The 12 States Americans Are Most Interested in Moving to

We’ve created a list of the 12 states that Americans were most interested in moving to, according to the data from last year.

We used this resource: https://realestate.usnews.com/home-services/moving/moving-trends.

The information you see is largely based on our research done on the US News website.

The purpose of providing this list of most-sought-after states is to help you discover popular destinations that you can consider for your own move. In the post below, we will not only mention the names of the states but also provide information on why they are sought after.

Let’s get started.

South Carolina

Rank: #1 Most Sought-After State

Top City of Interest: Conway

Region: South Atlantic

South Carolina tops the list, and it's not hard to see why. It has coastal access without Florida-level tourist chaos, winters that don't turn too intense, and housing that still feels within reach for middle-income buyers.

Conway, one of the state's most searched cities, sits near Myrtle Beach but avoids the full brunt of spring break season. You get proximity to the ocean without living in a vacation rental economy.

What's drawing people to South Carolina:

• Median home prices that remain below $300,000 in many markets
• Year-round golf and beach access without extreme summer humidity
• Growing job markets in Charleston, Greenville, and Columbia
• No state tax on Social Security benefits for retirees

The appeal here is balance. South Carolina offers lifestyle perks without asking you to drain your savings account.

People moving from pricier East Coast states find they can afford more space, have easier access to outdoor recreation, and still stay connected to major metros if needed. Charleston has the charm, Greenville has the job growth, and smaller towns like Conway offer affordability without complete isolation. It's a state that checks a lot of different boxes, which is why it ranks number one.

Idaho

Rank: #2

Region: Mountain West

Notable Feature: Low Population Density State

Idaho has been on the radar for years now, but last year’s data shows sustained interest rather than a temporary spike.

Open space, access to mountains, rivers, and trails, and a slower pace of life continue to pull people westward. Remote workers and families leaving high-cost urban areas see Idaho as a place where they can breathe, both financially and literally.

Key draws for Idaho movers:

• Access to world-class skiing, hiking, and river activities
• Boise's tech sector growth without Silicon Valley costs
• Property tax rates are lower than many Western states
• Communities that still feel like actual communities

Boise remains the primary draw, but smaller towns across the state are seeing attention too. The state offers outdoor recreation that rivals Colorado without the corresponding price tags or traffic.

Winters are real, but for people tired of urban density and skyrocketing rents, the tradeoff feels worth it. Idaho represents breathing room, and in 2025, that commodity is in high demand.

Alaska

Rank: #3

Region: Pacific

Notable Feature: No State Income Tax

Alaska is not for everyone, and that's part of its appeal. The state attracts a specific type of person: someone ready for a dramatic change, willing to trade convenience for independence, and drawn to landscapes that feel untouched. The lack of state income tax helps, but the real pull is the lifestyle. Space, wilderness, and a sense of self-reliance are what define Alaska.

What makes Alaska worth the leap:

• Permanent Fund Dividend payments to residents (averaged $1,312 in 2024 but decreased in 2026)
• Access to outdoor activities that don't require permits or crowds
• Remote work viability in cities like Anchorage and Juneau
• Cost of living offset by higher wages in many sectors

Remote work has made Alaska more accessible to those who previously couldn't justify the distance from employers. If you can work from anywhere, why not work from a place where the scenery looks majestic?

The winters can be tough, and logistics can be tricky. But for the right person, Alaska represents freedom and space unmatched anywhere else in the country.

North Carolina

Rank: #4

Region: South Atlantic

Notable Feature: Diverse Geography from Mountains to Coast

North Carolina has a growing job market and an aesthetic natural profile that makes it a desirable place for people to move to.

The Outer Banks offer coastal access, the Blue Ridge Mountains provide outdoor recreation, and the Piedmont region delivers economic opportunity.

Why North Carolina keeps attracting movers:

• Three distinct geographic regions offering different lifestyles
• Housing costs still reasonable compared to comparable metros

People moving to North Carolina often cite balance as the main reason. You can find work, afford a home, and still have access to lifestyle amenities. It's not the cheapest state on this list, but compared to Northeast-level housing prices, it feels like a bargain.

The state also avoids the political extremes that make other destinations feel less stable.

Maine

Rank: #5

Region: Northeast

Notable Feature: Coastal and Rural Appeal

Maine's appeal lies in what it doesn't have: crowds and traffic. Remote work has made relocation to rural New England more realistic, and Maine benefits directly from that shift.

Coastal towns offer scenic beauty, slower living, and a sense of community that feels harder to find in larger states.

It’s an ideal choice for people who want to live somewhere scenic, without the noise that you can’t escape in areas like NYC and Los Angeles.

What's pulling people to Maine:

• Acadia National Park and hundreds of miles of rocky coastline
• Portland's walkable downtown with small-city amenities
• Lower property taxes than Massachusetts or Connecticut

Portland has grown into a legitimate small city with a food scene and cultural offerings, but much of Maine's draw comes from smaller towns and coastal villages.

People moving here are often seeking simplicity and natural beauty. The winters can be tough, and you'll drive more than you might expect. The job market is also a bit limited outside of certain sectors.

But for those ready to trade convenience for peace, Maine is a good choice.

Tennessee

Rank: #6

Region: South

Notable Feature: No State Income Tax

Tennessee's tax structure gets mentioned a lot, and for good reason. No state income tax makes a tangible difference in household budgets, especially for higher earners or retirees.

But the state also offers growing cities like Nashville and Knoxville, both of which have developed strong economies and cultural identities.

Tennessee's major selling points:

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park access from Knoxville and Chattanooga
• Cost of living that's dropped relative to other Southern metros

Delaware

Rank: #7

Region: South Atlantic (Census Classification)

Notable Feature: Small State with Coastal Access

Delaware's small size works in its favor. You can live near the beach, commute to Philadelphia or Baltimore if needed, and enjoy lower taxes compared to neighboring states. It's a state that offers access to major Northeast cities without requiring you to pay full Northeast prices.

Delaware's practical advantages:

• No sales tax on purchases
• Rehoboth Beach and Lewes offering quieter coastal alternatives
• Under two hours to Philadelphia, Baltimore, or Washington, D.C.
• Lower property taxes than Pennsylvania, Maryland, or New Jersey

Rehoboth Beach and Lewes draw retirees and second-home buyers, while northern Delaware offers suburban living with reasonable proximity to urban centers. The state lacks the drama of larger markets, but that's part of the appeal. It's practical, accessible, and offers coastal living without Florida-level humidity or mid-Atlantic congestion. Delaware doesn't make headlines, but it consistently attracts people looking for a middle ground.

South Dakota

Rank: #8

Region: Midwest

Notable Feature: No State Income Tax

South Dakota's appeal is straightforward: low taxes, affordable housing, and space. The winters are tough, the population density is low, and you won't find the cultural amenities of larger states. But for households prioritizing financial relief and room to spread out, South Dakota makes sense.

Why people are considering South Dakota:

• Median home prices around $250,000 in Sioux Falls
• No income tax and low property tax rates
• Badlands National Park, and Black Hills
• Stable employment in healthcare and agriculture

Sioux Falls has grown into a small city with a stable economy, while smaller towns offer even lower costs. The state attracts retirees, remote workers, and families looking to stretch income further.

It's not flashy, but it's practical. South Dakota represents a value play in a housing market where value has become increasingly hard to find.

Alabama

Rank: #9

Region: South

Notable Feature: Affordable Housing Market

Alabama combines low living costs with growing job markets in cities like Huntsville and Birmingham. Huntsville's aerospace sector provides solid employment, while Birmingham has seen revitalization in recent years.

The state's appeal lies in value. Buyers often find larger homes and lower expenses compared to national averages.

Alabama's underrated advantages:

• Huntsville's NASA jobs
• Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are offering affordable coastal living
• Birmingham's food scene and renovated downtown districts
• SEC football culture and college town energy

The Gulf Coast offers beach access without Florida prices, and northern Alabama provides access to the Appalachian foothills. Alabama doesn’t try to compete with high-growth Sun Belt metros, and that works in its favor. It offers affordability and space, which is exactly what many movers are seeking in 2025.

Arkansas

Rank: #10
Region: South
Notable Feature: Low Cost of Living

Arkansas offers affordability and natural beauty, particularly in Northwest Arkansas. Bentonville, home to Walmart's headquarters, has developed into a small city with economic stability and cultural offerings that punch above its weight class. The region attracts families and remote workers looking to stretch income further while maintaining quality of life.

What's working in Arkansas's favor:

• Buffalo National River and Ozark Mountain Trails
• Median home prices below $200,000 in many areas
• Growing bike culture and outdoor infrastructure in Northwest Arkansas

The Ozark Mountains provide outdoor recreation, and Little Rock offers a mid-sized city experience without the congestion of larger metros. Arkansas doesn't have the name recognition of other states on this list, but it delivers on practical needs. For people who prioritize affordability and access to nature, Arkansas makes a strong case.

West Virginia

Rank: #11

Region: South

Notable Feature: Mountainous Landscape

West Virginia's appeal centers on low housing costs and outdoor recreation. It has become more attractive to remote workers who no longer need to live near large employment hubs. The state offers Appalachian landscapes, whitewater rafting, and small-town living at prices that feel almost obsolete in most other markets.

West Virginia's unexpected draws:

• Median home prices under $150,000 in many counties
• New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
• Remote work incentive programs offering cash to relocate

The state's challenges are real. Job opportunities outside remote work remain limited, infrastructure needs improvement, and population decline has been an issue for decades. But for remote workers who value low costs and outdoor access, West Virginia offers something increasingly rare: the ability to own property outright without decades of mortgage payments.

Mississippi

Rank: #12

Region: South

Notable Feature: Among the Lowest Housing Costs Nationally

Mississippi stands out for affordability. For those seeking to reduce expenses dramatically, it offers one of the lowest-cost environments in the country. The migration interest suggests people are prioritizing financial flexibility, and Mississippi delivers that in ways few other states can match.

Mississippi's cost advantages:

• Median home prices are around $170,000 statewide
• Gulf Coast beaches in Biloxi and Gulfport
• Low property tax rates and affordable utilities

The state faces economic challenges, and infrastructure varies significantly by region. But for buyers who want to own a home without financial strain, Mississippi provides options. The Gulf Coast offers beach living at a fraction of Florida costs, and smaller towns throughout the state provide space and affordability for families willing to prioritize budget over amenities.

What These Trends Mean Moving Forward

Here is a breakdown of what these trends mean moving forward:

• Southern states dominate the top 12 rankings due to affordability, tax advantages, and lifestyle flexibility
• Remote work has reduced the importance of proximity to major job centers
• Lower-cost states that still offer connectivity are attracting the most movers
• Smaller states like Delaware and South Dakota are gaining attention from buyers
• Housing affordability now carries more weight than access to traditional metro amenities
• These migration trends will influence regional housing markets and economic growth
• States with sustained inbound demand will face pressure to expand infrastructure and housing supply
• Long-term success will depend on maintaining affordability while managing growth

Wrapping Up

If you are moving to any of these states and you happen to be based in NYC, you can get in touch with us here at Dumbo Moving. We can help you with planning your move, packing your items, providing storage if needed, and with transportation as well.

If you have any questions about moving, you can simply send us a message or explore our website to find a resource that provides you with the answers you’re looking for.

Thanks for reading!