10 States People Are Moving to the Most (#3 Gives You the Mountains and the Beach)

Just like everything else, states can fall in and out of trend, and the reasons they do can be varied. People may swap states to get ahead financially, be closer to family, or settle in a state that makes buying a first home more attainable.

To figure out which states are drawing in the most new residents, U-Haul looked at the number of one-way bookings they had in 2024 that went from one state to another. Presumably, those are places where DIY movers are going from their old state to their new state, then dropping off their U-Haul after it’s been unloaded.

These are the 10 states that are growing the most, according to U-Haul.

South Carolina jumped from the fourth spot to the first in the number of new residents calling the Palmetto State home. The state’s cost of living, which is 6% lower than the national average, is a draw for many people, as well as a strong job market.

And, for those looking for warmer weather, you can’t beat South Carolina’s beaches and charming towns, like Charleston and Beaufort.

Texas continues to be one of the most popular places to move, especially for people moving from California. But, just as demand drives up prices, so do new residents.

The adjusted gross income (AGI) of new residents to Texas is higher than the AGI of those who are leaving, which could explain why the median home price rose 40% in Texas between 2019 and 2023.

It’s becoming unaffordable for many due to its popularity.

North Carolina’s ranking in new residents remained flat year-over-year, coming in at number three both in 2023 and 2024. The cost of living in the Tarheel State is 5% lower than the national average, and there are strong job opportunities in cities across the state.

Plus, you have both the mountains and the beach within a stone’s throw of many major North Carolina cities.

Florida is always a popular spot for retirees, and it remained that way in 2024, though it did drop two spots in U-Haul’s list. While many people left the state, enough moved in to cancel out any losses.

The gains appear to be in those over 60, while younger residents have left seeking job opportunities elsewhere.

For those who are older or work remotely, the warm weather and lack of income tax make the state an appealing place to move.

Tennessee held steady at number five from 2023 to 2024, and people continue to flock to this Southern state thanks to good job prospects and a low cost of living (no income tax doesn’t hurt, either).

Both the medical and tech industries are thriving here, and tourism is strong in bustling cities like Nashville and the rustic rural areas of the Great Smoky Mountains. People come from across the country to visit and, for many, it becomes an appealing place to stay.

Sunshine and stunning landscapes are good reasons to move, and it’s what’s drawing many people to The Grand Canyon State. Cities like Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tucson offer all the amenities of big metropolitan and suburban areas, but with proximity to mountains, hiking, and outdoor activities.

Arts, sports, and food are also big draws for new residents, even when the cost of living is slightly above the national average.

Washington State held at number seven from 2023 to 2024, as people continue to find themselves drawn to the gorgeous mountains and coastline of the Pacific Northwest.

The cost of living here is actually 17% higher than the national average, but it’s not stopping those in search of the beauty of the Evergreen State.

The state of Indiana skyrocketed from 27 on U-Haul’s list in 2023 to number eight in 2024. What’s the driving force behind this massive jump?

New residents are searching for affordability and finding that Indiana offers both jobs and a cost of living that’s 8% lower than the national average.

This rapid growth, however, is expected to level out in the coming years.

From 2023 to 2024, Utah jumped from 13 to number 9 in U-Haul’s list. The Beehive State is known for its natural beauty, including abundant outdoor recreation, skiing, and hiking, and that’s a main draw for many people.

While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the benefits make the move worth it for many, particularly those between 18 and 30.

Idaho actually dropped from number six to number 10 on U-Haul’s list this year, but it’s still proudly in the top 10. Many people are migrating to the Gem State from California and other states out west, often seeking a place with good job opportunities and plenty of land for outdoor recreation.

Once they arrive, between the natural landscape and a cost of living that’s 6% below the national average, they think, why leave?

Among the states where people are not moving are New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania — it seems some would-be new residents prefer to stay away from the colder weather and more populated cities of the Northeast.

Meanwhile, California also saw fewer new residents.

If you’re looking to make a move across state lines in 2025, there’s more to the decision than choosing a state that seems like a nice place to put down roots. To make a smart homeowner move, one needs to consider factors such as tax implications, cost of living, housing prices, and even the cost of healthcare.

These change from year to year, often impacted by the popularity of a state for new residents, which can drive up housing costs and everyday expenses.