ConsumerAffairs, established in 1998, is a vital resource for consumer news, buyer’s guides, reviews, and recalls. In the second quarter of 2024, ConsumerAffairs released its Migration Trends Report, which ranks the top states people are interested in moving to this year, examining migration patterns between states among U.S. residents and the factors influencing these trends.
The report draws from the U.S. Census Bureau’s data and ConsumerAffairs’s analysis of data from over 143,000 ConsumerAffairs users interested in relocating between January 2023 and March 2024. The analysis involved ranking the top states people are moving to by subtracting the number of people considering leaving a state from the number of people interested in moving to that state. In other words, the rankings are based on net migration change.
North Carolina claimed the top spot, with a net migration increase of over 3,500 individuals, while California claimed the lowest spot with a net migration loss of 10,453 people. The Southern region of the United States shows the most significant interest, comprising eight of the ten states with the largest net gains. The top-ten states people are interested in moving to, based on the report, are as follows:
1. North Carolina
2. South Carolina
3. Florida
4. Tennessee
5. Texas
6. Georgia
7. Alabama
8. Arizona
9. Idaho
10. Oklahoma
The ConsumerAffairs Migration Trends Report reveals clear patterns in U.S. relocation. Western states like Idaho and Arizona are witnessing notable interest from people attracted by warmer climates, lower living costs, and abundant outdoor activities. Southern states such as Texas and Florida continue to draw residents with favorable tax environments, strong job markets, and appealing lifestyles. In contrast, California and Northeastern states like New York and New Jersey are experiencing less popularity due to high taxes and living expenses.
Remote work flexibility has empowered many to seek states offering better quality of life and housing options, often leading to moves from urban centers to suburban areas for more space and quieter environments. Also, traditional retirement destinations like Florida and Arizona remain popular among retirees seeking warm weather and tailored amenities. These trends underscore how economic factors, climate preferences, and lifestyle choices influence where Americans choose to live.
The findings from ConsumerAffairs suggest potential increased demand in the housing markets of North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and other Southern states. Consequently, prices in these areas may rise, while Northeastern markets could face price decreases as homeowners seek to sell properties quickly.
