Moving Van Data Confirms Migration To Southern US Cities

A new analysis from North American Moving Services has confirmed what many already suspected: more Americans are flocking to Southern cities in search of affordable housing, better quality of life, and hybrid or in-office work opportunities.

As reported by GlobeSt, the study examines the routes of moving vans and migration patterns to highlight which regions are seeing the most growth and which are losing residents.

Southern Hospitality

The study identifies several Southern cities as the primary destinations for movers. Cities like Greensboro, Charlotte, and Raleigh in North Carolina, along with Nashville, TN, and Dallas, TX, have all seen an influx of new residents. 

These metros benefit from a mix of factors, including lower housing costs, a more favorable tax environment, and a rising quality of life that makes them increasingly attractive to remote workers and those seeking more affordable living options.

One standout on this list was Idaho, the only non-Southern state to make the cut as a top inbound location.

Work From Anywhere

Many Americans, freed from the constraints of office spaces, are choosing to relocate to cities where they can maintain access to hybrid or in-office opportunities while benefiting from significantly lower living costs. 

Mid-sized cities like Charlotte, Nashville, and Dallas offer the perfect balance of professional opportunities and affordable housing, making them particularly attractive to workers from high-cost states like New York, California, and Illinois.

California, Illinois Lead

While Southern cities saw substantial gains, some states—particularly California—have seen significant population losses. 

For the first time in 10 years, California outranked Illinois as the top outbound state. California’s high taxes, cost of living, and housing crisis have long been pain points, leading many residents to seek out states with a lower tax burden and more affordable housing options.

Illinois remains a top outbound state, as do Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Washington. The pattern suggests that states with high taxes and expensive housing markets are struggling to retain residents.

Other Factors

The study also referenced a Redfin survey that found 22% of respondents were more likely to consider moving after major elections. Of those, 36% considered relocating to another country, and 26% were open to moving to a different state.

Issues like women’s health and abortion rights also played a role in the decision-making process for some individuals, with residents of states with restrictive policies more likely to explore relocation options.

Slowing Down

While migration patterns remain a significant force in US real estate, 2024 saw fewer movers compared to 2023, with relocations falling by 8%. 

The study noted that August was the most popular month to move, while Friday emerged as the preferred day of the week for relocation.

Why It Matters

In summary, the migration trends confirmed by moving van patterns reveal a growing shift towards the South, where mid-sized cities offer a combination of affordable living and professional opportunities. 

While states like California and Illinois continue to experience population losses, the Sun Belt and other affordable regions are reaping the benefits of an increasingly mobile workforce. As remote work continues to reshape where people live and work, these patterns are likely to persist in coming years.