Written by: Isaac Grant
Date:

A few years ago, before the pandemic hit, we wouldn’t have been able to predict some of the busiest moving routes so precisely in the few months of the year. However, now we know that Americans will be moving a lot. We can also already tell you what are the most popular moving routes in the US in 2023. Of course, since the living costs are also rising, the most popular type of relocation’s cross-country moving, or at least long-distance moving, since people are trying to find more affordable places to live in, preferably with better job opportunities. If you’re planning a relocation, but don’t know where to go, keep reading. Verified Movers is here to show you which places are popular nowadays. Should you need any help with finding movers, visit our website and we’ll be glad to offer a helping hand.

What type of moves can we expect in 2023?

As we have already briefly mentioned, long distance and cross country relocations are expected to be the types of moves that will keep movers in the USA busy. However, apart from residential relocation, an increase in commercial moves is also expected. The reason is simple. Many companies are trying to reduce their costs. Unfortunately, most of them are still facing some losses and handling the consequences of the pandemic.

A girl looking at a map with popular moving routes in the US
There are some interesting places among moving routes in the US

Fortunately, things are starting to go back to normal again, and companies have found ways to reduce their costs and get back on track. One way is moving to smaller premises, which means there are mostly local moves. On the other hand, some people are taking a big turn and are locating their headquarters in rural areas. Both employers and employees have realized that in some cases, remote jobs are exactly what they need. So, rural areas are becoming more popular.

What states are included in the most popular moving routes in the US in 2023?

If we consider data from the previous year, we can find one difference. Namely, cross country moves were not as popular as moves within the same state, or even county. However, the same states that were popular in 2022 are expected to have the highest percentage of inbound moves in 2023 too. So, what is the difference between the inbound and outbound moves in these states? Have a look at the numbers that show how many residents moved in per one resident that moved out.

  • Alaska – 2.46
  • Hawaii – 2.35
  • Maine – 2.15
  • Montana – 2.04
  • South Carolina – 1.95
  • North Carolina – 1.80
  • Tennessee 1.69

These states have gained a great number of residents since 2020, and it seems like that trend is not coming to an end soon. Let’s compare the costs of living in these states since that is one of the reasons they are among the popular moving routes in the US.

A chart saying:
Alaska: cost of living index is 116.5; median home cost is 3,400.
Hawaii: cost of living index is 165.7; median home cost is 2,000.
Maine: cost of living index is 97.0; median home cost is 1,700.
Montana: cost of living index is 100.0; median home cost is 3,700.
South Carolina: cost of living index is 73.6; median home cost is 0,100.
North Carolina: cost of living index is 91.0; median home cost is 2,300.
Tennessee: cost of living index is 89.9; median home cost is 1,600.

Alaska is famous for its nature

One of the main reasons people decide to move to Alaska and hire some of the best interstate moving companies Alaska is its extraordinary nature. Alaska is full of wild natural areas as well as many national parks. Of course, the best part about living in Alaska is the opportunity to see magical Northern lights. It is no wonder this state is one of the most popular moving routes in the US.

Northern Lights in Alaska
Alaska is popular for its nature and wonderful Northern Lights

On the other hand, the cost of living can be one of the downsides of living in Alaska. So, when people decide to leave this state, they usually go to Florida. Even though the difference in cost of living is significant (Florida’s cost of living is 103.1), another reason why people are moving from Alaska to Florida is the fact that FL offers more job opportunities.

Hawaii is for those who want to see a different way of living

When living in Hawaii, people have a feeling that they are living in a completely different country. That is why this destination is so popular and people don’t hesitate to contact some of the reliable cross country moving companies Hawaii and organize a relocation there. However, there is one important reason why Hawaii is among the favorite destinations in the USA. Its educational system is extraordinary. Namely, Hawaii is the first state to start an after-school program for kids attending public schools. For parents, this is a reason enough to move there.

Mountains in Hawaii
Hawaii is among the most popular state

One of the countries whose residents leave to enjoy their life in Hawaii is California. Namely, people are moving from California to Hawaii because there are much lower taxes, since California has a 13.30% top marginal tax rate, while Hawaii has a rate of 11%.

Maine is the safest state

Maine’s crime statistics are among the lowest in the country. According to United States News & World Report, Maine is the top-ranked safest state overall, ranking first for low violent crime and fourth for low property crime. That is why interstate movers Maine have a lot of work, dealing with so many inbound moves year after year.

Among the popular moving routes in the US is a move from Massachusetts to Maine. Apart from safety, the cost of living again plays a crucial role in making this route popular, because the cost of living index in Massachusetts is 127.5, compared to Maine’s 97.0.

Montana has popular features of other states combined

One of the reasons people contact cross country moving companies Montana and relocate there is its wonderful nature. Not only it has a great number of grasslands for all nature lovers, but it is also surrounded by outstanding mountains for those who enjoy mountain climbing or hiking. National parks are another feature that makes this lovely state popular among nature enthusiasts. Also, what most of the residents from other states are comparing are taxes, and Montana has low taxes. For example, Montana doesn’t have state or local sales taxes.

A few things make Montana a perfect state. It has great nature, a relatively low cost of living index (which is the same as the national average), doesn’t have sales taxes, and is, overall, the fifth state with the lowest tax rate. For these reasons, many people from other countries decide to try their luck and move to Montana. Around 30% of all people who have recently moved to Montana come from California and Washington. We have already mentioned the tax rate in California and the fact that it has one of the highest tax rates in the USA. Well, that is obviously one of the reasons why people are moving from California to Montana. Additionally Texas, Oregon, and Arizona to Montana are also some of the popular moving routes in the US.

South Carolina is one of the most affordable states, which makes it very popular among people who are moving

Among the states that are on our list, South Carolina is the most affordable one. Of course, that is one of the features that make this state so attractive for the residents of the USA, and that is why it’s on the list of the most popular routes in the US. What may be not expected, South Carolina actually has one of the strongest economies in the nation. With such a low cost of living and a strong economy, this is definitely one of the best places to live in. Property taxes are also among the lowest. So, it seems that if you are looking for one cheapest, yet most lovely places in the USA, South Carolina is perfect.

A bridge in SC.
South Carolina is the most affordable and that is why it is always on one end of the popular moving routes in the US

It doesn’t come as a surprise to learn that New Yorkers are among those who move to South Carolina often. However, cross country movers South Carolina are helping thousands of New Yorkers settle into this state. People are even moving from CA despite the distance. Since the Golden State has such high taxes, South Carolina is really appealing to Californians due to its low tax burden.

North Carolina is for tech lovers

Even though it has a higher cost of living than SC, North Carolina is still one of the most affordable states, since it has a lower cost of living than the USA. What is interesting about NC is the fact that people usually call interstate moving companies North Carolina to help them move there for a job, one in the tech industry, to be more precise. Some of the great names in this area of business have their company premises located there, such as Google and Apple.

North Carolina is on one end of the most popular routes since 2021, and it seems like that trend isn’t stopping soon. Namely, 64,970 people have decided to call this state their home since 2021. Among those 65 000 people, most of them are from California, Florida, and New York. They make up 30% of the overall number. Californians are again the first ones to leave their country. Another interesting fact is that it is not uncommon for residents to move from North Carolina to South Carolina. This is also one of the most popular routes since the way of life is similar, but SC is more affordable. After all, these are neighboring states, so the fact that there are many moves between them shouldn’t surprise us.

Tennessee is a state favorite among retirees

Tennessee has a relatively low cost of living and a pretty stable job market. It has a cost of living index lower than California’s twice. So, it is no wonder it is one of the best routes to move to. However, even though there are people who move to Tennessee for work, seniors are those who move there the most. It is the third-best state for retirees, so it is no wonder that cross country movers Tennessee have their arms full when relocating people who want to retire in this state.

What cities are among the most popular ones in the USA?

When it comes to the most popular cities in the USA, there is a difference between those where people would like to move to and those where they are moving. Namely, the Home Bay website conducted an interesting survey, asking Americans where would they want to live, had the cost of living not been the problem. Their answers are, as follows:

A chart saying:
19% of Americans would live in Los Angeles
18% would make Atlanta their dream home
17% would like to live in Austin
15% dream to make Las Vegas their home
15% want or intend to move to Miami

Having in mind everything these cities offer, these stats don’t come as a surprise. However, the reality is a little bit different.

Florida and Texas cities lead the line

It is interesting that many cities from Florida and Texas are among the popular moving destinations in the US. Same as in 2022, the most popular cities for USA residents to move to are Tampa, Orlando, and Miami. When it comes to Texan cities, Austin and Dallas are among the first ten, which does not come as a surprise, since they are some of the most popular metro areas.

Buildings in Florida
Florida cities attract many residents of the USA

It is not shocking to see that one of the cities Americans want, and are, in fact, leaving the most, is San Francisco. For example, interstate movers San Francisco often organize and conduct relocations to Dallas. People want to move from one metro area to another, but with a much lower cost of living index and to a state that does not have individual income taxes.

While people are leaving most cities in California, Sacramento’s popularity is increasing

What does come as a surprise is the fact that Sacramento is number one on the list of the most popular cities if we look at inbound moves. However, when we know the reason then it is not that unusual after all. Namely, long distance movers from San Francisco to Sacramento are the ones who organize moves the most often. The difference in cost of living numbers is significant. Sacramento has a 121.6 index, compared to San Francisco and its 244 overall index. The median home price is 237.7% lower in Sacramento.

However, being widely unpopular overall, SF is popular among LA residents, so long distance movers Los Angeles are often busy dealing with relocations on this very route.

A photo of San Francisco, a city that is included in the popular moving routes in the US since there are a lot of people who are leaving it.
San Francisco is the number one city when it comes to outbound moves

There are some interesting moving routes in the USA

Now that you have seen some of the most attractive states and cities and what the most popular moving routes in the US are, we hope you know where you want to relocate. Overall, Florida and Texas city are the ones people are interested in the most, while Alaska and Hawaii are the most popular states. California, or San Francisco, to be more precise, are not popular destinations for inbound moves. In the end, whichever route you plan on moving across, remember that if you need any help finding some of the best movers in the USA, visit the Verified Movers website and you will get the information you need.