Americans are moving across the country in a bid to live in states where housing remains affordable, according to a new report.
The United Van Lines, a moving company, released its 47th Annual National Movers Study that analyzed where Americans moved in and out in 2023. The company's analysis found that the Midwest and West regions have seen a trend of outbound moving.
"We are continuing to see the trend that Americans are moving to more affordable, lower-density areas across the country, with many heading to Southern states," United Van Lines Vice President of Corporate Communications Eily Cummings said in the report. "Movers are also becoming more strategic with their planning, as relocation continues to be driven by factors such as the price of housing, regional climates, urban planning, and job growth."
Specifically, here are the top five states Americans searching for affordable housing are leaving.
New Jersey
New Jersey topped the list of U.S. states that Americans abandoned last year. Per the analysis, 33.73% of residents who moved out of the state did so because of retirement. At least 28.36% cited lifestyle changes, 26.27% said they are moving closer to family, 20.30% said job opportunities, 13.73% cited housing costs, and 5.67% said health.
In total, 66.8% of Americans left New Jersey last year, the report noted.
New Jersey is ranked 48th in affordability. It also has the sixth-highest state and local tax burden in the U.S.
Illinois
People who left Illinois did it for a variety of reasons, including lack of job opportunities (31.31%) retirement (23.13%), and housing costs (8.10%). Part of the reason residents are leaving Illinois is taxes. The state has the seventh-highest state and local tax burden in the country.
In total, 63.8% of Illinois residents moved out of the state last year.
North Dakota
North Dakota saw the third-highest number of outbound moves in 2023, with 51.9% of residents leaving the state due to retirement, lack of job opportunities, lifestyle changes, and family.
It is important to note that North Dakota is ranked eighth for overall affordability. However, the state is sparsely populated, with only 11.3 people per square mile, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This leads to a lack of job opportunities.
New York
New York saw the fourth-largest outbound migration in 2023, with 61.9% of residents leaving the state. Of the reasons cited, 24.8% said they wanted to be closer to family, 21.9% said retirement and 14.88% said the cost of living.
More residents are expected to leave New York, with the 2024 Marist Poll of New York State noting that 37% of New Yorkers plan to leave the state within the next five years.
Michigan
Michigan is the fifth state on the list, with 57.8% of residents leaving the state. While only 2.21% of residents cited costs as their reason for leaving, a majority (33.12%) said they wanted to be closer to family and 30.28% said a lack of job opportunities.
The outbound trend in Michigan is likely due to "brain drain," with thousands of post-graduate students leaving the state each year.
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