Colorado in the lead when it comes to states with the most job prospects. Other statistics state that there were 217,000 job opening this year, and only 68,000 layoffs. The average starting salary tends to be $34,088, which is one of the highest in America. The weekly wage is around $1,484. Therefore, if you are considering moving in order to find a job, hiring long distance moving companies Colorado Springs and moving to Colorado might be a very good idea.

Moving to be closer to loved ones

The data from a recently conducted survey showed that most people that moved in the US stayed very close to their previous homes. The most common reason for this is that people tend to get very overwhelmed when they need to start anew in a different place. Leaving your hometown is difficult, especially if you are going to live alone. This is why most of them stayed very close to their friends and family even if their homes are now under different zip codes.

It is understandable that most individuals prefer to stay close to places that are familiar to them. According to the statistics provided by long distance movers Georgia, just 15% of all moves were cross-country moves. This indicates that movers stuck to the places that they were familiar with. The pandemic largely influenced this since people realized how important it is to be close to your loved ones.

It’s always sunny in Philadelphia

A valid reason or not, studies show that many movers tend to relocate in search of a better climate. Many tend to change homes due to illness since they need specific weather conditions. Others, both young and old tend to exchange big cities affected by climate changes for more rural and less polluted areas. However, the meaning of the term “perfect weather” differs from person to person. Some enjoy spending their days in hot, summer-like weather, while others prefer cooler weather conditions since they don’t like the heat. However, most often people are ready to leave places with colder weather in order to relocate with long distance moving companies South Carolina to a warmer place.

As the research shows, the most preferred states among movers who are looking for better weather conditions are Florida, South Carolina, California, Louisiana, Georgia, Texas, Arizona, Mississippi and, of course, Hawaii. And although Florida is luring in many new residents with its beautiful climate, the winner would have to be California. It definitely has the best year-round weather. With temperatures that typically range from 60 to 85 degrees and little rainfall, California is the perfect place for those who want to enjoy beautiful warm weather all year long.

Moving to take advantage of remote employment

Among many other things, the pandemic of COVID-19 influenced the way we do our jobs. Most of the world’s working force had to make the switch to working remotely, that is, working from home. This meant that the workers were no longer tied to a specific city or country where they are employed. Even after the pandemic, a lot of people plan to continue working remotely. So, the moving industry was affected by this as well. Meaning, many individuals are now free to move wherever they like, whether for more affordable living costs or any other reason.

Moving due to high living costs according to moving trends report 2022

It’s no surprise that one of the top reasons for relocating is living costs. The prices of real estate property, rent, utilities, and overall living costs have sky-rocketed in the past few years, mostly due to the pandemic. The statistics of long distance moving companies New York City show that 27% of all movers left their homes precisely because of this. And since the unemployment rate is also on the rise, it is totally understandable why so many choose to leave their homes. Due to all of these reasons, movers tend to choose places with the most affordable living. After all, they want to get their money’s worth.

The most common places people choose due to lower costs of living are Mississippi, Kansas, Iowa, Indiana, Tennessee, West Virginia, Alabama, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Mississippi is the top pick for many since the living cost is very affordable. They rank 33.7% below the national average.

Moving due to the need for more living space

Moving trends report 2022 shows that most people leaving bigger places and moving to smaller ones. However, they aren’t moving so much to the suburbs, small towns, or another rural area as you may think upon reading this report. They are actually moving to cities. But not great urban jungles like New York City, Los Angeles, or San Francisco. Instead, according to long distance moving companies in Portland, movers are choosing urban areas around big cities or smaller cities like Ocala in Florida, Portland in Maine, or Chattanooga in Tennessee.

Most people love having a backyard where they can host barbecues or let their children engage in playing outside. Furthermore, having additional space around the house never hurts. With more living space, people are able to have home offices, home gyms, or just extra space to store their belongings. And best of all, there is no sacrificing convenience in order to get it.

Other popular moving trends in 2022

Besides moving due to wanting more living space, costs of living, employment, leisure or being close to friends and family, there are many other reasons Americans are relocating with the help of long distance moving companies Arizona. You will find the listed down below.

All is well in the housing market, or not?

Even those who don’t follow the moving trends report 2022 know that the prices of real estate have drastically gone up. The seller’s market is a battlefield, due to the tough competition. The interest rates are sky-high and are continuing to rise. But hopefully, things might change by the end of 2022.

Unaffordable rent prices

The price of houses isn’t the only one on the rise. In the past year, some of America’s most urban cities had an increase of 30% in rent prices. This has forced many people to move against their will in search of more affordable rent. However, according to the US Government, the prices of rents are only to increase even more, especially in stronger housing markets.

Moving temporarily

We have seen what are the most common reasons for relocating in 2022. However, whether people are relocating to have better weather, to be close to family, to find more affordable living, or because their job allows the to, it doesn’t mean that these relocations are permanent. When your job allows you to live wherever you want, you probably want to make the most of it and try living in different areas. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that American service centers are receiving a large number of demands for a temporary change of address.

Paid to move?

It’s not uncommon that some states or cities pay people to relocate there. This is why some places are becoming more popular to relocate to than others. For example, some offer free college tuition or give their residents tax breaks. Others just plainly give you cash. It isn’t a standard practice, but those looking to relocate may be tempted by these generous offers.

What to take into consideration if you are looking for a place to relocate to

If you are on the lookout for a new hometown, but can’t seem to pick one out, we can help you. Instead of busting your head with difficult questions, we’ll tell you what exactly you need to ask yourself before you choose a place to relocate to.

Do you prefer urban or suburban settings?

Take into consideration the kind of surrounding you prefer. If you are someone that loves crowds, modern and urban living, shopping, and vivacious nightlife, you may want to choose a more urban area. On the other hand, if you enjoy peace and quiet, a small town or the suburbs might be a perfect choice for you.

How much can you afford to spend?

This is a serious question, and you shouldn’t take it likely. Take some time to think and make calculations. Better yet, consult with your accountant on this matter. Due to the significant increase in real estate and rent prices, you don’t want to leave anything to chance. Make sure you can afford to live in the place of your choice.

Are you relocating with your family?

For families that are relocating with children, it would be best to research the safety of neighborhoods and the choice of schools. Depending on the age of your children, you want to make sure you find suitable schools, high schools, or kindergartens. Furthermore, investigate the crime rate of the neighborhood you wish to relocate to. Safety should be the number one priority, especially when you are moving with children.

What weather do you consider perfect?

Although not as important as rent prices or the affordability of a place, the weather is still an important factor when it comes to relocating. Certainly, you wouldn’t want to relocate somewhere where the heat or the cold would be unbearable for you. If you have health issues, the climate becomes even more essential. So, take a few minutes to look into the average temperatures and the year-round weather.

How important is culture for you?

If you are someone who enjoys museums, art exhibitions, concerts, theatre or the cinema, you may want to find a place that can provide you with all this. Having somewhere where you can enjoy yourself, relax, and fill your need for beauty and culture is vital for a healthy life. Furthermore, making sure the hometown of your choice has places where you can indulge in your favorite hobbies is just as crucial. Make sure you will have somewhere to go to take dance or piano lessons, swim or run, or just have a nice relaxing stroll.

Should everything be within walking distance?

The answer to this question may determine whether you are a small-town or a big-city person. If you can’t imagine living without your car, then you might be a more urban type. On the other hand, if you would enjoy a daily walk, you might want to consider a place that will allow solitude. Think about a country, mountain, or suburban life. After all, choosing a hometown depends entirely on your preferences. In the end, all that matters is that you are happy living in the place of your choice.

Closing thoughts on moving trends report 2022

Finally, you have an insight into what are the moving trends in America in 2022. The moving trends report 2022 showed you the statistics of the most popular places people moved to. From the most popular states and cities to the least popular ones. Furthermore, you were able to see what the most common reasons for relocation were. Many people in the USA moved because of their jobs, in search of places with more affordable living costs, or were forced to move due to extremely high rent and real estate prices. Others moved to be closer to their friends and family or to take the advantages remote employment offers them. Hopefully, if you are planning a relocation yourself, you will have solid knowledge about the moving trends in 2022 that will help you choose the perfect new hometown.