Since the pandemic escalated, we have seen many changes in the world and the consequences are still noticeable. One of the greatest changes happened in the moving industry. Even though approximately 8.4% of Americans moved in 2021, the record was set in 2021 and 2022 together, when 46 million people moved from one city to another, at least, if they haven’t changed state. Some of the reasons for those relocations were the wishes of people to be closer to their families and downsizing due to increased home costs. The main reason, however, was seeking better job opportunities. Has the situation changed and what are the moving trends for 2023? Keep reading to find out. Should you be among the Americans who decide to change city or state, Verified Movers can help you find the appropriate moving company.
Moving trends before 2023
As we have already mentioned, when the pandemic started, one of the reasons for moving was the need for people to be closer to their families. In fact, 17% of people moved for that reason. Northeast and Midwest are the areas that had the decrease in the number of residents, while western and southern states had an increase in population. To be more precise, they gained 108,000 and 250,000 net residents, respectively.
It doesn’t come as a surprise that California was the state which people left the most. The main reason is the high tax rates. Namely, 367,000 residents left the state. The close second was New York City, with a loss of 352,000 residents. On the other hand, the greatest influx of residents had Texas and Florida, with 170,000 and 221,000 inbound moves, respectively.
What types of moves where the most popular ones?
There was a large number of people who moved long distances. Also, the numbers we have already mentioned speak enough about the cross country moves. However, the majority of the moves happened locally, and people had to face the challenges of moving locally. According to numbers, they handled the challenging situations successfully. Let’s take a look at some statistical data:
The pandemic had the greatest influence on the moving situation in the USA since 2019 until now. However, has the situation changed, since we are already in a post-pandemic year, and if so, how? The economy is changing a lot, which also affects the moving industry and changes the moving trends for 2023. Let’s find out to what extent.
What are the moving trends for 2023 and what are the most popular cities among Americans?
In the post-pandemic years, we feel its consequences more than ever. The cost of living gets higher, taxes go up, and mortgage rates change in a great measure. These are the main reason why Americans are moving in 2023. San Francisco, New York, and Chicago are still the leading states when it comes to the cost of living increase. For that reason, they stay the states with the highest percentage of outbound moves.
On the other hand, some cities in different states are the ones that have had the highest rate of inbound moves since the beginning of 2023. Some of these states are the states with the cheapest homes in the US and that is the reason people are moving there. However, certain cities have become even more popular than the states they are located in. Those cities are:
- Austin, Texas,
- Raleigh, North Carolina,
- Boise, Idaho,
- Spokane, Washington,
- Reno, Nevada.
How many people have moved to these cities so far?
Even though we are in the first quarter of 2023 and there is still enough time for the situation to change, the data and statistics from the previous years and the beginning of this year tell us that these five cities will stay the most popular ones when it comes to the inbound moves. Since 2022, the number of people who live in these cities has gone up. Let’s take a look at the population increase in these cities and the number of people currently living there:
This is currently the situation when it comes to the most popular cities. If we speak of the states, the list would look differently, with Florida, for instance, being in the top 3. It is obvious that cross country movers Florida have their arms full since this state has been in the top 3 for the last 7 years. However, none of the Florida cities are in the top 5 at the beginning of 2023. One thing all the cities that are on the list have in common is affordability. Depending on your preferences, you can enjoy living in each of them, but find more information before you decide.
Austin is one of the fastest-growing cities in the USA
One of the main reasons why Texas is constantly on the list of the top five states for living in the USA is the fact that it has no personal or corporate state income tax. In fact, the combined sales tax rate is 8.25%, which is low, when compared to other states. Additionally, you can rely on some of the finest cross country movers Texas who are always at your disposal. Having in mind these facts, it is no wonder people choose one of the cities in Texas that has a lot to offer, Austin.
People decide to move to Austin for its vibrant music scene, great education, a job market that is on the rise, and diverse food scene that can leave no one indifferent. Austin is known as the capital of live music, and there are many festivals throughout the whole year. Some of the most popular ones include Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park, South by Southwest throughout Central Austin, and Levitation at downtown music venues. Music festivals are not the only popular festivals in Austin. There are those dedicated to food too, such as Hot Luck Fest, happening on Memorial Day Weekend, The Austin Food & Wine Festival in November, and The Texas Food & Wine Alliance taking place throughout the whole year. With the influx of new residents, the food scene in Austin changed a lot and the diversity became one of the city’s biggest pros.
The cost of living in Austin
We have already mentioned that Austin is one of the most affordable metro areas. Namely, the cost of living index in Austin is 129.4, which is 29.4% higher than the national average. The housing costs are 159.6. Food and groceries and utility costs are both lower than the national average and they are 96.7 and 99.1, respectively. The index of transportation costs is 109.9.
Another advantage of living in Austin is the unemployment rate which is lower than the national average. The unemployment rate in the USA is 6%, while in Austin it is 5.1%. The median income of $55,216 is another reason why people decide to hire some of the best cross country movers Austin and relocate. Also, buying a house in Austin is relatively affordable, since the median home price is $577,400. For all these reasons, it is highly unlikely that the moving trends for 2023 will change when it comes to Austin. It will stay one of the top destinations.
Raleigh has many wonderful neighborhoods
Another great city on our list is Raleigh in North Carolina. North Carolina is, in general, one of the states where people have been moving the most since the pandemic started, and there are cross country movers North Carolina who can organize every type of relocation.
Raleigh is famous for its job market, and some of the most popular fields are life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and IT. If you would like to have a job in any of these sectors, then a relocation to Raleigh may be the right step for you. The unemployment rate of 4.3% speaks a lot about Raleigh’s economy and thriving job market.
The cost of living in Raleigh
Raleigh is one of the most affordable places, especially in NC, since the cost of living index is only 2.4% higher than the national average. This leaves some of the best cross country movers Raleigh with their arms full since there are a lot of relocations to organize and conduct. The median income in Raleigh is $54,581, while the median home cost is $427,000. If Raleigh has what you need, don’t hesitate to follow this moving trend for 2023 and relocate there.
Boise is for people who enjoy being outside
Even though cross country movers Idaho are dealing with many relocations to other areas of this state, if you decide to contact those movers, it will probably be to move to Boise, especially since that is one of the trends for 2023 which is probably not going to change. There is a variety of things to do and everyone can find something to enjoy in Boise, whether they want to go skiing or go on an outdoor adventure. To find out more about the local animals, take a trip around Julia Davis Park or stop by the World Center for Birds of Prey.
The cost of living in Boise
The cost of living in Boise is 16.5% higher than the average in the USA. However, one of the biggest advantages of living in this city is the low unemployment rate which is 3.6%. Accordingly, the median income is $49,209. Additionally, there are many cross country moving companies Boise, and you will always have someone to turn to if you decide to relocate.
Spokane is a family-friendly city
Spokane has a lot of parks, cultural events, and free things to do for kids, making it a very family-friendly city. The city’s central park provides a variety of play areas for children of various ages, including a section for young children. There are also many library events, so it is no wonder that one of the moving trends for 2023 includes families with children moving to Spokane.
The cost of living in Spokane
One of the biggest advantages of living in Spokane is the cost of living, which is 1.4% lower than the average in the United States. However, the job market doesn’t follow, because the unemployment rate is higher than the national average and it is 6.6%. Nevertheless, cross country movers Spokane still have a lot of relocations to organize, because people are following the moving trends in 2023.
Reno is the place for those who love skiing
The state of Nevada has a lot to offer and it is renowned for its affordability. Some of the best cross country movers Nevada are the ones that will be at your disposal when you decide to plan the relocation. The place in Nevada you should choose is Reno. First of all, there is lake Tahoe. For nature lovers, it is a must-visit destination. Then, if you love winter and enjoy skiing, there is no better place than Reno for you. There are 20 ski resorts in the vicinity, and the most faraway one, Mt. Rose, is only 30 minutes of driving away.
The cost of living in Reno
The cost of living in Reno is 21% higher than the national average. However, it is offset by everything it has to offer. The unemployment rate is 4.6%, with a median income of $46,489, and that is why the best cross country movers Reno have a busy schedule and organize relocations. Additionally, the median home cost is relatively affordable and it is $494,500.
Popular places are popular for a reason, so strongly consider following 2023 moving trends
You have seen what are the moving trends for 2023 and what are the most popular cities among Americans. Wherever you decide to move, you won’t regret it, because all of these places have a lot to offer, in addition to the reasonable cost of living. Should you need any help with finding some of the best movers, head out to our website, and Verified Movers can help you.