Where Americans Are Moving in 2026 — and the 4 States They’re Leaving Behind
Written by
Kerra Bolton
Edited by
Amen Oyiboke
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Americans are still on the move in 2026, chasing lower living costs, better weather, and more space.
New data from MoveBuddha, U-Haul, and United Van Lines revealed that the migration wave that began during the pandemic has settled into a clear pattern: Affordable, mid-sized Southern states are gaining new residents, while expensive or slow-growth states are losing them.
Here’s where Americans are moving in 2026 — and the four states they’re leaving behind.
Where Americans Are Moving
South Carolina
MoveBuddha lists South Carolina as one of the most in-demand states of 2026, with strong inbound interest in Myrtle Beach and Greenville. Warm weather, affordable homes, and low property taxes keep attracting retirees and remote professionals.
The state’s growth has been so strong that Myrtle Beach now ranks among the top “growth cities” in the nation, according to U-Haul data.
North Carolina
North Carolina’s population recently topped 11 million, with new residents driving nearly all of the state’s growth.
The Office of State Budget and Management reported that more than 139,000 people moved to North Carolina in 2024, the highest net migration in the Southeast. Affordable housing, expanding job markets in Raleigh and Charlotte, and strong quality-of-life rankings continue to attract families and professionals from higher-cost states.
Tennessee
U-Haul’s latest migration trends rank Tennessee near the top for inbound one-way moves. Cities such as Knoxville and Chattanooga offer affordability, outdoor access, and zero state income tax. It’s a powerful combination for families and entrepreneurs seeking long-term value.
Migration experts note that Tennessee’s mix of affordability and job creation makes it a “sticky state,” where new residents tend to settle long-term.
Georgia
Georgia remains one of the most popular destinations for movers in 2026, with Atlanta ranking among the top inbound metros in the latest PODS Moving Trends Report.
The city’s strong job market, expanding tech sector, and relatively affordable housing continue to attract both young professionals and families leaving higher-cost regions.
Arkansas
Arkansas continues to draw new residents thanks to its growing economy and low cost of living. Site Selection noted that the state’s pro-business climate, affordable housing, and expanding infrastructure have made cities like Bentonville, Little Rock, and Fayetteville magnets for both companies and workers.
The States Americans Are Leaving Behind
California
California continues to top outbound lists in United Van Lines data. Sky-high housing costs, traffic, and taxes keep pushing residents toward more affordable Western and Southern states.
Persistent affordability issues are pushing even middle-income families out of the state, as housing costs continue to climb faster than wages.
New Jersey
New Jersey topped the United Van Lines 2024 National Movers Study as the state with the highest share of outbound moves, with 64% of residents moving out compared with 36% moving in.
Survey respondents most often cited job changes, family reasons and lifestyle preferences as motivations for relocating, mirroring national migration trends. The results marked the sixth consecutive year New Jersey led the nation in outbound moves.
Illinois
Illinois continues to lose more residents than it gains, placing it among the states with the largest total net outbound migration from 2020 to 2024.
According to a Coastal Moving Services analysis of migration data, about 139,399 people left Illinois over that period, with more than 56,000 departing just in the past year alone, making it one of the largest absolute losses nationwide.
Louisiana
Louisiana was the leading outbound state for the second year in a row, according to the Atlas Van Lines 2024 Migration Patterns Report.
The company found that 66% of all Louisiana moves were outbound, reflecting continued population loss as residents relocate to nearby states with stronger job markets and more affordable insurance. The state’s persistent outmigration trend mirrors broader Southern patterns highlighted in the report.
The Bigger Picture
MoveBuddha’s latest report found that most Americans are moving to where they can make the money work.
Migration patterns continue to follow jobs, housing costs, and overall affordability, not bucket-list destinations or short-term lifestyle trends. Retirees and remote workers still gravitate toward warm-weather and small-city options, but the majority of movers are simply balancing opportunity and cost of living.
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