Top States Americans Are Moving To and From

Top States Americans Are Moving To and From as 2025 Ends and What 2026 Will Bring

As the end of 2025 approaches, one fact becomes certain: Americans are still on the move. Lifestyle shifts, remote work flexibility, increasing prices of housing, as well as changes in the job markets, have continued to redefine Americans’ residential choices. The number of Americans who have changed residences in 2024 stood at over 25 million Americans; 2025 followed suit.

What’s changing is how and where people move and how vehicle shipping fits into that transition.

This updated guide looks at:

The top states people moved to and from in 2025
Vehicle shipping trends tied to relocation
Why these patterns will continue into 2026
What movers should know before planning a long-distance move

Top States People Moved To in 2025

The states recorded a high inbound move and delivery of vehicles into their territories due to affordability and lifestyle and economic factors.

North Carolina
North Carolina is recognized as a preferred location for both professionals and families and a great choice for retirees. Cities like Raleigh, Charlotte and Asheville, provide excellent career opportunities, have quality higher education infrastructure & a low-cost of living relative to other states around North Carolina.
- High Technology & Finance and Healthcare Growth
- Balanced Climate
- Favourable relocation destination for long-distance moving from Northeast and Midwest regions
  Auto transport influence: North Carolina is one of the fastest-growing states in the country for car transportation.
South Carolina
South Carolina has quietly evolved into a hotspot for relocation. With a cost of living well below the national average and growing industries in the areas of healthcare and manufacturing, retirees and working professionals alike flock there.
- Lower taxes than many northern states
- Lifestyle availability: coastline and interior areas
- Growth in population in Charleston, Greenville & Columbia
Florida
Florida is still the leading destination for domestic relocation – particularly for snowbirds & retirees.
- Warm climate year-round
- No state income tax
- High demand for seasonal and permanent relocations
  Florida car shipping remains one of the busiest routes in the US, particularly during the fall and spring migration seasons.
Texas
People move to Texas because of economic reasons and availability of housing.
- There is no state income tax
- Expansion of Metro Regions (Dallas, Austin, and Houston)
- Business-friendly policies
  There are likely to be quite a number of movers who come from California, Illinois, or New York, with some of those people choosing not to drive but opt to have their vehicles transported due to distances involved.
Georgia
Georgia is still attracting new people in terms of employment opportunities, affordability, and accessibility.
- Atlanta remains a major employment hub
- Lower cost of living than many coastal states
- Strong infrastructure for logistics & transportation

Top States People Moved From in 2025

Outbound migration remains concentrated in high-cost, high-tax states.

California
For the first time in over a decade, California surpassed Illinois in outbound moves.
- Rising housing costs
- Increased insurance and utility expenses
- Growth in remote work enabling relocation
Illinois
Illinois remains one of the top outbound states in the Midwest.
- High property taxes
- Slower economic growth in certain regions
- Long winters driving lifestyle-based moves
  Many former Illinois residents relocate to Florida, Texas, Tennessee, and the Carolinas, making Illinois a major origin state for long-distance car shipping.
New York
New York continues to see population declines.
- High cost of living
- Expensive housing market
- Remote work reducing dependence on city proximity
New Jersey
High taxes and housing costs continue to push residents out especially younger households seeking affordability.
Massachusetts
While known for education and healthcare, Massachusetts remains expensive.
- Housing prices far above national average
- Many young families relocating to more affordable regions

Vehicle Shipping Trends Tied to Migration

Migration and auto transport are closely connected. As long-distance relocations increase, so does the demand for vehicle shipping.

Top States People Are Shipping Cars To

Based on recent auto transport patterns:

Florida
Texas
Georgia
North Carolina
Arizona

Top States People Are Shipping Cars From

California
Illinois
New Jersey
Texas
Washington

These are trends closely related to the statistics regarding both outward and inward migration flows.

What to Expect in 2026

It appears bright in terms of outlook in the industry because of the emerging trends listed below:

Continued Remote Work Migration
Working remotely or in a hybrid mode is still very common, allowing one to choose where they want to reside based on lifestyle and not based on proximity to the office.

Growth of “Second Cities”
Smaller metro areas with strong infrastructure and lower housing costs will continue attracting movers.

Increased Reliance on Car Shipping
As relocations span longer distances, shipping vehicles instead of driving will remain the preferred option for many households.

Seasonal Migration Will Stay Strong
Snowbirds and retirees will continue moving between northern & southern states keeping fall and spring shipping demand high.

Why Car Shipping Makes Sense for Long-Distance Moves

Driving thousands of miles isn’t always practical. Vehicle shipping helps movers:

Avoid wear and tear
Save time and travel expenses
Reduce stress during relocation
Coordinate arrival with household moves

How US Car-Go Freight Supports Relocation Moves

US Car-Go Freight helps simplify vehicle transport during major life transitions by:

Coordinating nationwide door-to-door auto transport
Matching shipments with licensed and insured carriers
Offering flexible scheduling around move dates
Providing clear communication throughout the process

No pressure just guidance when it’s needed most.

FAQs - US Car-Go Freight

Q1: What states will have the largest moves into them in 2026?

Florida is expected to be followed by Texas, North Carolina, Georgia & South Carolina in popularity.

Q2: Is vehicle shipping common during relocation?

Yes. Long-distance movers increasingly ship vehicles rather than drive.

Q3: When is the best time to ship a car during a move?

Booking 1-2 weeks in advance is ideal – especially during peak seasons.

Conclusion

As our Migration trends are changing, but this is one constant relocation has never been easier with proper planning. As 2026 draws near, understanding relocation trends and how vehicle shipping fits in helps movers make smarter decisions.