Where people are moving most in 2025 — and where they're leaving
The Brief
Myrtle Beach/Wilmington ranks as the top move-in destination for the third straight year.
California and Florida dominate the list of most moved-from cities in 2025.
North Carolina has five cities in the top 20 for move-ins, more than any other state.
After five years of shifting housing markets, remote work reshuffles, and climate-driven decisions, Americans continue to relocate in large numbers—but where they're heading is changing.
According to the 2025 PODS Moving Trends Report, the Southeast has emerged as the dominant draw, while megacities and coastal hubs are seeing a steady exodus.
The data, drawn from PODS' long-distance move records between January 2024 and March 2025, reveals both long-term migration patterns and newer surprises—including a continued rise in Southern Appalachian towns and a steep decline in Florida and California's appeal.
By the numbers
The Carolinas and Tennessee top the list of move-in destinations, thanks to their affordability, access to nature, and smaller-city charm. The Myrtle Beach, SC/Wilmington, NC, region ranked No. 1 for the third consecutive year.
Here are the top five cities for move-ins:
Myrtle Beach, SC/Wilmington, NC
Ocala, FL
Raleigh, NC
Greenville-Spartanburg, SC
Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
Also notable is Raleigh's rise from 20th place in 2023 to 3rd in 2025, and Dallas-Fort Worth's return to the list after falling off in 2024.
North Carolina dominates with five cities in the top 20, while Tennessee follows closely behind with four—including Knoxville, Chattanooga, Nashville, and Johnson City.
The other side
California remains the state with the most outbound moves, with seven cities in the top 20 for move-outs. Los Angeles tops the list for the fourth year running, followed by the San Francisco area and South Florida.
The top five move-out cities are:
Los Angeles, CA
Northern California (San Francisco Bay Area)
South Florida (Miami metro)
Long Island, NY
San Diego, CA
Tampa Bay, FL, joins the move-out list for the first time after previously ranking as a move-in hotspot—an indication that Florida's population boom may be reversing due to soaring costs and natural disaster risks.
Big picture view
A mix of affordability, climate resilience, job growth, and lifestyle shifts continues to shape where Americans are headed. The PODS report notes:
Cost of living: Median home prices in North Carolina ($331,800), South Carolina ($298,000), and Tennessee ($319,300) remain well below the national average of $361,300.
Rent prices: All three states average roughly $200/month less than the national rental average of $1,750.
Taxes: Tennessee and Florida both offer no state income tax, appealing to retirees and budget-conscious movers.
Climate risk: Natural disasters in California and Florida—especially wildfires and hurricanes—have driven many residents to seek more stable regions.
What's next
California's high housing costs, extreme weather events, and taxes continue to push residents out. Seven California cities appear on the move-out list, with median mortgage payments nearing $5,500/month and the cost of living 50% above the U.S. average.
Florida, once a top destination, has lost momentum. The state's average home insurance premium is expected to reach $15,460 by the end of 2025, while home prices have jumped 60% since 2020. Tampa Bay's debut on the move-out list suggests that both newcomers and long-time residents are reconsidering their options.
What they're saying
PODS noted that smaller cities with outdoor access and lower costs of living have grown increasingly popular with young professionals, retirees, and families alike.
"Despite ever-changing economic and lifestyle factors, we're beginning to identify ongoing moving trends," the company noted in its 2025 Moving Trends Report. PODS emphasized that familiar patterns are returning after years of disruption, with smaller, affordable cities in the Southeast and Sun Belt drawing the most interest from movers nationwide.
Why you should care
Whether you're planning a move or just watching how America is reshaping itself, the 2025 data offers clear signals: the Carolinas and Tennessee are on the rise, while places like California and South Florida are losing their shine.
If inflation, job flexibility, and quality of life remain top concerns, these trends could define relocation patterns for years to come.
The Source
This article is based on the 2025 PODS Moving Trends Report, which analyzes net long-distance moves using customer data from January 2024 to March 2025. Additional housing and rental market data was sourced from Zillow and RentCafe, while broader economic context was drawn from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Public Policy Institute of California.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
15 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Gen Z's Trauma Therapy Compared to Millennials, Boomers
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Gen Z may have a reputation for being the weakest generation, but their trauma therapy habits indicate they are not too different from their millennial and Gen-X elders. Baby Boomers, however, show a reluctance to seek help for traumatic experiences. In a new report from Rula Health, Americans' therapy habits were analyzed by generation. Baby Boomers' reluctance for trauma therapy may be defined by their upbringing. "Their reluctance to seek trauma therapy reflects a generation that was told to suck it up, repress everything, and call it strength," Driscoll told Newsweek. Why It Matters Gen Z, which includes those aged roughly from 12 to 28, has been reported as more likely to deal with mental health issues, with some employers and elders seeing them as a "softer" generation. A survey by Talker Research for Traditional Medicinals found that 19 percent of respondents under 18 had taken a mental health day in the past few weeks alone. Meanwhile, 65 percent of Baby Boomers said they had never called in sick due to stress. Additionally, a 2023 Gallup survey found that just 15 percent of Gen Zers reported their mental health as excellent, a substantial drop from the decade before when 52 percent of millennials in the same age range reported their mental health as excellent. Elyssa Thelin, a substance use disorder counselor and art therapist at the Cielo Treatment Center, talks about how people use art as therapy for their feelings and trauma at the Cielo Treatment Center for drug... Elyssa Thelin, a substance use disorder counselor and art therapist at the Cielo Treatment Center, talks about how people use art as therapy for their feelings and trauma at the Cielo Treatment Center for drug addiction rehabilitation and mental health in Portland, Oregon on January 24, 2024. More PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images What To Know When it comes to the generations and trauma therapy, there are fewer differences than one might expect. The new Rula Health report found those aged 18 to 24 (considered older Gen-Zers) sought therapy due to trauma 31.6 percent of the time, with those aged 25 and 34 (oldest of Gen-Z and the younger half of millennials) also seeking help for trauma at 30.8 percent. Even in the older age group of 45 to 54 (Gen-X), 30.1 percent reported they were going to therapy for trauma. The number only significantly dipped off at age 55 to 64 (the oldest of Gen-X and younger Boomers), when only 16.9 percent were in therapy for trauma, and even less, 10.3 percent of those aged 65 and older (Baby Boomers) said they went to therapy due to trauma. This reflects that Baby Boomers are the real outlier when it comes to their views on trauma and therapy, said Bryan Driscoll, an HR consultant who specializes in generational differences. "Their reluctance to seek trauma therapy reflects a generation that was told to suck it up, repress everything, and call it strength," Driscoll told Newsweek. "But unaddressed trauma doesn't go away - it just turns into bad parenting, addiction, rage, and broken families. Boomers don't dodge therapy because they're tougher than younger generations. They dodge therapy because they've been shamed out of it." Relationship therapist Joy Berkheimer, who is also the founder of Joy Collective, echoed this sentiment. "The reluctance among many Boomers to seek therapy reflects deeper cultural, societal, and historical contexts," Berkheimer told Newsweek. "They were raised in a time where mental health stigma was stronger, and seeking help could be seen as a sign of failure or weakness." Across the board, 54 percent of those in therapy were seeking it for help with anxiety, with 52.9 percent going due to depression. A similar rate to those in therapy for trauma (26.8 percent) were seeing a professional for stress or burnout at 33.1 percent. Those aged 45 to 54 reported the highest rates of anxiety and burnout, while those aged 55 to 64 showed the highest rates of depression. What People Are Saying Bryan Driscoll, an HR consultant who specializes in generational differences, told Newsweek: "This data doesn't show Gen Z and other younger generations are weak. It shows they're more self-aware and more willing to confront pain head-on, rather than bury it under a 'just deal with it' mentality. What people too often label as weakness is actually emotional literacy. Older generations were raised to believe therapy was for people who were broken. Gen Z knows it's for people who want to break cycles." Monica Cwynar, a licensed counselor and social worker with Thriveworks, told Newsweek: "Baby boomers (ages 55–64) and older generations show much lower rates of therapy-seeking behavior, particularly at only 16.9 percent. Their lower rate of engagement can reflect a cultural background shaped by different societal norms around mental health, where there has traditionally been a stigma associated with seeking help. Boomers are more likely to emphasize resilience, self-reliance, and the belief that personal struggles should be handled privately, that seeking help is a weakness, resulting in a hesitance to seek external support like therapy." Relationship therapist Joy Berkheimer, also the founder of Joy Collective, told Newsweek: "The data clearly does not support the narrative that Gen Z is 'weaker.' Instead, it shows that all generations are increasingly recognizing the importance of mental health, though their methods and comfort levels differ. What we're witnessing is a shift in cultural norms: more openness, less stigma, and greater access." What Happens Next Berkheimer said on a larger level, Gen Z is breaking down the stigmas around mental health and trauma, which could impact how people engage with therapy moving forward. "This generation is more likely to openly seek therapy, prioritize emotional well-being, and engage in practices that emphasize healing and self-awareness... In contrast, older generations may have been conditioned to view therapy as a last resort or a sign of weakness, often due to cultural and societal taboos rooted in stigma and distrust."
CBS News
16 minutes ago
- CBS News
Los Angeles Mayor, officials say tariff impacts to Angeleno wallets are coming soon
Leaders from the city of Los Angeles and the Port of L.A. held a roundtable on Wednesday morning to discuss the impacts of mass tariffs being levied on foreign nations. Tariffs on imports from other countries have been one of the defining economic policies from President Donald Trump since he took office in January. Trump has also levied a trade war against China, leading to severe tensions. Business at home Officials say the tariffs have already impacted business at local ports, and could reach the wallets of Americans shortly. During a news conference following Wednesday's roundtable, Mayor Karen Bass said Americans and Angelenos may not realize the impact of tariffs yet, but it's coming. "[We need] to communicate to Angelenos specifically how this impacts their pocketbook," Bass said. "I think that sometimes this issue seems kind of far away and people don't see the immediate impact because the bottom line is that it's a tax on individuals and their families." Port of L.A. Executive Director Gene Seroka said the port has averaged about five ships in port over the last seven days. Normally, he says, it's about 10-12 per week. Seroka said the difference in business has been noticeable in the last couple of months. Seroka added that retailers have been uncertain about the amount of money American families will be willing to spend in the upcoming Holiday season, leading to trepidation when it comes to the amount of goods they're ordering for their stores. SAN PEDRO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 06: Container ships sit docked at the Port of Los Angeles on May 06, 2025 in San Pedro, California. Los Angeles and Long Beach ports are seeing significant drops in expected cargo ships coming into port this week due to tariffs imposed by the Trump Administration. The Port of Los Angeles expects a 35 percent decline in arrivals this week compared to the same period one year ago. / Getty Images City officials say they've been meeting with workers in the importing industry in recent weeks. "Everyone was saying the same thing," said Councilmember Tim McOsker, who represents L.A.'s 15th District. "That the tariffs have had a negative impact on this economy." McOsker said thousands of workers, from those who work at the ports to train workers and even those who stock shelves at stores, have "less money in their pockets" as a direct result of tariff policy. McOsker concluded his remarks by stating that he has yet to hear a valid reason for the imposition of mass tariffs. "This is a self-inflicted wound. This is an unforced error," McOsker said. "This is a mistake for absolutely no reason." Trump's reasoning Despite legal challenges, many of the sweeping tariffs remain in place while the process plays out in the appeals system. Trump says the tariffs are being used to increase "fairness" in trade, as the U.S. operates on a deficit while trading with other countries, and says he'd like to see companies manufacture goods in the U.S. as opposed to importing. Still, Trump has acknowledged that the prices of good could still rise. "Maybe the children will have two dolls instead of 30 dolls," he said in an April 30 Cabinet meeting. "And maybe the two dolls will cost a couple of bucks more than they would normally."
Miami Herald
19 minutes ago
- Miami Herald
McDonald's menu adds nostalgic new item after fan backlash
Just when Americans thought McDonald's had forgotten about them, it surprised them with an exciting release they weren't expecting. For years, McDonald's has been facing customer backlash for constantly launching unique and exotic new menu items in every other country besides the U.S., leaving Americans no other option but to drool over these releases rather than be able to taste them. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter The fast-food giant recently released the Birthday Cake McFlurry to celebrate the frozen treat's 30th anniversary, but it was only available in Canada. It also launched the Crispy Mac 'N Cheesy Wrap and Potato Pops, but made them a Singapore exclusive. It's got a celebrated Hot One's collab, but only in France. Image source:Many fans have taken to social media platforms to express their disappointment at being left out of nearly all the most viral menu item launches despite McDonald's being a U.S.-based chain. The decisions on where and when to launch limited-time menu items or even permanent additions depend on the supply chain, consumer demand, operational efficiency, and production costs, among other decisive factors. Related: McDonald's menu adds experimental new items fans will love Although McDonald's may be an American chain, that doesn't always mean the U.S. will get the best and most desired menu items. However, the wait was worth it because McDonald's had greater plans in the works to finally answer the pleas of its American consumers. McDonald's (MCD) is launching the new S'mores McFlurry, which features vanilla soft serve mixed with Hershey's milk chocolate pieces, mini marshmallows, and graham crackers. Lately, the fast-food giant has been inserting nostalgic marketing as part of its business strategy to boost growth. This savvy tactic creates a strong connection between a product and customers' emotions, promoting familiarity and creating a positive association. More Food News: Popular chicken chain brings back beloved menu item after 7 yearsPopular fast-food burger chain to open first store in new marketWalmart makes deal to open popular food chain in stores And it did it again because this latest McFlurry came at the perfect time. As the sunnier days are ahead, nothing screams summer more than lighting a bonfire and making s'mores while camping, which many Americans grew up doing with their families and has become a yearly tradition. Related: McDonald's brings back unexpected breakfast item after 6 years The S'mores McFlurry will be available for a limited time at all participating locations in the U.S. from June 10 through August 11, as stated on the McDonald's website. Netizens quickly took to social media to express their thoughts on the new S'mores McFlurry by commenting on a post by @snackolator on Instagram, with many ensuring McDonald's never leaves its U.S. fans out again. Many users commented, "Finally, a USA item." Another user commented, "So glad this isn't an international tease" And a netizen expressed her shock, commenting, "I didn't read it at first and was like, great, another one that's not coming to the US, but yay, I'm excited." Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
