The coronavirus pandemic accelerated remote work, allowing more Americans to consider relocating. Among those who chose new stomping grounds, where did they flock — and why?
Vermont top state for inbound moves
Among the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia, Vermont had the highest inbound migration rate at 74%, according to United Van Lines. This means that of the total household moves that United Van Lines and Mayflower Transit.
Here’s a look at the top 10 by the percentage of moves that were inbound in 2021:
– 1: Vermont (74%) – 2: South Dakota (69%) – 3: South Carolina (63%) – 4: West Virginia (63%) – 5: Florida (62%) – 6: Alabama (62%) – 7: Tennessee (62%)
New Jersey top state for outbound moves
On the flip side, New Jersey had the highest outbound migration rate at 71%. In fact, the Garden State has held the top outbound spot four years in a row.
Here’s a look at the top 10 by the percentage of moves that were outbound in 2021:
– 1: New Jersey (71%) – 2: Illinois (67%) – 3: New York (63%) – 4: Connecticut (60%) – 5: California (59%) – 6: Michigan (58%)
Why Americans are moving
In addition to its study, United Van Lines revealed survey data to try to explain the interstate moves. According to the findings, nearly a third (32%) of Americans who moved in 2021 did so to be closer to family.
Why Americans are moving
At the state level, nearly half (48%) of the people who moved to Michigan cited this, followed by 47% in New Jersey and Kansas.
Retirees flocked to Florida
The United Van Lines survey also tracked the top states in which movers were headed for retirement. The top state — you guessed it — was Florida, with 39% of United Van Lines and Mayflower Transit customers moving there to retire.
Here’s a look at the top 10 in this category:
– 1: Florida (39%) – 2: South Carolina (37%) – 3: Arizona (36%) – 4: Delaware (34%) – 5: Idaho (29%) – 6: Nevada (29%) – 7: Wyoming (28%)
A greater number of younger people are retiring amid the pandemic, according to United Van Lines. And while they’re also moving to Florida, the study found they’re skipping crowded cities like Orlando and Miami and trekking to less-dense metros like Punta Gorda, Sarasota and Fort Myers-Cape Coral.
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