While U.S. population trends continue returning to pre-pandemic norms, many singles and young professionals, families, and retirees are looking to relocate throughout the U.S. in 2024. Here are some of the popular states people are moving to and the migration trends to keep an eye on!
Moving Trends for 2024
In 2023, there were a few common real estate trends and migration patterns that stood out. These moving trends help inform how and where Americans who are looking to relocate will move in 2024.
Affordability Is Essential
During an affordable housing crisis, 55% of American adults are looking to relocate to a different state or city for more affordable homes and lower costs of living. However, stable housing market predictions in 2024 are allowing Americans more opportunities to find a new place to call home—despite high mortgage rates and housing costs.
Stronger Job Markets
Americans also seek careers with higher financial security in states with lower taxes. Remote work has allowed many Americans who previously lived in expensive cities to relocate to more affordable cities without sacrificing their career opportunities. This U.S. migration pattern explains why more people have been leaving urban areas and moving to the suburbs. States with high job growth, lower unemployment rates, and diverse industries continue to attract those moving in 2024!
Proximity to Family Is Important
Being close to family and loved ones is one of the main reasons people will stay in or move back to their hometowns—a fact that hasn’t changed in 2024. Over 55% of Americans say they live within an hour of family, so they can be present for family functions, offer support for aging or new parents, and bond with siblings and extended family. Moreover, more than half of young adults (ages 18 to 24) choose to live with family in order to lower living expenses, creating a rise in multi-generational households. The recent growth in remote work opportunities makes moving closer to family a more sustainable and long-term option.
Outdoor Recreation Opportunities
People relocating throughout the United States in pursuit of outdoor recreation opportunities continue to gain momentum, as 80% of outdoor activity categories experienced participation growth last year. In 2024, individuals of all ages looking to experience the great outdoors can find plenty of state parks, natural beauty, and fun outdoor activities in the list of the best states to move to in 2024 below!
Top States People Are Moving to in 2024
Many U.S. states saw significant growth throughout 2023 and even early 2024 so far. Specifically, states with a strong economy, lower costs of living, and remote work options continue to be the ideal places to live in the U.S. Check out this list of the top 11 states people are moving to in 2024!
Alabama
Looking for a new place to call home in 2024? Consider relocating to Alabama! The Yellowhammer State offers plenty of affordable cities to settle down in like Birmingham, Montgomery, and Huntsville—which is one of the best places to live in the Southeast. Alabama also has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the entire country. Those looking to find work in aerospace, information technology, and healthcare can work at many of the area’s top employers such as Alfa Insurance, nou Systems, or Encompass Health. In their free time, Alabama residents can explore the underground caves full of stalagmites at Cathedral Caverns State Park, bask in the sunshine on one of several beaches, cheer on their favorite driver on the racetrack at Talladega Superspeedway, or learn about the NASA space program in Rocket City at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.
Arizona
Americans are moving to Arizona in 2024, as well—Phoenix, Mesa, and Gilbert saw population growth last year. Arizona is the perfect place for those looking for work-from-home opportunities or digital nomads looking to take part in The Grand Canyon State’s outdoor adventures. Scottsdale is one of the best cities for jobs, and Tucson is one of the best cities for remote work. Plus with, initiatives like Remote Tucson, young professionals can take advantage of additional benefits and perks when moving to Arizona for remote work. With Phoenix and Tucson ranked as some of the sunniest cities in the U.S., residents can find tons of outdoor activities and things to do while living in Arizona. Residents living in this desert state can explore Grand Canyon National Park, enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Glen Canyon Park, hit the links for high-quality golfing in Arizona at courses like Raven Golf Club and TPC Scottsdale, or explore the famous ghost town of Jerome!
Colorado
As one of the fastest-growing states in 2024, Colorado has seen an increase in population growth from Americans moving to Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Denver. Those looking for a career change or hunting for a new job will find plenty of opportunities in the business services, education, and health services industries thanks to its strong job market. Colorado also has great schools for those seeking higher education like the United States Air Force Academy and Colorado College. With both Denver and Colorado Springs being some of the best cities in the U.S. for dogs, there is plenty of outdoor recreation and fun things to do in Colorful Colorado. Have an outdoor adventure in the mountains at Rocky Mountain National Park, take the kids to see the African elephants or feed the giraffes at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, or explore the Space Odyssey and Egyptian Mummies exhibits at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
Florida
It’s no surprise to see consistent population growth as people of all age groups continue to relocate to The Sunshine State. With multiple cities ranking as top ocean towns and affordable places to live in the U.S., Florida draws residents for its warm weather, diversity, and strong workforce. Students in particular are drawn for these perks and the a plethora of great schools, including the University of Florida, one of the best schools to attend in the state. While the cost of living in Florida is slightly higher than the national average, the lack of state income tax and low property taxes make living here feasible. Tampa specifically ranks as one of the best U.S. cities for real estate, which can help new residents save more money. And while the ocean is a major draw, the state offers plenty of adventure in other cities—including Latin American-influenced Miami, huge Jacksonville, and even state capital, Tallahassee. Moving to Florida allows for frequent trips to Disney World and Universal Studios in Orlando, along with various outdoor recreation like Dry Tortugas National Park, Devil’s Den Spring, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and the Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg.
Idaho
Home to some of the best places to live in the Pacific Northwest, and thanks to its continuous population growth, people are moving to Idaho in 2024! The state has a strong job market, with Boise, in particular, being one of the best cities for job-seekers—young professionals moving to Boise can browse open positions at some of the area’s largest employers such as onsemi, St. Luke’s Health System, and Micron Technology. Plus, The Gem State offers residents plenty of natural beauty and outdoor recreational activities at major state attractions like Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve, Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Lake Coeur d’Alene, and Shoshone Falls Park.
Maine
With more jobs than ever before and a population growth continues to outpace the national average, it’s no surprise Maine is one of the top states people are relocating to 2024. In fact, you might have noticed an increase of reports detailing the housing demand in Maine—particularly for York and Cumberland Counties. The Pine Tree State is perfect for residents of all ages looking to settle down in an historic small town full of picturesque lighthouses, lush forests, and an active outdoor lifestyle. Residents can get a quality education at some of Maine’s top schools like Bowdoin College, Bates College, and Colby College. Those moving to increasingly popular Portland can take advantage of living in a top East Coast city, with access to historic Portland Head Light lighthouse at Fort Williams Park, whitewater rafting the Penobscot River, the Portland Museum of Art, and more.
Minnesota
A thriving economy, excellent and affordable healthcare, and 0% tax on clothing and shoes help make Minnesota one of the best states to raise a family—and are huge draws for people moving in 2024! In particular, the Twin Cities rank as one of the best big cities to live in the U.S. due to their opportunities for residents. While the state is home to 15 Fortune 500 companies—including UnitedHealth Group, Target, General Mills, and 3M—five of them are headquartered in Minneapolis, making it one of the best U.S. cities for young professionals. Education is also top-notch, with accessible opportunities at Macalester College in St. Paul, high-quality education at nearby Carleton College, and more fantastic colleges throughout Minnesota. To top it off, living in the Land of 10,000 Lakes means you can enjoy the outdoors year-round! Spend the day canoeing over 1,200 miles of routes at Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Go cross-country skiing and hit the snowmobile trails at Jay Cooke State Park. Or visit Minnesota’s oldest state park for the ultimate outdoor experience at Itasca State Park.
New Hampshire
With low crime, tax-friendly laws, and tons of small-town charm, New Hampshire is a great place to live—and one of the main states people are moving to in 2024. Families can settle down in some of the best places to live in New England like Hanover, Manchester, Dover, Nashua, and Concord. Young professionals moving to New Hampshire can explore job opportunities at Timberland, C&S Wholesale Grocers, and Southern New Hampshire University, while students looking to further their education can attend one of the most prestigious Ivy League universities in the U.S.—Dartmouth College! Plus, The Granite State is full of natural beauty, with plenty of outdoor recreation at places like Sculptured Rocks Natural Area, Pawtuckaway State Park, Cardigan Mountain State Park, and more.
North Carolina
With its low cost of living and robust job market, many have flocked to North Carolina for its affordability. Metro areas like Charlotte have seen significant growth in population over the past few years, making it a prime destination for a fresh start in 2024. Students can advance their education at top North Carolina schools Davidson College and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The cities of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill make up the Research Triangle Park, a leader in science and technology—so these cities are excellent places for young professionals in STEM. At the same time, smaller cities like Asheville account for some of the best places to live in the South! Full of natural beauty and outdoor recreation, locals love to go bird-watching at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, see breathtaking views during hikes through Chimney Rock State Park, and admire the scenery of “America’s favorite drive” while cruising the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Utah
If you’re looking for a high quality of life, a strong job market, and plenty of outdoor recreation, consider moving to Utah—the best state to live in the country! Utah’s capital, Salt Lake City, is one of the best U.S. cities for remote work, with plenty of hybrid and remote work options available in major industries like educational services, health care, and technical services. Young professionals can browse job openings at some of the area’s top employers like Teleperformance USA, Brigham Young University, and Intermountain Healthcare. Those moving to Utah can choose from a handful of cities to live near the mountains, which include St. George, Park City, Provo, West Valley City, and many more. And with SLC raking as one of the best cities for outdoor recreation due to its temperate climate, residents can enjoy outdoor recreation at Bear Lake State Park, Goblin Valley State Park, and Snow Canyon State Park.
Wisconsin
Known as the home state of the Green Bay Packers (NFL), Wisconsin ranks as one of the best places to live in the United States! This popular state is located in the heart of the Midwest and offers cities of all sizes such as Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay. The “Badger State” is a perfect place for those looking for affordable housing and plenty of recreational activities. Additionally, those pursuing undergraduate degrees can explore many options at one of the area’s top schools, the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Plus, residents living in Wisconsin can explore the Green Bay Botanical Gardens, spend a family fun day riding the rollercoaster and Ferris wheel at Bay Beach Amusement Park, or take in fantastic views of Lake Michigan at Cave Point County Park.
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