Where Are New Jersey Residents Moving To (2022 Report)
New Jersey is a beautiful state filled with tons of culture, diversity, and some pretty great food. But did you know that more than half of the people who move from NJ leave the state entirely?
Moreover, there has been an annual decrease in population growth in New Jersey. However, part of this decrease was due to the COVID-19 Pandemic between 2020 and 2021 causing a population drop of 12,613. According to the U.S. Census Bureau,
New Jersey lost more people by July 2021 than any other state except for the seven hard-hit pandemic states.
Based on our 2021 Migration Data Study, we analyzed the top 5 cities that New Jersey residents are moving to. We'll go over the reasons why
people are moving to these cities and why they're leaving New Jersey behind.
Top 5 Destinations New Jersey Residents Are Moving To
Here are the top five cities that New Jersey Residents are moving to:
- Tampa, FL
- Philadelphia, PA
- Sarasota, FL
- Los Angeles, CA
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
Tampa, FL
Tampa is well-known for its diverse economy and the thriving job market. It also boasts a wealth of culture and entertainment options, from stunning beaches and sunsets to professional sports teams like the Buccaneers (NFL) and Lightning (NHL). Tampa is also home to 407,104 people who enjoy the many outdoor activities the city offers.
Philadelphia, PA
The city has become an increasingly attractive destination in recent years. With its low cost of living and vibrant culture, Philadelphia is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. It has a population of 1,585,480 and is also home to major sports teams like the Eagles (NFL), Flyers (NHL), Phillies (MLB), 76ers (NBA), and Union (MLS).
Sarasota, FL
Sunny skies and sandy beaches are just some of the reasons many New Jerseyans move to Sarasota each year. This popular Florida city with a population of 59,902 also has a lower cost of living than New Jersey. And with a booming job market and beautiful weather all year long, it's easy to see why so many people are packing up for Sarasota.
Los Angeles, CA
The City of Angels doesn't only attract Hollywood stars. Many people from New Jersey flock to Los Angeles for its year-round sunshine and beautiful sandy beaches. The city has a population of 3,985,516 and is also home to plenty of industry-leading companies looking for fresh talent. Plus, LA has world-class dining options and entertainment galore!
Fort Lauderdale, FL
This Florida city is located in the southern portion of the state and offers residents a combination of seaside living and lively downtown areas. With a population of 183,445,
it's also reasonably close to Miami Beach and Boca Raton, making it an ideal spot for anyone who wants to be near South Florida's top attractions.
Why Would New Jersey Residents Move to These Cities?
If you've ever wanted to move to a new city, you will probably consider Tampa, Philadelphia, Sarasota, Los Angeles, or Fort Lauderdale. Each city has a unique combination of features that make it great, whether the cost of living, taxes, recreation opportunities,
or local attractions.
Housing Costs
No matter what part of the country you live in or where you’re moving to, housing costs are likely to be one of your most significant expenses. And while finding a place to live that meets your needs and fits your budget can be a challenge no matter
where you live, there are some places where it’s easier than others. Research by Zillow provides the following median housing costs.
- Tampa, FL: $387,000
- Philadelphia, PA: $228,000
- Sarasota, FL: $447,000
- Los Angeles, CA: $965,000
- Fort Lauderdale, FL: $471,000
Cost of Living
The overall cost of living isn’t necessarily something that most people think about much when deciding where they want to live. Still, it can significantly impact how much money you need to earn just to maintain your current standard of living.
According to Best Places, the state of New Jersey has a cost of living index of 120.4. The cost of living indices is based on a US average of 100. An amount below 100 means that
the city is cheaper than the US average. A cost of living index above 100 means that the city is more expensive. Here are how the other cities measure up.
- Tampa, FL: 103.7
- Philadelphia, PA: 105
- Sarasota, FL: 102.9
- Los Angeles, CA: 176.2
- Fort Lauderdale, FL: 118.5
Job Market
People planning on moving to a new city are always worried about the job market in their new home. Will there be enough jobs for them? How much money can they make? What industries do the local businesses support? The unemployment rate data below shows
that Tampa, Sarasota, and Fort Lauderdale have healthier job markets than New Jersey (4.2).
Quality of Life
Everyone has different priorities when it comes to their quality of life. For example, some people prefer to live in a place that offers access to great schools and health care facilities, while others want to enjoy an active social life with access to
nightlife and entertainment.
Income Tax
Income tax rates are an important consideration for many people. Many states have varying income tax rates for residents and non-residents, influencing decisions about where to live. In Florida, for example, there are no income taxes which makes it the
ideal location to move to in this regard.
Peace of Mind with Every Move
Moving to a new city is an exciting adventure, and we can help you start planning.
As a leading relocation company, Allied Van Lines is proud to offer unparalleled resources to help you make a smooth transition.
We are steadfast in our commitment to being your full-service mover and still consider ourselves small enough to provide individualized attention to your unique moving situation. Whether it's a business relocation, a residential move across town, or a long-distance move,
Allied is the right choice for you.