California (leaving)
Ah, California! The golden state that one seems to want to live in. Can you imagine that in 2021, over 101 thousand households were vacated in California simply because people simply didn’t (and still don’t) want to live there anymore?
It might be beautiful and hip, with a very robust tech industry but it also has its misgivings. The increasing cost of living, taxes, worsening crime, climate concerns, and politics seem to have driven people out of California.
Texas (headed to)
At this point you might as well call Texas a utopia. The state has been receiving large numbers of migrants from all over the US and it makes sense why. Its vibrant economy, low cost of living, diverse employment pool and it’s warm weather are the magnets attracting people from all across the US.
There’s so much more to offer families as well as individuals seeking to start a new life in this state.
New York (leaving)
It seems like moving out of NYC has become the hottest thing lately. Despite being one of the “fast life” cities of the world, people are moving out faster than you can think of. The main reason for the movement is the constant skyrocketing cost of living and the ever-increasing local, state, and taxes.
The pandemic came as an eye-opener to most New York workers that they can do their work remotely allowing them to move away from the busy city to more quiet areas like those in Jersey. This also allowed those who would still be working in the city to enjoy the perks of an easy commute and also enjoy cheap living costs.
Florida (headed to)
Florida has fast become a home to thousands and thousands of Americans who have migrated from other states. People are moving in because of the cheap real estate, its fast developing and stable economy and favorable tax rates which is why most businesses have moved there as well. Naturally this has then led to even more diverse employment opportunities.
Florida’s climate and theme parks such as Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Florida and many more are a magnet attracting people to the colourful state.
Massachusetts (leaving)
According to many publications, the main reason for the population decline in Massachusetts is the favorable work environment and retirement.
Massachusetts has a very strong economy and employment opportunities are not an issue however, due to the remote work genesis in its neighboring states, its people have also taken to this new culture. Residents are therefore moving to try the suburban lifestyles in low-density population areas. People here are moving to Florida, especially the retired folk who just want to relax and get a tan.
Arizona (headed to)
Arizona’s beautiful landscape draws people to the state which is why it’s a tourist destination all year round. Hurray Arizona! The state is home to some of the world’s most beautiful monuments such as The Grand Canyon and offers a wide variety of recreational activities that attract people.
Despite being a tourist destination, it has become a destination for those seeking to relocate in search of greener pastures. It has also become a retiree's paradise. As if all this os not enough, Arizona offers a strong job market, a favourable climate, affordable housing and a low cost of living.
Washington (leaving)
Who knew that Washington would be one of the places that people are running away from? The primary reason for that is the Evergreen State’s cost of living.
The constant housing crisis makes the state look less habitable which is why thousands have moved to Oregon and Idaho where the cost of living is significantly lower as compared to Washington’s. Also, the idea of working from home has given people the opportunity to leave these busy states and live in favorable ones.
North Carolina (headed to)
It is interesting to note that people are migrating from the top states such as New York City, DC and California to North Carolina. The location can be considered as a possible reason why people are drawn to the city. Just imagine, where else in this world can you find yourself in the mountains in the morning and be by the beach for dinner?
North Carolina offers a wide variety of employment opportunities, low taxes, good schools and Universities such as the University of North Carolina and Duke University.
Michigan (leaving)
Ah, Michigan. The Great Lake State or more like the state to not be in. Young families in Michigan are moving in search of better working conditions across state borders. They believe more can be offered to them elsewhere than in Michigan.
Also, retirement was cited as a reason for the movement. According to Allied Van Lines, Michigan has the worst net loss in 2023 and has been in the top 5 worst states for net migration since 2017, which explains why people are moving out rather than moving in.
South Carolina (headed to)
South Carolina has become a favorable choice to move to for Americans. This is so because of its beautiful weather conditions, rich cultural heritage, quality of life, natural resources and low cost of living.
When the pandemic hit, people began moving to smaller states that were densely populated and this marked the migration of people. South Carolina offers a low cost of living, better access to outdoor activities and a steady climate.
New Jersey (leaving)
People are leaving New Jersey for several reasons. High living costs, including steep property taxes and housing expenses, are causing people to seek more affordable options elsewhere. The state's reputation for high taxes, both on income and property, is also pushing some to relocate to states with more favorable tax environments. After all, who wants to work hard just to pay more taxes?
Don’t even get me started on quality-of-life factors like traffic congestion, urban density, and access to outdoor spaces.
Tennessee (headed to)
Tennessee has the Southern charm that makes it quite ideal to live like you are vacationing, perfect for young families and retirees. Lake homes are available and at a low cost plus there’s enough space to build even more lake homes making it ideal to have the coveted lake life.
Tennessee also offers a low cost of living, low property taxes, no income taxes and an expanding job market. Massive Wins!
Ohio (leaving)
People from Ohio are fleeing from the state primarily in search of better employment opportunities.
A significant number have migrated to be closer to family and retirement. With people from Ohio being the #9 On the most common origin for people moving to Florida, it is quite evident that the numbers of migrations from the state are high.
Georgia (headed to)
Georgia’s tropical summers and outdoor activities are pulling people to the vibrant state. The state offers a flourishing job market, an affordable cost of living and favorable housing costs as compared to some major US states.
All this aside, Atlanta Georgia has a rich cultural heritage (cough cough: music!!!) It’s no wonder people are drawn to start their lives here.
Connecticut (leaving)
Connecticut State’s population density is decreasing because of migration as well. The highest reason why people are leaving Connecticut is retirement and finding affordable housing although employment is also a notable factor.
When you factor in the fact that some states have better weather, then well, it's easy to see why people would leave.
Idaho (headed to)
Beautiful Idaho sits right next to the ridiculously expensive West Coast states.
Characterized by an affordable real estate market, booming agriculture and medicine, business and job opportunities and a significantly lower cost of living, all right next to the water, Idaho is a place you wouldn’t mind living in.
Illinois (leaving)
It seems like people just can’t flee the state of Illinois fast enough. Sources from within Illinois stated that people are leaving to look for better housing and employment opportunities.
Again, there have been complaints about the ever-increasing tax rates as well as high traffic and crime levels. If you’ve ever been stuck in traffic, you’d understand people's hatred for it.
Utah (headed to)
Salt Lake City has become a favorable destination to move to because it offers job opportunities in the technology and medical sectors, perfect weather, beautiful landscapes such as the Zion National Park and the Canyon National Park, rich cultural heritage including Temple Square and a family-friendly environment.
This is a perfect place to move to if you are an outdoor person like me! No wonder it's dubbed, America's happiest state.
Indiana (leaving)
According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s latest American Community Survey, over 137 thousand people packed up their things and left Indiana in 2022. That’s a lot of people! High taxes, more affordable housing, and better job prospects are chief reasons why more people are leaving.
I mean, Indiana taxes retirement income. No wonder all the retirees on fixed income are leaving.
Nevada (headed to)
People are moving to Nevada from the humid Pacific Northwest and Southern states. Nevada offers cheaper housing options, low taxes and a high rate of employment opportunities. Also, lest we forget, Las Vegas is the major attraction in Nevada that is drawing people in.
rom the desert weather to the unique mix of luxury lifestyle and affordability, Las Vegas is nothing short of heaven on earth. Las Vegas is called the Entertainment Capital of the World, now tell me who wouldn’t want to live there?
Kansas (leaving)
The movement from Kansas State is still largely motivated by the effects of the pandemic. Years later, people are moving out because they have adapted to doing remote work which allows them to go and live wherever they want.
This is also prompted by the need to find a cheaper cost of living, career advancement opportunities and simply being closer to loved ones in more favourable environments. Factors such as natural disasters, political climate, and environmental concerns also play a role in people's decisions to leave Kansas.
Oklahoma (headed to)
Oklahoma State is another favorites state that people are migrating to. The state offers strong employment opportunities, a low cost of living, a strong sense of community and affordable housing.
Although the weather can sometimes be downer, the state’s population is fast growing as a result of migration. Oklahoma also has so many landscapes which make the outdoors more attractive.
Pennsylvania (leaving)
I’d have to scratch my head to come up with reasons as to why anyone still lives in Pennsylvania. Let's see; there is not much to do there, no culture, lots of emptiness, and roads that are always under construction.
Did I mention that it’s a little humid there and employment prospects don’t quite rival other cities? Yeah, there is a reason that people are leaving Pennsylvania.
Alabama (headed to)
Sweet home, Alabama! This state is so good that Huntsville, an Alabama city was ranked as the Number One place to live in the US by the US News and World Report last year.
This is because Alabama State is a secret spot which is why multitudes are flocking in to enjoy the beautiful landscape, the low cost of living, the food as well and the Southern hospitality. The houses are also affordable so everyone is rushing to become a homeowner.
Wisconsin (leaving)
The pandemic mainly drove the movement from Wisconsin, people realized they could work from home and be near their families and loved ones. This is why people moved and are moving out of Wisconsin to go and be with their families and loved ones.
The harsh weather and high tax rates are truly the final nail in the coffin. Most people are migrating South where the weather is favorable and taxes are significantly lower.
Montana (headed to)
Montana is regarded as the Treasure State of the U.S for a reason. It's a perfect place for people who love the outdoors. No wonder people are moving there in such large numbers.
When it comes to Montana, people are attracted by the low population density, friendly communities, strong job market, quality education and a low cost of living. The residents of this state also value freedom and this is why Americans are flocking there because what else says America better than the love of freedom.
Colorado (leaving)
Much like some of the states I have mentioned before, with the high cost of living coupled with the ridiculously high estate prices, prospective home buyers have opted to move from Colorado to other places where they can get a bang for their buck.
I mean, think of it this way. Why would you keep living in a state where you cannot afford to buy a house when there are plenty you can be a homeowner in? To add fuel to the fire, the exodus was also prompted by the high crime rate, traffic, and pollution.
Arkansas (headed to)
Arkansas is home to some of the largest companies in the US such as the Fortune 500 Companies which include Walmart, and J.B. Hunt among others which is why people are constantly moving there in search of employment.
The urge to move closer to family and loved ones as well as retirement are also some of the leading factors drawing people into Arkansas. It is also ranked the number three in the states with the lowest cost of living. I mean, no wonder people are running there.
Kentucky (leaving)
To be honest, it’s not surprising that people are moving out of Kentucky at an alarming rate. The Education dilemma in the state has prompted families to move to states with better schools that are fully funded, with up-to-date curriculum and enough teaching staff as compared to the situation in Kentucky.
Other push factors for migration are better employment opportunities and the lack of adequate recreational facilities even though the state has beautiful historical landmarks.
Maine (headed to)
Maine’s low crime rates can be considered as one of the major reasons why the exodus there has been high. The US News and World Report ranked Maine as the overall safest state in the US as we were number one in the list of low violent crime and fourth in low property crime. Who wouldn’t want to be a resident here?
Maine also has affordable housing and affordable living costs which are also magnets pulling people towards Maine. Other factors include beautiful and historic coastlines and a high quality of life.