Myrtle Beach Leads The Top Destinations Americans Are Moving to in 2025
As we progress through 2025, new migration patterns are emerging across the United States, shaped by evolving economic conditions, housing affordability concerns, and post-pandemic lifestyle preferences. While we often focus on the Myrtle Beach real estate market, it is always nice to get an idea of what is happening country wide in the housing market. However, this article will point out that Myrtle Beach and the state of South Carolina are the most popular city and state (respectively) to move to in the country.
Based on the latest data from moving companies and migration analysts, here are the 25 most popular destinations where Americans are relocating this year.
The Big Picture: Southeast Dominance Continues
The migration trends of 2025 tell a clear story: Americans are gravitating toward affordable, mid-sized cities in the Southeast, prioritizing quality of life, job opportunities, and access to outdoor recreation over urban amenities. This marks the sixth consecutive year of strong migration patterns favoring southern states.
Top 10 States Leading the Migration Wave
1. South Carolina (In-to-Out Ratio: 2.18)
South Carolina maintains its position as the most popular destination state, with more than twice as many people searching to move in versus out. The state’s combination of affordable housing, moderate climate, and growing job market continues to attract newcomers.
2. Tennessee (In-to-Out Ratio: 1.73)
The Volunteer State ranks second for the sixth consecutive year, offering no state income tax, diverse geography from mountains to plains, and thriving music and healthcare industries.
3. North Carolina (In-to-Out Ratio: 1.61)
While ranking third in ratio, North Carolina actually leads in pure volume of inbound searches, capturing 15.75% of all net inbound migration interest nationwide.
4. Alabama (In-to-Out Ratio: 1.56)
A newcomer to the top 10, Alabama has seen consistent increases in move-in interest since 2023, driven by low cost of living and growing aerospace and automotive industries.
5. Delaware (In-to-Out Ratio: 1.51)
The First State benefits from its strategic location between major metropolitan areas, no sales tax, and attractive coastal communities.
6. Maine (In-to-Out Ratio: 1.47)
Tied for sixth place, Maine attracts those seeking a high quality of life, outdoor recreation, and relatively affordable housing compared to neighboring New England states.
7. West Virginia (In-to-Out Ratio: 1.47)
Also tied for sixth, West Virginia offers the nation’s most affordable housing prices and stunning natural landscapes.
8. Arkansas (In-to-Out Ratio: 1.44)
The Natural State continues to draw newcomers with its low cost of living and outdoor recreation opportunities.
9. Idaho (In-to-Out Ratio: 1.40)
Despite slightly cooling from previous years, Idaho remains popular for its outdoor lifestyle and growing tech sector in Boise.
10. Mississippi (In-to-Out Ratio: 1.38)
Another newcomer to the top 10, Mississippi has seen growing interest as Americans seek extremely affordable living costs.
Top 15 Cities Attracting New Residents
Based on in-to-out move ratios, these cities are experiencing the highest proportional growth:
1. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (Ratio: 2.55)
The coastal resort city leads all destinations, offering beachfront living at affordable prices compared to other coastal markets.
2. Huntsville, Alabama (Ratio: 2.42)
Known as “Rocket City” for its aerospace industry, Huntsville combines high-tech jobs with Southern charm and affordable housing.
3. Greenville, South Carolina (Ratio: 2.29)
This thriving city has seen 8.3% growth in move-in interest over 2024, driven by opportunities in healthcare, tech, and manufacturing.
4. Knoxville, Tennessee (Ratio: 2.23)
Home to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville offers college-town amenities with proximity to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
5. The Villages, Florida (Ratio: 2.15)
Despite cooling from previous years, this retirement community remains a top destination for active seniors.
6. Raleigh, North Carolina (Ratio: 1.99)
Part of the Research Triangle, Raleigh attracts professionals in tech, biotech, and education sectors.
7. Ocala, Florida (Ratio: 1.88)
Known for horse farms and natural springs, Ocala provides affordable Florida living away from crowded coastal areas.
8. Chattanooga, Tennessee (Ratio: 1.68)
This river city has transformed itself into a tech hub while maintaining affordable living costs.
9. Charleston, South Carolina (Ratio: 1.68)
The historic port city continues attracting newcomers despite higher costs than other South Carolina destinations.
10. Vancouver, Washington (Ratio: 1.63)
The only non-Southeast city in the top 10, Vancouver benefits from no state income tax and proximity to Portland.
11. Austin, Texas
Despite not appearing in the top 10 ratios, Austin remains a major destination for tech workers and young professionals.
12. Nashville, Tennessee
While not making the ratio-based list, Nashville continues drawing newcomers for its music industry and healthcare sector.
13. Charlotte, North Carolina
The Queen City attracts finance and banking professionals as a major regional hub.
14. Atlanta, Georgia
Georgia’s capital remains popular for its diverse economy and major airport connectivity.
15. Tampa, Florida
The Gulf Coast city combines job opportunities with year-round warmth and reasonable housing costs.
Key Migration Drivers in 2025
Economic Factors
– **Housing Affordability**: With mortgage rates remaining elevated, Americans seek markets where they can afford homeownership
– **Job Market Growth**: Cities with expanding industries in tech, healthcare, and aerospace lead the way
– **Tax Advantages**: States with no or low income taxes maintain competitive advantages
Lifestyle Preferences
– **Outdoor Access**: Proximity to beaches, mountains, and recreational areas remains highly valued
– **Mid-Sized City Appeal**: Americans increasingly prefer cities large enough for amenities but small enough to avoid congestion
– **Climate Considerations**: Moderate year-round weather continues to drive migration to the Sun Belt
Remote Work Impact
Five years after the pandemic, remote work flexibility allows Americans to prioritize cost of living and quality of life over proximity to major employment centers.
States and Cities Losing Residents
Top Exodus States
1. New Jersey (Ratio: 0.55) – High property taxes and cost of living drive outmigration
2. California (Ratio: 0.57) – Continued exodus despite cultural attractions due to housing costs
3. Connecticut (Ratio: 0.61) – Similar challenges to New Jersey with high taxes and costs
4. New York (Ratio: 0.63) – Urban density and high costs push residents to seek alternatives
5. Nebraska (Ratio: 0.65) – Limited economic opportunities drive outmigration
Top Exodus Cities
1. New York City – More than twice as many searches to leave as enter
2. Long Beach, California – High costs without the amenities of larger California cities
3. San Diego, California – Even this desirable location struggles with affordability
4. San Jose, California – Silicon Valley costs outweigh tech job benefits for many
5. San Francisco, California – Post-pandemic changes and high costs continue exodus
Looking Ahead: What These Trends Mean
The 2025 migration patterns represent a maturation of pandemic-era changes, with Americans continuing to prioritize affordability, space, and quality of life. The Southeast’s dominance appears likely to continue, supported by:
– Continued business relocations and expansions in the region
– Infrastructure investments improving connectivity
– Population growth creating self-reinforcing economic cycles
– Climate advantages becoming more pronounced
However, the pace of migration has slowed compared to peak pandemic years, suggesting the most dramatic shifts may be behind us as Americans settle into new post-pandemic norms.
For prospective movers, these trends highlight opportunities in emerging markets while also serving as a warning about increased competition for housing and jobs in the most popular destinations. The key to successful relocation in 2025 remains thorough research into local job markets, housing costs, and community amenities before making the move.
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*Data compiled from MoveBuddha migration analysis, U.S. Census migration data, and moving company reports through March 2025.*
