Florida no longer top state for move-ins. Here’s where people are going instead

Last month, PODS released its report on where people are moving in 2024.

According to the data, Florida has lost its No. 1 spot after years of record-high migration numbers.

Instead, the report finds that people are flocking to states like North and South Carolina — alongside many others in the eastern Sun Belt.

The Carolinas offer a lower cost of living than Florida, where the huge influx of migrants has caused demand (and thus prices) to spike in recent years.

“Why the love toward the Carolinas? Aside from offering residents a low cost of living, access to the outdoors, and a solid quality of life, it’s possible the rise in popularity of these two states is part of a larger moving trend we’re seeing centered around the Southern Appalachian region.

States within this region — Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Alabama, and South Carolina — are home to the overwhelming majority of this year’s most moved-to locations and are among some of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S.”

PODS, "Where Are People Moving to in 2024? Hint: There's Been a Shift!"

Other huge factors that PODS claims has impacted Florida’s move-in rate are the severe weather risks, skyrocketing insurance premiums, and lagging job growth.

Despite that, three Florida cities still ranked among the top cities for move-ins, including Ocala in the No. 2 spot.

From there, Jacksonville ranked No 8, and Orlando came in at No. 18 (Orlando saw a precipitous drop from its No. 3 spot in 2023, though!).

The full ranking of U.S. cities by move-ins for 2024 is as follows:

On the other end of the spectrum is California, which has seen the greatest number of move-outs this year, the report states.

While Florida is still an attractive place to live for many movers despite its issues, California’s problems with crime, taxes, and cost of living make it an unhospitable destination for others.

In fact, the Golden State makes up seven of the top 20 cities for move-outs this year, the report shows.

That list is as follows:

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