United Van Lines' annual National Movers Study revealed that Vermont remained in 2023 (for the third consecutive year) as the state that received the most new residents moving there in the nation. The study concluded:
The company's Annual National Moving Study indicates that Americans are moving east and south, and relocating to less expensive areas with amenities comparable to those in larger metropolitan areas.
With 65% of moves incoming, the report indicated that 30% of people who took up residence in Vermont did so to be closer to family members. Another 20% were looking for a lifestyle change.
United Van Lines Vice President of Corporate Communications Eily Cummings stated:
We continue to see the trend that Americans are moving to more affordable, lower density areas across the country, with many heading to the southern states (...) Moving companies are also becoming more strategic with their planning, as relocation continues to be driven by factors such as house prices, regional climate, urban planning and job growth.
United Van Lines National Movers Study by Veronica Silveri on Scribd
"Increasingly popular" states
Vermont is followed by Washington DC (with 63% inbound moves). The nation's capital was tied with South Carolina (with another 63%).
The study data details that North Carolina (60%), Alabama (60%), Arkansas (60%) and West Virginia (58%) "increased their ranking significantly and joined the list of top receiving states in 2023."
Top outbound states for 2023
The study revealed that "in contrast, in the Midwest and West region an exiting trend continues. Illinois (61%), Michigan (58%) and California (58%) were included among the top states with a high percentage of outbound movements in 2023."
Additionally, "North Dakota (61%) and Kansas (55%) decreased significantly in ranking and joined the top outbound states last year."
However, for the sixth year in a row, New Jersey (65%) took last place as the state from which the most residents decided to move.
