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Moving trucks are rolling, and Americans are on the move! For diverse reasons, people are swapping one state for another in search of something new. Are you wondering which places are losing residents and where they’re heading instead? Let’s dive in!
New Jersey
New Jersey remains at the top in outbound migration, holding the top spot for the seventh straight year. The Garden State’s sky-high taxes and soaring living costs have residents packing their bags. According to the United Van Line 48th Study, in 2024, 20% of them ditched the snow for Florida’s sunshine, swapping jug handles for beachside strolls.
Illinois
Residents of Illinois are making a break for the border, and it’s not just for deep-dish vs. thin-crust debates! With some of the highest property taxes in the nation and an economy that feels stuck in rush-hour traffic, people are waving goodbye to the Prairie State. Many are heading to Indiana, where housing is cheaper.
California
Per a study by the Census Bureau, almost 94,000 Californians waved goodbye to the Golden State in 2024, trading sky-high home prices and hefty taxes for greener (and cheaper) pastures. Texas is the top pick, where Austin and Dallas welcome newcomers with job opportunities, bigger houses, and no state income tax. Who needs a million-dollar shack in L.A. when you can get a mansion in the Lone Star State
New York
It is no news that New York’s rents are sky-high, making even the tiniest apartments feel like luxury splurges. Add in steep taxes and the daily battle for elbow room; it’s no surprise that many are packing up. In 2024, over 20,000 ex-New Yorkers landed in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Massachusetts
New Hampshire is luring Bay Staters across the border faster than a Red Sox-Yankees rivalry heats up. With no income or sales tax, it’s like getting a raise just by moving. Meanwhile, Boston’s sky-high rents, brutal traffic, and ever-rising costs have residents rethinking their zip code.
Louisiana
Hurricane season keeps everyone on edge, and job opportunities are as elusive as a gator in the bayou; many are heading west to Texas. Houston, in particular, has become a top landing spot that offers a good job market and more stable weather. It’s a fresh start without leaving behind that Southern charm.
South Dakota
South Dakotans know winter is a battle against snowdrifts and wind chills that make stepping outside feel like an arctic expedition. Many are heading south, and Florida is the go-to escape. The state’s mild climate and tax-friendly policies make it a dream spot, especially for retirees.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvanians are packing up their cheesesteaks and heading south! With manufacturing and coal jobs dwindling, many are chasing new opportunities in Virginia, where government and defense industries are booming. Northern Virginia’s D.C. suburbs offer high-paying jobs, while Richmond and Norfolk deliver affordability without sacrificing city life.
Connecticut
Residents of this state are throwing in the towel on high taxes and relentless winters faster than you can say “yard goat.” Sky-high costs and sluggish job growth have folks searching for greener pastures—literally! South Carolina and its lower expenses and palm trees are calling, and who can resist?
North Dakota
Minnesota is rolling out the welcome mat for North Dakotans looking for bigger opportunities and a livelier scene. The Twin Cities offer job security and plenty of entertainment—something Fargo can’t quite match. With frigid winters on both sides, at least Minneapolis has pro sports teams and world-class dining.
Mississippi
In Mississippi, job growth is slow; many seek better paychecks and bigger opportunities. The top pick is Atlanta, buzzing with tech startups and booming logistics hubs. Young professionals are swapping small-town blues for a fast-paced city life filled with career moves and entertainment.
Nebraska
The appeal of Colorado’s active lifestyle draws Nebraskans looking for more than endless cornfields. Denver and Boulder offer job opportunities and a social scene that doesn’t shut down at sunset. Hiking trails replace backroads, and weekend plans shift from watching storms roll to hitting the slopes.
Wyoming
Harsh winters and miles of open land have many Wyomingites craving a change of scenery. Limited job options and long, frigid months make staying a tough sell, especially for retirees. Instead of braving snowstorms and isolation, many are heading south to Arizona for its sunshine and top-notch healthcare.
Michigan
Michigan winters aren’t just cold; they’re a full-time battle against snow and gray skies that seem to last forever. Add in rising costs and economic uncertainty, and a lot are ready to swap shovels for sunglasses. That’s why Michiganians are heading to Florida, where retirees can trade blizzards for beaches and high taxes for sunny savings.
Ohio
Ohioans are singing a new tune, and it’s got a country twang! Rising costs and job stagnation have many packing up and heading south. Tennessee is the ultimate encore because of no state income tax and a lower cost of living. Nashville’s booming economy and music scene lure young professionals, while Chattanooga’s affordability attracts families.
Minnesota
Like many other states on this list, Minnesota is seeing residents flee skyrocketing housing costs. Instead of braving hefty mortgages, residents are crossing the border to Wisconsin, where homes come with smaller price tags and bigger backyards. Hudson and Eau Claire are top picks, keeping ex-Minnesotans close to the Twin Cities without the financial squeeze.
Kansas
Oklahoma’s booming energy and aerospace industries are fueling a wave of migration, offering better pay and career growth for Kansans. Tulsa and Oklahoma City have become top destinations, boasting thriving job markets with lower living costs and more excitement than the endless Kansas plains.
Alaska
Alaska is the coldest state in the U.S., so it is no surprise that it makes this list. Endless winters, sky-high living costs, and remote job opportunities have many residents searching for an easier way of life. Washington State offers solace, as it offers milder weather and a booming job market.
Hawaii
Paradise comes at a price, and for many Hawaiians, that price is too high. Skyrocketing housing costs and expensive groceries have residents looking for a more affordable alternative in Nevada. Las Vegas, in particular, provides a warm climate, a thriving job market, and a taste of island life with its growing Hawaiian community.
Oregon
Portland’s rising home prices have Oregonians packing up faster than a food cart at closing time. Costly housing, increasing taxes, and a growing desire for space have many looking east. For Oregonians, Idaho provides a breath of fresh air (literally) with lower costs and plenty of outdoor adventure. Trading traffic jams for mountain views? Not a bad deal!
