2024 Moving Trends: Why People are Moving to North Carolina, South Carolina & Tennessee

Allied Van Lines, one of the largest van lines in the country, has released their 2024 U.S Migration Report, which analyses the moving trends in the United States over the past year and the economic and cultural influences on them.  

Despite overall moving rates decreasing 7% from 2023 to 2024, people have shown steady movement away from densely populated, expensive cities like New York City or Chicago and toward mid-sized, more affordable cities like Greenville, SC, and Charlotte, NC. These regions have experienced significant economic growth with the influx of new industries and major corporations, which have driven job growth and opportunity, while these cities’ low costs of living have allowed new and existing residents alike to enjoy an improved quality of life.  

Top States to Move to in 2024

This year, the states experiencing the most incoming new residents were North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Virginia. Let’s take a closer look at the top 3 inbound move states to look at why people feel drawn to these areas, and what makes these states such great places to live in. 

• North Carolina: With its main cities of Charlotte and Raleigh experiencing significant growth and an influx of new residents in the last few years, North Carolina has become a hotspot for those looking for a balance between cost of living and quality of life. With the expansion of industries like tech, finance, healthcare, and manufacturing, job opportunities are plentiful and offer improved work-life balance. These areas’ blend of mid-sized urban living and beautiful natural scenery also offers a balance many families and young professionals have been looking for. 
• South Carolina: Neighboring North Carolina, South Carolina has become a hotspot for industry, especially technology and manufacturing. Greenville in particular has experienced huge growth and a booming job market attracting new residents from all over the country. South Carolina’s stable economy, affordable cost of living, and favorable climate combine to provide the perfect environment to thrive in. 
• Tennessee: Tennessee, known for its rich culture and beautiful landscapes, has seen a large increase in young professionals moving to areas like Nashville. This is thanks in part to burgeoning healthcare and technology startups, which have attracted those not only looking for job opportunities but those looking to immerse themselves in the vibrant music scene of Nashville and surrounding rural areas.  

Top Cities to Move to in 2024

The top cities Americans moved to in 2024 largely reflect the states that saw the largest influx of new residents, with a couple of new appearances in comparison to past years. The top cities in 2024 to move to were Charlotte, NC, Greenville, SC, Raleigh, NC, Nashville, TN, and Dallas, TX. These cities reflect the continued trend of people leaving larger cities for mid-sized cities, particularly in the South and Southeast.  

As stated, the major factors behind moves to these areas have been the wealth of job opportunities, growing industries and startups, affordable housing, and high quality of life. These cities, especially Greenville and Charlotte, are known to combine city living with a more laid-back lifestyle with plenty of access to beautiful scenery in areas like the Blue Ridge Mountains or Great Smoky Mountains. 

2024 Moving Trends At-a-Glance

Overall, economic factors like high housing costs and costs of living were the driving factors for those moving in 2024, with North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and others benefiting most from the influx of new residents and industry.  

Top Inbound States in 2024 

• North Carolina 
• South Carolina 
• Tennessee 
• Georgia 
• Virginia 

Top Inbound Cities in 2024 

• Charlotte, NC 
• Greenville, NC 
• Raleigh, NC 
• Nashville, TN
  Dallas, TX 

The states and cities with the highest outbound moving rates were typically those with large cities, high tax rates, and high housing costs. With major corporations also leaving areas like Chicago and Los Angeles in favor of more favorable taxes in areas like Texas, residents looking for opportunities in these areas, continuing employment or just those looking for lower costs of living have left these areas in favor of more affordable regions.  

Top Outbound States in 2024 

• Illinois 
• California 
• Pennsylvania 
• Washington 
• Colorado 

Top Outbound Cities in 2024 

• Chicago, IL 
• Detroit, MI 
• Los Angeles, CA 
• San Diego, CA 
• Seattle, WA 

Read the full Allied U.S. Migration report for even more insight into 2024’s moving trends. 

Planning a Move in 2025?

If you’re getting ready for a long-distance move in 2025, Carey Moving & Storage is here to help. As the best movers in Greenville, SC, and Charlotte, NC, we’re proud to offer customized, affordable moving services for any need. With over 100 years of experience in the moving industry, we offer a full-service experience that allows you to focus on your new home while we handle the packing, moving, and storage. 

As a trusted Allied Van Lines agent, Carey Moving & Storage is proud to facilitate seamless long-distance moving services to or from Greenville and Charlotte, allowing clients to enjoy stress-free relocations from start to finish. When you choose Carey, you’re choosing:  

• Experience & Expertise: With over 100 years in the moving industry, we’ve been a part of countless successful relocations of all types and sizes. Over our century in the business, we’ve honed our techniques and services to fit the needs of any and all clients and customize our packages to fit any need. Whether you need just loading and delivery or full packing or long-term storage services, we can do it all.  
• Top Customer Service: From our customer service teams to our moving crews and drivers, we’re proud to have an amazing team that goes above and beyond for our clients. We practice open communication and provide tracking and real-time updates so you always know the status of your items. Have questions or concerns? We’re always here to support you and ensure your move runs seamlessly from start to finish. 
• Reliability: Carey Moving & Storage is known for providing efficient, safe, and reliable services, no matter what your move brings. With us, you can rest assured that your items will arrive on time and securely at your new home.  
• Affordability: It’s tough to stay within budget during every move, and especially during a long-distance move. That’s why Carey Moving & Storage partners with all of our clients to ensure we provide affordable moving services tailored to fit your needs. No matter what your move will involve, we’ll get you the services you need at the right prices.  
• Allied Agent: As a top-rated agent of Allied Van Lines, Carey Moving & Storage has the resources and nationwide network of trusted partners to ensure your long-distance move is straightforward, efficient, and safe from start to finish.  

No matter what your move entails, Carey Moving & Storage is here for you. As the top moving company servicing Greenville and Charlotte, we’re here to provide you with affordable, high-quality moving and storage services that take the stress out of long-distance moving. Call us now at 1-855-737-0900 to learn more or request your free moving quote now!