Written by: Isaac Grant
Date:

Americans are one of the most mobile nations in the whole world. There are many reasons why people from all over the USA decide to move to neighboring states. Some even choose to leave the country altogether and opt for an international relocation. If you belong to a large group of people that are currently looking for another state to move to, we wish you good luck. We know that interstate relocation is one of the hardest types of move, which usually requires professional moving help. When it comes to finding already mentioned moving help, Verified Movers has an extensive database, containing more than 20,000 moving companies. Wherever you might be moving to, visit our website, and we’ll help you move peacefully. And if you’re looking for potential places where to move to, stick around. We will cover moving trends in 2022 and see where have Americans been moving to.

But first, let’s see why people choose to move in the first place

The reasons why Americans choose to leave one and make another state their home are numerous. When we look into the happenings of recent years, we can notice some obvious moving trends. The recent covid-19 pandemic has brought some major shifts in the USA. It caused some major changes in the economy, making it unstable at times. Due to this, and the increase in remote work opportunities, a lot of Americans moved to places with smaller population densities. Whether this moving trend will revert, only time will tell. Apart from people moving because of population density, here are some other popular reasons that can tell us where have Americans been moving to.

an image containing a bullet list:
Work-related reasons
Moving to be closer to family
Health-related reasons
Cost of living moves
lifestyle moves
Retirement moves

The best way of predicting moving trends in 2022 is to thoroughly study the same moving trends in prior years. Statistics tell us that 1.5 out of ten Americans moved in the first half of 2021. This frequency of relocations isn’t expected to fall off. The U.S. Postal Services can confirm this, as around 35 million addresses have been changed in the last year. This includes both permanent and temporary changes.

People setting up their furniture and settling in after having followed the moving trends in 2022
People are following moving trends in 2022 and relocating to every corner of the USA

Nowadays, people prefer to have homes with more space

We have already mentioned the tendency of people to move to places with smaller population densities. While the main reason for this is probably the pandemic, some choose to move to lesser populated spaces to be closer to family or because of new work options. This moving trend of people moving to places where they can have more space is expected in 2022. People that have moved for this reason said that they wanted backyards, porches, home offices, home gyms, and overall, more room to breathe.

So, where have Americans been moving to in order to find more room to breathe? While most chose to move to the outskirts and suburbs of major cities, or to new cities overall, a large part chose to move to new states. Most of these states are among the least populated ones in America. Here are the top states (and their population density) where people have been moving to in the search of more space:

  • Idaho – 23
  • New Mexico – 17.44
  • Main – 44.49
  • Utah – 41.61
A forest in Idaho, the state where lots of people are moving to, judging by moving trends in 2022
For those looking for more space, consider relocating to Idaho

Affordability reigns supreme among reasons behind interstate relocations

The rising unemployment rate and shiting economy that happened because of the pandemic have made many Americans look for places with lower housing and living costs. It’s safe to say that growing expenses are the main reason that made a lot of Americans move to other states. Nearly half of people that moved in 2021 said they moved to places where they could find the better worth of their earnings. Living in suburbs and smaller towns have made many people financially secure. There has been a rise in purchases of affordable homes across many suburbs as well. Combine this with the never-before-so-popular option of remote work, and it isn’t a surprise that around 80% of urban areas have noticed people moving out, opposing to suburban areas, where people have been rapidly moving in.

Here are the top states in the USA with the lowest living costs. Next to them is the cost of living index which can help you compare it to the national average(the average cost of living in the U.S. is a baseline of 100).

bullet list with top states in the USA with the lowest living costs:
Mississippi (83.3) 
Kansas (86.5) 
Alabama (87.9) 
Oklahoma (87.9) 
Georgia (88.8) 
Tennessee (89) 

Different age groups move to different states

Just as people of all ages moved in the last two years, we can almost guarantee that people from all different age groups will move in 2022 as well. The most mobile group is the one containing young people, from ages 8 to 34. This includes students, who moved to different cities or states in pursuit of better education opportunities, or because of college housing shutdowns caused by covid. Young professionals are also in this group, who relocated looking for different employment opportunities or more affordable cities for remote work. And, of course, many families with young children are counted in this category. Couples and young families have moved for many different reasons, such as vicinity to grandparents (or other members of the family), and/or better educational institutions. The top states for young people last year were Iowa, New Hampshire, and Nebraska.

A photo of a beach in Florida
Moving trends in 2022 are telling us that retirees love Florida

People 65 or older, usually retirees, are also on the move. Recently retired people are always looking for a good place to live out their golden years. States with low costs of living, pleasant weather, moderate temperatures, and plenty of outdoor activities all come into play. While these moving trends in 2022 will happen in many different states, the first spot belongs to California. Of all people that moved here, 38.77% say they moved for their retirement. Here’s a list of the most favorable states for the retires and the percentage of people who moved for retirement purposes:

list of the most favorable states for the retirees: 
Florida - 38% 
North Carolina - 37% 
Arizona - 36% 
Delaware - 34%
Nevada - 29%
Idaho - 29%
Wyoming - 28%
Mississippi - 28%
New Mexico - 27%

Remote work opportunities have made many Americans relocate

Before the pandemic and before the sudden rise in popularity of remote working, lots of Americans moved across the country in the search of better jobs. In 2019, Colorado was ranked first in the USA for its employment. Colorado was closely followed by Massachusetts, Idaho, and Virginia. All these states had favorable job growth and low unemployment rates. However, as the pandemic enveloped the USA, people started looking for remote work opportunities. This trend is expected to continue in 2022, as around 40% of remote workers want to continue working remotely. Because the work doesn’t force people to stay in certain cities, remote workers have decided to follow moving trends in 2022 and move to less populated and more affordable places.

Most remote workers chose to move to the suburbs of cities where their job was prior to covid. On the other hand, some chose to relocate to smaller, more affordable cities. This has allowed workers to live closer to their families and prioritize health and other activities. Here are the best cities to work from home in the U.S.

  • Austin, Texas
  • Scottsdale, Arizona
  • Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  • Chandler, Arizona
  • Durham, North Carolina
  • Charlotte, North Carolina
  • Fremont, California
  • Nashville, Tennessee
  • Gilbert, Arizona
  • Mesa, Arizona
A photo of Austin, where lots of people are moving to, predicted by moving trends in 2022
Austin, TX is one of the best cities to work from home

For those looking for hybrid work opportunities, Cleveland, OH, Chattanooga, TN, and Salt Lake City, UT, are some of the best options.

Moving trends in 2022: Which states are getting the most people

There are many moving trends in 2022 that are currently taking place and singling out one is impossible. However, a large number of people, regardless of age group and other differences, are moving to the southeast. There are many advantages of living in the south and east of the USA. Lower than national average living costs, favorable weather, and many fun activities are drawing more and more people. Here are the top states that are getting the most amount of people that are moving to the USA.

  1. Texas
  2. Florida
  3. South Carolina
  4. North Carolina
  5. Georgia
  6. Tennessee
  7. Nevada
  8. Maine
A flag of Texas
Texas is gaining more and more newcomers

Texas and Florida are both solid contenders for the first place

Moving trends in 2022 are telling us that either Texas or Florida is the state where most Americans have moved to. Whether it was because of easier taxes, affordable housing, relaxed Covid restrictions, or lots of sunshine, one thing is obvious. These two states are getting the largest influx of population. According to the US Postal Services, almost 13,000 residents made Texas their home in 2021. Texas has also drawn many people from all around the USA thanks to its strong economy and low taxes. Moving here because of a job is another popular reason. Check Texas moving company reviews on our website and find the best movers for your relocation.

Furthermore, mesmerizing beaches and tropical weather have lured many to move to Florida. If the promise of never-ending summer hasn’t made people move here, then low housing costs and the possibility of remote work have. If you’re thinking about moving here, it’s best done with the help of some of the best moving companies in South Florida. Besides young professionals that are flocking to Florida, The Sunshine State is the number one place for retirees. Even before Covid, Florida has had a steady influx of people aged 65 or older.

Both Carolinas are attracting newcomers, although for different reasons

Similar to Florida, South Carolina is one of the ‘paradise’ states for retirees. Plenty of green spaces and parks, and amazing weather are constantly luring more and more people aged 65 or more. Retiree or not, with the best interstate moving companies South Carolina by your side, your move here will be smooth and stress-free. Affordable living costs, even after the outbreak of covid, have established South Carolina as one of the best places to move to. The Palmetto State had a net gain of over 10 thousand residents in 2021 alone!

Mountainous terrain in North Carolina
Beautiful landscapes are drawing in lots of Americans in both Carolinas

Furthermore, its northern sister state has also seen an influx of newcomers. While North Carolina also has good weather year-long, the biggest reason why so many people moved here is either work or family. If you are moving for the same reasons, with some of the best cross country movers North Carolina, your relocation will be a breeze. Affordable homes and the possibility of remote work have made North Carolina one of the more favorable states in recent years. In 2021, this state had a 9,000-person net increase. Many people suddenly got the chance to choose where they wanted to live, and the moving trends in 2022 show us that they chose the Tar Heel State.

Many families are choosing Georgia as their new home

Georgia is known as a state of outstanding natural beauty and plentiful outdoor activities. From beautiful beaches to mountainous terrains, whatever you prefer, you can find in Georgia. If you need help relocating, turn to some of the best cross country movers Georgia. Aside from mesmerizing landscapes, which are perfect surroundings to raise kids in, Georgia also has fantastical weather. Tropical summers and mild winters will make you feel pleasant at any time of the year. And when you add high-quality schools and the strong job market to this, it’s no wonder why so many families following the moving trends in 2022 are making Georgia their home. In the last year, Georgia sat a net population gain of just above 5,000. Whatever your reason for moving might be, Georga won’t leave you disappointed!

Living in Tennessee is like being on a vacation

Tennessee has gained a net gain of around 4,500 residents last year, mostly because of its vacation charm. Tourism is one of the strongest industries in this state, and it has helped the state protect its economy. Apart from the natural beauty of the Volunteer State, Tennessee is continuously drawing in more and more people because of its affordable living costs and low taxes. As we have said before, Tennessee has a strong and expanding job market, so it’s no wonder that many people moved here with the help of the best interstate moving companies Тennessee in search of better employment. Aside for job seekers, Tennessee has received a large share of retirees and young families as well.

To sum up

Moving within the USA is nothing new. Even after Covid came and halted the entire world for a moment, the Americans continued moving across the states. To find out and predict moving trends in 2022, we paid close attention to moving trends in prior years, especially 2021. Southeast has affordable living costs, better possibilities for remote work, and pleasant weather, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that more and more people are following the moving trends and relocating to these states.