Due to the shifting economy and lack of affordable housing, fewer people moved in 2022 than in 2021. How will U.S. moving patterns continue to change in 2023? Check out some of the most popular states people are moving to and the migration trends to keep an eye on in the coming year!
Moving Trends for 2023
Photo via @ourtownamerica
As we reviewed various trends and migration patterns from 2022, there were a few commonalities that stood out, which may help predict how and where Americans will relocate in 2023.
Affordability Is Essential
As housing affordability declines, many Americans are looking to relocate to a different state or city for more affordable homes and lower costs of living. Finances and growing expenses were the main reasons Americans moved in 2022. However, we’re expecting to see a more stable housing market in 2023, making moving more feasible for many.
Americans seeking higher financial security weighed the costs of urban vs. suburban living. Remote work has allowed many Americans who previously lived in expensive cities to relocate to more affordable cities without sacrificing career opportunities. This U.S. migration pattern explains why more people have been leaving urban areas and moving to the suburbs.
Work-from-Home Jobs Allow for Freedom
The growth of remote work opportunities will likely continue to influence U.S. migration trends in 2023. Since the start of the pandemic, over 4.9 million Americans have credited remote work as their reason for moving.
With the number of remote workers tripling between 2019 and 2021, the number of remote positions is expected to continue to increase in 2023. Americans seeking a work-from-home job may be looking to move to the best places to work remotely. For example, Jacksonville, San Antonio, and Tucson are some of the top-rated cities for remote work, making them attractive destinations for movers in 2023.
More Space Is All the Rage
An examination of U.S. migration patterns revealed a nationwide shift from downtown communities to the surrounding suburbs, indicating a rise in desirability for suburban living. Americans who were considering moving to a new state or city looked for homes with attractive amenities like yard space, home offices, and home gyms or workout options. Ultimately, people want homes with porches, spacious backyards, and room to breathe—something much more difficult to find in packed downtown areas. The desire for more space has Americans flocking to places like Idaho, New Mexico, and Nebraska—all of which have a low population density and plenty of open space.
People from All Age Groups Are Moving
Mover demographic trends have remained relatively similar over the past few years. We predict people of all ages and backgrounds will continue to move in 2023, with young Americans most likely to persist in moving south and west across the United States. And as many retirees continue to move to warmer states like Florida, plenty of families live in multi-generational homes for financial reasons and accessibility to loved ones.
Proximity to Family Is Important
Proximity to family and loved ones has been found to be one of the main reasons people will stay in or move back to their hometowns—a fact that hasn’t changed in recent years. The geographic location of one’s family can be a deciding factor for Americans of all ages when moving out of state or to a new city.
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. 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.
Climate Impacts
In 2022, we saw residents moving away from states that experience extreme weather toward more insulated areas inland. For 34% of Americans, seeking more stable weather was cited as a reason that could motivate them to relocate—a trend we predict will continue in 2023. Natural disasters and unpredictable weather patterns can cause stress and property damage, making places with more stable climates—like Utah, Arizona, and Idaho—desirable places to move to in 2023.
Top States People Are Moving to in 2023
We looked at the states that saw the most growth in 2022 and noticed some moving trends that may carry over into 2023. Specifically, states with more space, lower costs of living, and remote work options will continue to be the ideal places to live in the U.S. Check out this list of the top six states people are moving to in 2023!
Arizona
Photo via @livewhatyoufear
Americans are moving to Arizona—Phoenix, Mesa, and Gilbert all saw population growth in 2022. 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. If you’re moving to catch more sunny days, cities like Phoenix and Tucson are ranked as some of the sunniest cities in the U.S., giving these residents tons of outdoor activities and things to do. Residents living in Arizona 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!
Florida
Photo via @pelican_pix
The Sunshine State ranks as one of the best states to live in, seeing consistent population growth. Florida’s beaches, warm weather, diversity, strong workforce, and affordability entice many to move to Florida. While the cost of living in Florida may be slightly higher than the national average, it’s still feasible to live here—there’s no state income tax, property taxes are low, and Florida’s housing is relatively affordable, too. Florida has many places to explore, including the Latin American-influenced Miami, the bay access and beaches near Tampa, and the state capital of Tallahassee. Moving to Florida allows for frequent trips to Disney World and Universal Studios, but locals also love exploring the state’s outdoor curiosities, including the St. Pete Sunken Gardens, Dry Tortugas National Park, Devil’s Den Spring, and Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay.
Georgia
Photo via @thebookofplaces
With Atlanta voted as the best place to move in 2023, The Peach State is expecting to see a lot of growth. This Southern state boasts an unemployment rate significantly lower than the national average at only 2.9%. Georgia’s low cost of living and low taxes also make this Southern state one of the most affordable places to live! Moving to populated cities like Atlanta or Savannah opens up tons of career opportunities due to large company headquarters like Home Depot, UPS, Delta Airlines, and the Coca-Cola Company. In their free time, Georgia’s residents enjoy hiking, camping, or biking on one of the many trails in Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, trips to the Georgia Aquarium, strolling through the historic City Market in the Landmark District, or taking in gorgeous views at Rock City atop Lookout Mountain!
Idaho
Photo via @sarasheehy
As one of the best places to live near the mountains and thanks to low crime rates, Idaho has seen one of the highest population growth rates in America. This state has seen more people move in than out, with Meridian among the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. The Gem State offers people looking to spread out open space and a chance to join a growing economy—in particular, Boise‘s strong job market sets it up as one of the best cities for job-seekers. Residents love to visit major state attractions like Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve, Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Lake Coeur d’Alene, and Shoshone Falls Park.
North Carolina
Photo via @whitelakejlc
With its low cost of living and robust job market, many have flocked to North Carolina for its affordability. Metro areas like Charlotte and Raleigh have seen a population boom over the past few years. Oak City, Durham, and Chapel Hill make up Research Triangle Park, a leader in science and technology—making these cities an excellent home 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! Locals love to go bird-watching at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, see breathtaking views during a hike through Chimney Rock State Park, and admire the scenery of “America’s favorite drive” while cruising the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Texas
Photo via @bigbendnps
The sprawling prairies of the Lone Star State draw in movers seeking room to grow, affordable land and housing, and remote or in-person job opportunities. While big cities like Austin and Dallas continually experience growth, suburbs and smaller cities like Katy, Richmond, and Frisco have seen an increase in population growth due to the low cost of living and land-owning options. Texas offers considerable space, great culture, and plenty of things to do. When you live in Texas, you can explore the extensive network of hiking trails at Big Bend National Park, splash in the surf at Stewart Beach, spray-paint your custom design on the sculptures at Cadillac Ranch, or wander the cave systems at Natural Bridge Caverns.
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