Top 2024 Moving Trends: Allied Van Lines’ U.S Migration Report

Allied Van Lines has released its 2024 U.S Migration Report, documenting which states people moved to in 2024, as well as the economic and cultural influences driving relocations across the country. 

Despite challenges regarding housing costs, job markets, and general economic uncertainty, Americans continue to be on the move. With only a slight move decrease at 7% between 2023 and 2024, trends show Americans steadily moving toward midsize cities and Southern states which feature lower costs of living.  

Top Inbound States & Cities

Of the migration trends throughout 2024, several Southern states saw the biggest number of inbound moves. The states with the largest numbers of incoming residents were North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Virginia. This marks the third year in a row that the Carolinas and Tennessee topped this chart.  

Reflecting the top inbound cities, midsize Southern cities also saw an influx of residents this year, with Charlotte, NC, Greenville, SC, Raleigh, NC, Nashville, TN, and Dallas, TX coming in as the cities with the top five inbound moving rates. This reflects the overall trend of Americans migrating toward mid-sized cities which offer lower costs of living, high quality of life, and improved job opportunities and work-life balances. Areas like Greenville, SC, and Charlotte, NC also offer many new job opportunities in fields like manufacturing, finance, and technology. 

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

Top Outbound States & Cities

Allied’s data points toward residents of large northern cities and densely populated urban areas heading toward more affordable areas in the South and Southeast, which is reflected in the states experiencing the most outbound moves in 2024. Illinois, California, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Colorado saw the most residents leave, with all listed states except Colorado appearing in this top five since 2022. 

Similarly, major metropolitan areas like Chicago, IL, Detroit, MI, Los Angeles, CA, San Diego, CA, and Seattle, WA saw the largest outbound move rates. This reflects moving trends continuing from the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw large numbers of people leaving densely-populated cities with a high cost of living in favor of smaller, more affordable areas.  

What Economic Factors Influenced 2024’s U.S Migration Patterns?

Many economic factors play into moving patterns in the United States, from the relocation of major corporations and employers to lower housing costs and overall costs of living.  

U.S. migration patterns have continued to slow since 2021 and the end of the COVID-19 moving boom. High housing prices and skyrocketing mortgage rates also likely influenced Americans deciding whether or not to move this year. However, the trends seen during the pandemic of those in large Northern cities leaving in favor of more affordable Southern cities continue. Similarly, the relocation of major employers from states like California and Illinois and cities like Los Angeles and Chicago likely influence the migration of individuals to areas like Greenville, SC, and Dallas, TX. This has created a stable economic environment and a plethora of job opportunities in these areas, which only draws in more looking for stable employment and lower costs of living. 

Overall, the largest impact on moving trends in 2024 has been economic uncertainty, likely influencing Americans to continue to leave pricey large cities with high costs of living, skyrocketing housing costs, high tax rates, and decreasing job opportunities.  

Want to read more about United States migration trends in 2024? Check out the full Allied U.S Migration Report. 

Planning a 2025 Move?

If you’re planning a long-distance move to another state or city in the coming year, starting as soon as possible is your key to success. Long-distance moves can be complicated and overwhelming, especially if you’re not familiar with the process. Creating a to-do list, moving budget, and partnering with the right long-distance movers are paramount to ensure your relocation is successful and seamless.  

If you’re starting the long-distance moving process and are looking for the best long-distance movers in South Carolina, Carey Moving & Storage has your back. As a top-rated Allied Van Lines agent, we’re proud to have the resources and backing of their nationwide network to ensure your relocation runs smoothly. When you choose Carey, you’re choosing:  

• Experience: With over 100 years in the relocation industry, Carey Moving & Storage has the experience and expertise to ensure your move is stress-free. With countless relocations under our belts, we tailor our services to fit the needs of each and every client. We know every move is different, and go above and beyond to meet every need you might have.  
• Reliability: From our top-tier customer service team to experienced packers, moving crews, and drivers, you can count on Carey Moving & Storage to keep your items safe and secure throughout their journey to your new home. 
• Affordability: We know creating and sticking to a moving budget can be tough. That’s why we customize our packages to fit you and your budget. We’ll work with you to ensure you get the services you need at the right prices.  
• Full-service experience: When you choose Carey, you’re choosing full-service movers who can assist with anything your relocation requires. From packing to storage, we can do it all! 

As a reputable Allied agent, Carey Moving & Storage is proud to bring the highest-quality long-distance moving services to our clients. Whether just moving a state over or across the country, Carey and Allied have you covered. Call us now at 1-855-737-0900 or request your free moving quote now!