3 days ago
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.
