In its latest report, the relocation company moveBuddha has identified significant trends in domestic relocations across the United States for 2025. The findings, detailed in the 2025 Moving Trends Report, analyze data from the company’s website, particularly focusing on searches conducted between 2020 and June 30, 2025. The insights reveal that the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to influence where individuals are choosing to relocate.
The report indicates that many movers now prioritize affordability and access to nature, shifting their focus to smaller, suburban areas that mirror the remote lifestyle many adopted during the pandemic. Interestingly, there is a distinct trend toward smaller cities and towns, which are experiencing heightened interest compared to larger urban centers.
Top Destinations for Movers
South Carolina emerges as the most attractive state for domestic movers, boasting an impressive in-to-out ratio of 2.20. This figure illustrates that for every one person leaving, more than two are moving in. The report highlights that this marks the sixth consecutive year that South Carolina has shown more than double the interest for incoming moves compared to those departing. The state also leads with a 22.56% higher in-move interest than its neighbor, North Carolina, which placed second.
Within South Carolina, Conway has become the most popular city among movers, while Wake Forest in North Carolina ranks second. In a notable contrast, Idaho ranks third in terms of mover interest, with an in-to-out ratio of 1.66. The state is also home to two cities among the top five for mover interest: Eagle and Caldwell, which ranked third and fourth, respectively. The report notes that these locations attract individuals seeking vibrant communities without the high housing costs and congestion typical of larger cities.
States and Cities Losing Residents
moveBuddha’s report also sheds light on states experiencing the highest rates of outbound relocations, identified as “exit states.” The leading states are New Jersey and California, both of which have consistently ranked among the top three exit states since 2020. New Jersey has an in-to-out ratio of 0.61, while California’s stands at 0.63.
The report attributes these trends to high density and affordability challenges faced in these states. New Jersey, in particular, struggles with the highest property taxes in the nation, along with steep real estate prices and an outflow of corporate headquarters, which further diminishes job opportunities for residents.
The analysis of cities reveals that West Des Moines in Iowa has the highest number of residents moving out, followed by El Cajon and Palmdale in California. These findings underscore a shifting landscape in U.S. relocations, with smaller and more affordable areas gaining traction among those seeking new living environments.
In summary, the 2025 Moving Trends Report by moveBuddha illustrates a clear preference for relocation to specific states and cities, driven by affordability and lifestyle preferences. As the year progresses, these trends will likely continue to evolve, reflecting the ongoing impact of societal changes initiated by the pandemic.
