Top States People Will Be Moving From in 2022

Moving is something that is always occurring in the world around us. Usually, moving represents a fresh start for us, and because of this, there is always a really good reason why we move. Now, because we are usually moving when we have a really good reason for it, it is important to know where you want to move to. Of course, our desires are one thing, but our obligations and life, in general, might not allow us to move to where we want to. Nonetheless, today we make a list of states people will be moving from in 2022. Sure, hiring a moving company, like Best Long Distance Movers, will make your relocation process easier. However, you will need to plan it out and see where or not to move. What are the reasons that make Americans leave the states they were living in?

What are the main reasons states people will be moving from in 2022 are on this list?

As we were saying, people, in general, usually relocate when they find a good reason to do so. In addition, people can also leave their current homes due to many different reasons. Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic started, the reasoning for leaving a certain state has changed. More importantly, the pandemic had a huge impact on the way people see their lifestyle and what they want it to be. To put it into retrospect, some of the main reasons people are leaving the states we are going to talk about are:

• Heavy COVID-19 regulations
• High cost of living
• Low employment options
• High concentration of people in one area

In the eyes of many Americans, the COVID-19 situation changed the view of midsize and small towns or cities. In fact, a lot more people are trying to move to the country or somewhere where they can be closer to nature.

New Jersey

• The main reason people leave the state are: Cost of living, Employment options
• Median home value / Household income: $500.700 / $82.600

As you can see, one of the main reasons people are leaving New Jersey is the housing issue. Of course, a lot of them left the state to pursue a better career elsewhere. The suburbanization of the area in the 20th century is the main reason this area experienced rapid growth during this period. Although a lot of people are leaving New Jersey, it still remains one of the most popular places for incoming immigrants. If by any chance, you plan on moving out of New Jersey, you should consider hiring the best long distance movers in New Jersey to help you. Furthermore, New Jersey cities usually tend to be small in the territory. Hence, living in New Jersey would usually mean living in a densely populated area.

Illinois

• The main reason people leave the state: High taxes / Low career opportunities
• Median home value / Household income: $290.000 / $65.900

The state of Illinois does not find the outbound immigration trend strange. In fact, during the last decade, it is estimated that more than 800.000 people left the state. Today, the majority of them that do leave the state are usually young professionals. The high taxes of Illinois and low career opportunities are some of the main reasons people are leaving the state. However, the overall safety level in the state does not help slow this number down. Although there is about 28% of families with children in the state, a lot of younger people are leaving it. By hiring the best long distance movers in Illinois, you can also make your relocation easier for you. Furthermore, many people mention that poor public policies also make people leave.

States people will be moving from in 2022: New York

• The main reason people leave the state: The cost of living in the state
• Median home value / Household income: $737.700 / $68.500

Now, you might be surprised to see that New York is one of the states people will be moving from in 2022. However, this is not anything new. In fact, New York, as a state, has been experiencing this trend for a while now. For instance, between March 2021 and July 2021, around 245.000 people left the state. The main reason for that? The cost of living in the state, housing prices, and the slowly-increasing taxes. Furthermore, the pandemic did have a lot to do with encouraging these people to leave for other states. Aside from being able to save more money in other states by moving with long distance moving companies New York, people realized that living in a very densely populated state is not good for them.

Connecticut

• The main reason people leave the state: Job opportunities, Cost of living
• Median home value / Household income: $331.600 / $78.450

The state of Connecticut is on the list for outbound migration for a couple of years now. The latest data shows that around 68% of the population left the state, while 38% entered the state. In fact, Connecticut shares the same faith as a lot of Northeast states. Generally speaking, the same issues hit Connecticut as they do New York and New Jersey. Among other reasons why people call long distance moving companies in Connecticut are the financial challenges people have in the state, as well as the climate of the state. One of the biggest issues with this percentage of outbound migration is that the majority of people moving out of the state earn more than $200.000 a year. This will create a big net loss, of over $2.6 billion.

California

• The main reason people leave the state: The housing crisis, Political issues
• Median home value / Household income: $834.000 / $75.260

The state of California is known for its sunny weather and sandy beaches. Moreover, it is well-known for its entertainment and media industry. Aside from the reasons we mentioned above, other reasons California is on our list of states people will be moving from in 2022 are the cost of living, high unemployment, and rising taxes in the state. People that were hiring best long distance movers in California say that living in the state has become too expensive and hard. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic rules and regulations pushed a lot of conservatives and centrists out of the state. One of the main destinations for a lot of Californians is Texas, which is ironic, given that Texas has a completely different stance on a lot of things from California.

States people will be moving from in 2022: Massachusetts

• The main reason people leave the state: Career options, Retirement
• Median home value / Household income: $545.320 / $81.300

The state of Massachusetts is one of the Northeast states that share the same trend of outbound migration. With 42% of outbound migration, Massachusetts residents point to better career options, retirement, and the pandemic, as the main reasons why they move. In fact, the pandemic made a lot of people from the state realize that living in a not-so-dense area might be better for them. In addition, a lot of people move from North to South upon retiring, and this state is no exception. Although career options are the leading reason, we could say that the pandemic made many people think about where they want to live in this state. In fact, Massachusetts might be one of the leading states that can list the pandemic as a reason to leave.

Kansas is another state people are actively moving from in 2022

• The main reason people leave the state is: Lack of jobs
• Median home value / Household income: $208.591 / $61.091

There are several reasons why Kansas’s state outbound moves are at 58.6 %. In a nutshell, it appears that people are not reaching their full earning potential in this area. Approximately half of these outbound moves were made to look for work elsewhere. Rural areas in Kansas have lack of jobs, while urban areas are trying to find ways to keep young people in the state. The rest relocated in order to return home, be closer to family, and possibly live a faster-paced life. Retirement was another reason why the elderly population left Kansas and searched for other places to live. While Kansas has the fourth-lowest cost of living in the country, the local culture lacks fun and excitement, resulting in many youngsters and families looking for a more adventurous place for a living.

Georgia

• The main reason people leave the state: Unpredictable weather
• Median home value / Household income: $256.962 / $61.224

Yes, Americans are indeed moving because of the weather. If you have ever been to Georgia, you know that the weather can be hit-or-miss. Also called the Peach State, Georgia offers plenty of fresh fruits to potential residents. There is beautiful scenery, and the home price is reasonable. However, people are leaving Georgia, and the number of new residents is much lower than the number of people who left the state. The main reason is the flickering weather. Also, if you like the warmth, you would love Georgia. Warm weather mixed with high humidity is what makes people feel uncomfortable here. As a result, the percentage of outbound moves in Georgia is 53.5 %, which is among the highest on this list.

North Dakota

• The main reason people leave the state: No excitement
• Median home value / Household income: $278.322 / $65.315

North Dakota is known for its open spaces and parks, but they are likely to become emptier now. With outbound moves estimated to be around 56.7 %, it appears that people are getting bored in this state. There is a lack of outdoor activities and recreation, and people often say “there is nothing interesting in North Dakota”. Young people find it too boring to live in, and they don’t like the state’s lifestyle. As a result, the number of the elderly population is increasing, while the birth rate is gradually going down since 2020. Moreover, more than half of the relocations were motivated by better job opportunities. While it may not be difficult to find work in North Dakota, these may not be the jobs that young people seek. This is one of the reasons they are exploring other opportunities that match their skills and interests.

Maryland

• The main reason people leave the state: Expensive housing
• Median home value / Household income: $308.041 / $88.772

Maryland is famous for its history and outdoor activities, but people still don’t want to stay there. Marylanders are looking elsewhere for jobs and affordable retirement. Outbound moves in Maryland account for approximately 55 % of all moves, with high housing costs being the primary culprit. While retiring near the sea may seem appealing, this can bring about many expenses. Some of these may include the high cost of living, above-average healthcare costs, exorbitant taxes, and soaring home prices. Moreover, if you are a retiree, you may want to seek a more quiet place for a living. Over half of those leaving Maryland are over the age of 55. For those on a fixed income, the cost of daily life is simply too high.

Kentucky

• The main reason people leave the state is: Lack of jobs
• Median home value / Household income: $200.144 / $52.238

Kentucky is known for its beautiful bluegrass landscapes and the exciting Kentucky Derby, but a lack of good jobs drives Kentuckians out of the state. The state has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country. While many of Kentucky’s neighbors, including West Virginia, Ohio, Illinois, and Missouri, have raised the minimum wage, Kentucky has remained at $7.25 per hour for the past decade. As a result, most people are leaving the state to find better opportunities for work and well-paid jobs. Young people are leaving the state fast, as they cannot find the job they want. Since the elderly population is dominant, the state’s economy is going down. However, the government is working on solving the problem by introducing new jobs in education, health care, and the bourbon industry.

Nebraska

• The main reason people leave the state: Left for employment
• Median home value / Household income: $222.440 / $61.400

The state of Nebraska has an outbound migration rate of 55%. The main reasons people are moving out of the state are employment options (42%) and being closer to family (28%). Furthermore, one of the main reasons Nebraska is on the list of states people will be moving from in 2022 is the fact that a lot of people that already did move had an income above $150.000 a year. This alone will already have effects on the economy of the state. More importantly, it is feared that the economy might come on top as the main reason people will be moving out of the state in 2022. In addition, because the pandemic changed how we do business and our jobs, people want to start their careers in more promising states.

Michigan

• The main reason people leave the state: The weather, retirement
• Median home value / Household income: $220.000 / $57.150

The overall population of Michigan actually grew by 2% since 2010. Although this may sound positive, it is not. The main reason for that is that nearly 60% of the population left the state. The retirees are often leaving the state and going to more cozy weather. The term locals use for these people are “Snowbirds”. In addition, the weather is generally one of the main reasons why people leave. Furthermore, when it comes to young professionals, the lack of well-paying jobs and relevant niche jobs in the area is the main reason for calling long distance moving companies in Michigan. Other reasons include job offers, better housing options, and health concerns. Finally, we can also say that the pandemic had a big impact on where and why people wanted to move.

Ohio

• The main reason people leave the state is: Lack of good-paying jobs
• Median home value / Household income: $195.000 / $56.600

The lack of good-paying jobs, as well as a lot of manufacturing companies closing, are the main reason Ohio is on our list of states people will be moving from in 2022. Currently, the state of Ohio has an outbound migration rate of 56%. Interestingly enough, the coronavirus pandemic had little effect on the reasons why people move out of the state. Aside from better job offers, people move out of the state due to retirement and to be closer to their families. A lot of people that moved out had incomes higher than $150.000. Although a lot of people left the state due to bad employment options, the question remains as to how bad will it become in the future. Moving from Ohio can be easier with long distance moving companies in Ohio.

States people will be moving from in 2022: Louisiana

• The main reason people leave the state: In pursuit of a better job, Hurricane seasons
• Median home value / Household income: $201.500 / $49.500

Louisiana is one of the states that is highly affected by natural disasters. Due to its position, on the Gulf of Mexico, Louisiana has a history of hurricanes. Of course, one of the most famous ones is Hurricane Katrina, in 2005. In addition, in 2020, there were two hurricane occurrences in the state. Hence, a lot of people used best long distance movers in Louisiana services to get away from the danger. Furthermore, another reason why Louisiana has an outbound rate of 56% is the job market in the state. One of the main reasons for that is that the tourism industry of the state suffered losses against the states that have low or no income tax. These states attracted a lot of workers, which left Louisiana struggling.

Colorado is the last state on our list people are moving from in 2022

• The main reason people leave the state is: Bad political situation
• Median home value / Household income: $580.275 / $75.231

Colorado was once considered a swing state. However, in recent years, the state has shifted to the left. Conservatives are fleeing the state for Texas and Arizona. In total, 12.145 families left Colorado state last year, with politics playing a major role. Furthermore, this is not the only reason why people are fleeing in large numbers. The high cost of living and out-of-reach real estate prices continue to drive potential home-buyers away. The median house price in Colorado is just too high for many people who live and work there. Some residents say that even though they lived in Colorado their entire life, they still cannot afford to buy a house there. Moreover, traffic congestion, rising crime rates, and pollution contribute to the decision of many to leave.

Unfortunately, the list will most likely remain the same by the end of the year

The sad reality is that the majority of the states people will be moving from in 2022 are on this list for a couple of years now. States like New York, New Jersey, California, and Illinois are continually combating outbound migration for the last decade. The majority of the population of said states is more motivated by the COVID-19 pandemic to leave their current state.

Although some people love living in them and are doing just fine, the vast majority are not. The state that is on the top of the list is New Jersey, with an outbound migration rate of 71%. Finally, to conclude our article, we want to note that, the regulations and rules a lot of states enforced due to the pandemic made a lot of people change their views. Some people are leaving to areas with looser regulations, while others seek less populated cities or towns to live safely. Whatever their motivations, we cannot neglect the fact that many people are leaving their hometowns more than ever. It is still unlikely whether this is going to change in the future or not.