Americans move for a mix of reasons, including affordability, more space, work flexibility, lifestyle preferences, and proximity to jobs, family, or familiar communities. So when asking where people are moving in the US, the better question is often which types of places best match those priorities.
Some buyers are leaving high-cost metros for lower-cost areas, while others are staying close to the same region and simply moving from urban cores to suburbs or smaller cities. Below, we’ll look at the main reasons people relocate and a few examples of destinations that continue to attract attention.
Before getting into exactly where, it is important to note that with the economy in an uncertain state and joblessness still at high levels, people are looking to relocate to cities with low living and housing costs.
Moreover, even those with financial security are moving away from cities with high living expenses. This is partly due to the rise of remote work, which has allowed those who lived in costly cities to relocate to more affordable places. The truth is, without the need to live in large cities and business hubs, many are opting for areas of the country or their state that have affordable housing and living expenses.
This is one of the big reasons people living in urban areas are beginning to think twice about their living situation and are actively considering relocating, especially in comparison to those living in rural or suburban areas.
Furthermore, many buyers are looking for more room, both inside and outside the home. More homeowners and potential homebuyers are seeking properties with additional outdoor space, more functional layouts, and less cramped quarters. In fact, the desire for more space has people flocking to Idaho, New Mexico, and Maine, among other non-densely populated states in the US.
On the other hand, states that saw a mass exodus and continue to see more and more people leaving are New York, California, Illinois, and the District of Columbia—all of which are among the 15 most densely populated states in the country.
As briefly mentioned, work flexibility is likely one of the leading causes for people’s willingness to relocate. For many households, remote or hybrid work has made it easier to consider homes farther from major job centers and to rethink their current location or neighborhoods. Some of these moves are long-distance, while others involve moving from dense urban areas to more affordable communities.
Now, individuals with remote-working jobs no longer have to navigate the high housing costs of massive labor markets. As a result, a large portion of those individuals are taking advantage of the opportunity of less expensive homes.
As remote work increases in desirability, many are looking to move to cities, where remote work opportunities are more plentiful. For instance, nearly 10% of the population in cities like Raleigh, Austin, and Denver work from home, thus making them continued attractive destinations for homebuyers and renters.
That said, people are moving to smaller suburbs and neighborhoods surrounding big cities. An in-depth look at US migration patterns has revealed a nationwide move from downtown communities to the surrounding suburbs.
This is especially true, as more and more individuals are able to work remotely; and thus, are no longer attached to city centers. This means that homebuyers as a whole are looking to purchase in less dense neighborhoods.
Interestingly enough, many people who relocate still choose areas close to where they already live. For some buyers, that means looking beyond downtown cores and considering nearby suburbs or neighborhoods that offer more space while keeping access to familiar jobs, amenities, and communities.
But be that as it may, there is no denying that there are places that saw real growth. Specifically, these are states and/or cities that offer more affordable living and lifestyle advantages.
A prime example of such a place is Colorado. Colorado has long attracted movers with its mountain views, outdoor recreation, and mix of urban and suburban living options. For buyers considering a move, the appeal often comes down to job access, lifestyle fit, and the chance to live in an area that balances amenities with space and recreation.
Yet another hot spot that people are looking to spread out in and get away from big cities is Idaho, due in part to its relatively affordable living costs. It’s also one of the least densely populated states in the US, giving people, especially retirees, more room to spread out.
Clearly, these are just a few places that people want to call home. Nevertheless, the above-mentioned locations are definitely worth considering if you’re looking for an affordable change that will benefit the whole family. That said, other states, at least, that are on top of people’s list for possible relocation include Texas, North Carolina, and Arizona.
Migration trends can be a helpful starting point, but a popular destination is not automatically the right fit for your budget or mortgage goals. Before buying in a new area, compare the total housing cost, not just the listing price. That includes the monthly payment, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and any change in commuting costs if you expect to be in the office part of the time.
It also helps to look at whether the local housing inventory matches what you actually need. A market may be attractive on paper but still have limited options in your price range, preferred neighborhood type, or home size. If you plan to move and buy quickly, getting pre-approved for a mortgage before relocating can help you set a realistic budget and make a stronger offer when you find the right home.
Sammamish Mortgage can help. We serve clients across Washington, Idaho, Colorado, Oregon, and California. Since 1992, we’ve been providing several mortgage programs and products with flexible qualification criteria to borrowers across the Pacific Northwest. Visit our website to get an instant rate quote or to use our online mortgage calculator. Or, reach out to us if you are ready to get pre-approved for a mortgage.
Many movers are choosing places that offer lower living costs, more space, and flexibility for remote or hybrid work. The destinations mentioned include Colorado and Idaho, while other states drawing attention include Texas, North Carolina, and Arizona.
Common reasons include affordability, more indoor and outdoor space, work flexibility, lifestyle preferences, and staying closer to jobs, family, or familiar communities. For many households, the goal is finding a place that better matches both budget and day-to-day needs.
High housing costs and overall living expenses are pushing some buyers to consider lower-cost areas. Remote work has also made it easier for many households to live outside major business hubs without giving up job access.
Yes. Remote and hybrid work continue to make relocation easier for many buyers because they are less tied to city centers and major job hubs. That flexibility has encouraged moves to more affordable communities, suburbs, and smaller cities.
Yes. A major pattern is movement from dense downtown communities to surrounding suburbs and nearby neighborhoods. Many buyers still want access to the same region, jobs, and amenities, but with more space and less density.
The places identified as seeing more people leave include New York, California, Illinois, and the District of Columbia. The article connects that trend in part to density and higher living costs.
Idaho is appealing because it offers relatively affordable living costs and more room to spread out compared with dense urban areas. Its lower population density also makes it attractive to people looking for space, including retirees and buyers leaving bigger cities.
Colorado attracts movers with mountain views, outdoor recreation, and a mix of urban and suburban living options. For many buyers, the draw is the combination of lifestyle, job access, amenities, and opportunities for more space.
Not always. A lower listing price does not automatically mean the move will cost less overall. Buyers should compare the full housing cost, including the monthly payment, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and possible commuting costs.
Compare the total housing cost, available inventory, neighborhood fit, home size, and whether the local market has realistic options in your price range. If you may buy soon after moving, getting pre-approved before relocating can also help you set a practical budget and make a stronger offer.
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