Florida Loses Its Top Spot – Here’s the New Most Popular Move-In State

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It looks like Florida is no longer the "it" state for those looking to relocate. According to a recent report from PODS about moving trends for 2024, Florida has officially lost its long-standing spot as the No. 1 destination for move-ins. So, where is everyone headed instead? Well, it turns out that the Carolinas – both North and South – are the new hot spots!

The Rise of the Carolinas

So, why are the Carolinas suddenly all the rage? According to the data, it boils down to a few things: lower cost of living, easy access to the great outdoors, and an overall solid quality of life. While Florida has been enjoying a surge of newcomers in recent years, the influx of people has driven up demand – and with it, prices. In contrast, North and South Carolina offer a more affordable lifestyle, which seems to be a major draw for many movers.

The report also suggests that this trend might be part of a bigger picture centered around the Southern Appalachian region. Other states in this area, like Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, and of course, the Carolinas, are seeing a big increase in newcomers. They’re quickly becoming some of the fastest-growing destinations in the country!

Florida Still in the Game – But With Some Challenges

While Florida may have lost its No. 1 title, it's not out of the running just yet. Three Florida cities still managed to snag spots on the list of top move-in destinations: Ocala grabbed the No. 2 spot, Jacksonville ranked No. 8, and Orlandocame in at No. 18 (though it did drop significantly from its No. 3 spot in 2023).

What’s causing Florida's popularity to wane? According to PODS, some major factors include severe weather risks, skyrocketing insurance premiums, and lagging job growth. These issues seem to be driving some people to look for greener (and cheaper) pastures.

Top 15 Cities for Move-Ins in 2024

Here’s the complete list of the top U.S. cities people are moving to in 2024, according to PODS:

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California Tops the Move-Out List

On the flip side, California is leading the pack when it comes to people moving out. Thanks to ongoing concerns about crime, taxes, and the high cost of living, many residents are looking for new places to call home. In fact, California claimed seven out of the top 20 spots for move-outs this year!

Here’s a look at the top 15 cities where people are leaving in droves:

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What’s Next?

As we head into 2024, it’s clear that moving trends are shifting. Whether it’s the draw of a lower cost of living, better job opportunities, or simply a desire for a change of scenery, the Carolinas and other Southern Appalachian states are emerging as the new go-to spots for many movers. Meanwhile, Florida and California might have to work a bit harder to stay on people’s radar!