According to Nypost, After experiencing a pandemic-driven surge, where many residents from the North relocated to the Sunshine State, recent research indicates that Florida’s appeal may be waning.
In 2024, attention has shifted towards the Carolinas, with their coastal beauty, mountainous landscapes, milder climate, and—most importantly—affordable living costs. According to data analyzed by the moving experts at PODS, these factors have made the Carolinas the new top destination.
Myrtle Beach, a well-known resort area, has been identified as the most popular region to move to in the United States for 2024, repeating its top spot from the previous year. This marks a significant shift from 2023, when Florida dominated the list of the most popular relocation cities, securing six spots in the Top 20 and five in the Top 10.
However, this year’s data reveals that South Florida ranks third among the most departed regions, following closely behind Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Analysts attribute this decline in Florida’s housing market to several factors, including a projected economic slowdown and skyrocketing insurance rates, which have risen more than 19.8% above the national average over the last two years, as reported by digital agency Insurify.
Zillow reports that the average value of a Florida home increased by only 3.3% this year, which is below the national average of 4.1%.
In contrast, the Myrtle Beach, S.C./Wilmington, N.C. region has continued to thrive, maintaining its position as the most popular destination for movers in 2024, just as it did in 2023.
The Carolinas have consolidated their appeal, with cities like Charlotte, Raleigh, Asheville, and Greenville/Spartanburg, S.C. all making it into the Top 10 list of most moved-to areas.
Additionally, Tennessee, which boasts no state income tax, a robust job market, and a positive economic outlook, has seen a significant rise in popularity. Knoxville, Nashville, and the Tri-Cities area all secured spots in the Top 20. These metro areas also have a lower-than-average median age in the mid-30s, with many new residents relocating from California, Florida, and Texas.
Overall, the cost of living remains the primary reason for relocation, with affordability driving people away from five regions, including one unexpected area: Austin, Texas, which was recently considered a burgeoning market.
Meanwhile, five regions in the Tri-State area are among the most abandoned in 2024, including New York’s Hudson Valley, which is currently grappling with a severe cost-of-living crisis. Interestingly, New York City itself did not appear on this year’s list.
Cities with the Highest Number of Move-Ins in 2024:
- Myrtle Beach, SC/Wilmington, NC
- Ocala, FL
- Houston, TX
- Greenville-Spartanburg, SC
- Charlotte, NC
- Raleigh, NC
- Phoenix, AZ
- Knoxville, TN
- Jacksonville, FL
- Asheville, NC
Cities with the Highest Number of Move-Outs in 2024:
- Los Angeles, CA
- San Francisco Bay Area, CA
- South Florida, FL
- Long Island, NY
- Austin, TX
- Central New Jersey, NJ
- Chicago, IL
- San Diego, CA
- Stockton-Modesto, CA
- Hudson Valley, NY
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