Numerous macro- and micro-economic factors influence where people are moving in the U.S., ranging from the presence of major employers to lower overall housing and living costs.
In spite of the unprecedented shifts to the U.S. migration map over the last few years, one thing remains the same: Americans prefer to move later in the week and during the summer to minimize the disruption to their daily lives.
Several decades ago, the idea of a large portion of the workforce working from home — or wherever they wanted — wasn’t an option. But now, after 2020’s COVID-19 pandemic and the economic uncertainties that followed, many businesses have remained largely or completely remote.
At the same time, many employees — who may have commuted to the office five days a week for years — are no longer interested in working 40 hours a week at a corporate office. As a result, remote work and telecommuting have become increasingly commonplace, leading to previously unheard-of flexibility when choosing where to live.
So, how does that impact where Americans are moving in 2024? A study by the Economic Innovation Group noted that expensive areas felt the largest impact from post-pandemic migration patterns. Think New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco’s Bay Area. In areas with higher median home values, population growth saw a steady decline. Alternatively, areas with more affordable housing — or areas historically considered to be vacation destinations — experienced unprecedented growth due to remote or hybrid workers.
Similar studies from the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research noted the first population increase in rural Midwestern areas in decades following the COVID-19 pandemic and the shift to remote work. Some even began implementing policies, like tax credits for student loan payments, to attract telecommuters.
Explore some of the appealing details behind the cities and states people are moving to in 2024.
South Carolina has transformed into a growing epicenter for industry, namely the technology and manufacturing industries. Alongside burgeoning job markets in cities like Greenville, the state offers a stable economy, generally affordable cost of living, and a temperate climate, along with ample coastline for long weekend trips. Booming Greenville combined the amenities of a larger city with the slow pace and lifestyle of a small town, offering a perfect spot for young professionals and families to settle down.
Like its southern neighbor, North Carolina has burst onto the scene as a hot destination. Former vacation towns have experienced an influx of full-time residents with the expansion of remote working, while cities like Charlotte, Raleigh, and Durham prove appealing for those in tech, finance, and healthcare. With an appealing blend of mid-size urban areas and unrivaled natural scenery, the state has something to offer people of all ages.
Tennessee, with its sprawling rural areas and vibrant music scene headquartered in Nashville, offers plenty of variety for newcomers to the state. Nashville has also become a hotspot for healthcare and tech startups, resulting in an increase of professionals in the area.
Dallas has had a reputation as a significant economic area for a while. Still, the influx of tech companies and a growing number of IT jobs have lured even more professionals to the area. The warm weather, easy access to outdoor activities, vibrant culture, and lack of state income tax have also contributed to the population boom.
Take a look at some of the factors moving Americans out of these states and major cities.
High costs of living and tax rates, coupled with the loss of major employers like Caterpillar and Boeing, have driven professionals and families out of the state. In addition, civic concerns and worry about crime rates have made Chicago less appealing.
The mass exodus from California points back to numerous factors, ranging from top employers relocating due to high taxes and strict regulations to the soaring cost of living throughout the state.
Pennsylvania has a rich industrial and manufacturing history, but offshoring and the relocation of large companies have reduced job opportunities. At the same time, the state economy has been slow to pivot, resulting in fewer jobs.
Several years ago, Colorado peaked as a destination for migrating Americans looking for access to the outdoors. Now, the state has made it on the list of top outbound areas, due in part to high costs of living, high tax rates, and job opportunities.
Like California, Washington State and the Seattle area are known as tech hubs. However, increasingly high living expenses and a costly housing market have led to an outbound migration.
Our analysis identified numerous shifts in U.S. migration patterns, with one exception: preferred moving times. As a whole, Americans prefer to move during the summer months, with June the top choice, followed by July and May. End-of-week moves are also popular, as shown by Fridays being the preferred day to move, followed by Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The allure of a long weekend move — and minimal disruption to professional and personal routines — continues to be an appealing option to many Americans.
Planning a long distance move can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re in the early stages. With a to-do list that seems to stretch on forever and countless decisions to make, you may not know where to start. Fortunately, our experienced team at Allied Van Lines is here to help.
Regardless of whether you’re moving locally or planning a cross-country move to one of the top inbound states of 2024, the first step is to create a moving budget. Moving costs can vary dramatically depending on a range of factors, including:
If that seems like a lot to consider, don’t worry. Our knowledgeable Allied Van Lines relocation coordinators can help you create a moving budget and tailor a moving plan to suit your needs. Ready to get started? Contact your local Allied Van Lines today and request a free estimate, or check out our long-distance moving cost calculator.
At Allied, we know moving can come with some bumps in the road, even when you’re moving to your dream location. That’s why we’re here and committed to delivering exceptional moving services that allow you to enjoy the journey along the way. We’ve spent nearly a century tailoring our moving services and storage solutions to suit your needs. When you partner with our team, you can count on:
When you choose Allied, you can rest easy knowing you have an experienced partner to manage your move. Get in touch with a local Allied agent today to get started.
Data was provided for all interstate moves that were loaded from January 1, 2016 to December 15, 2024. To maintain comparability with the time frame covered in 2024, only moves loaded by December 15 of each year were included.
Shannon Steinberg
