Last year, more than 24 million Americans moved—the lowest number in 25 years. While this decline reflects a broader trend of reduced mobility, the reasons behind those moves reveal important patterns about housing, jobs, and lifestyle priorities in a changing world.
Key Findings
A new or better home remains the top reason for relocation, driving 15% of all moves last year. Surprisingly, job-related relocations were nearly as significant, accounting for 13% of all moves. Affordable housing was another key motivator, representing 10% of relocations.
Data from IPUMS CPS covering 107 metro areas shows three main categories driving moves: housing, jobs, and lifestyle. The analysis highlights how Americans continue to adapt their living situations to balance career opportunities, quality of life, and financial considerations.
Housing: The Top Driver of Migration
More than half of last year’s movers (13 million) relocated for better housing, underscoring the role of housing quality and affordability in reshaping cities. Notably, 7% of movers cited homeownership as their primary reason for relocating, while nearly 6% moved to improve their neighborhood. These trends reflect ongoing efforts to achieve better living conditions amid record-high home prices.
Cheaper housing was another major factor, with nearly 10% of movers prioritizing affordability. For example, Modesto, California and Stockton, California were top destinations for those seeking more affordable housing, with shares of 22% and 19.2%, respectively.
Microunits, a housing model gaining popularity in the U.S., also play a role in affordability. These compact living arrangements combine private rooms with shared facilities and have emerged as a cost-effective solution for urban areas facing housing shortages.
Jobs: A Persistent Motivator
Despite the rise of remote work, job-related moves remain strong. Last year, 13% of movers relocated for a new job or transfer, often using the flexibility of remote work to pursue opportunities across broader geographic areas.
Southeastern metros lead the way in job-related relocations. Augusta, Georgia topped the list with one-third of new residents moving for jobs. Fayetteville, North Carolina and Columbia, South Carolina also ranked high, reflecting growing job markets in the Carolinas. Meanwhile, Jackson, Mississippi and Lexington, Kentucky were among the top metros for those relocating after losing a job.
Commuting improvements motivated more than 5% of movers. California metros, including Santa Rosa and Bakersfield, ranked among the top destinations for those seeking easier commutes, alongside Florida’s Deltona and Fort Myers.
Lifestyle: Quality of Life Drives Decisions
Lifestyle reasons, while less common, remain significant. Health concerns motivated 1.8% of moves last year, while retirement accounted for 1.4%. Pensacola, Florida stood out for health-related relocations, with nearly 14% of movers citing this reason. Retirement hot spots included Worcester, Massachusetts and Provo, Utah offering affordable living and access to healthcare.
Weather also played a role in relocations. Santa Rosa, California topped the list for climate-driven moves, followed by Knoxville, Tennessee and New Haven, Connecticut. Larger hubs like San Diego and Dallas also attracted movers seeking sunshine and milder conditions.
A Closer Look: Regional Trends in Relocations
- Midwest: Chicago leads as the top destination for new or better housing, with 27.2% of movers citing this reason. Akron, Ohio and Kansas City, Missouri follow closely behind.
- Northeast: Albany, New York ranks highest for those establishing their own households, with 25.6% of movers relocating for independence.
- West Coast: California metros, including Fresno and Modesto, continue to attract movers seeking affordable housing options.
- Southeast: Metros like Greensboro, North Carolina and Charleston, South Carolina are prime destinations for job-seekers, driven by growing tech and manufacturing industries.
Implications of Adaptation
Although fewer Americans are moving compared to decades past, housing, jobs, and lifestyle remain powerful motivators. From pursuing homeownership to leveraging remote work for job opportunities, relocation decisions highlight how Americans are adapting to shifting economic and personal priorities.
Click here for more on RentCafe’s study at trends in U.S. migration.
