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25 States Where Americans Don't Want To Live Anymore
They're the places where moving vans most often take residents out of state.
Here are the states Americans are fleeing the fastest, as well as the new places they're calling home:
23. Missouri
The state is growing too slow.
Outbound moves: 51.1%
While Missouri is recognized for the world's tallest arch, these days the Gateway Arch is as much exit as entrance.
The state’s population hasn’t been growing nearly as fast as expected, with low job growth blamed for the stagnation over the past two decades. Missouri also suffers from lower rates of high school and postsecondary education compared to other states in the area, according to American Community Survey data.
Even the weather is trying to force residents out, according to an anonymous Redditor.
“We get winter storms blowing in from the northwest all winter, so it feels like you are living in Canada, and the summers are brutal, with all of July and August at 95+ degrees and 100% humidity. It sucks so bad, that it is our prime motivation to move away.”
22. Pennsylvania
Times are changing in Pennsylvania.
Outbound moves: 51.2%
More than a century ago, the man behind Hershey’s chocolate chose to open his factory in Pennsylvania for its countryside beauty and bountiful farmland. He even built a town, Hershey, for his employees.
Life isn’t as sweet for the state’s workers today. While manufacturers still employ almost 9.5% of Pennsylvania’s workforce, the state lost about 80,000 manufacturing jobs between 2008 and 2018.
Christopher David on Quora loathes every part of the state they’ve lived in.
“My job relocated me to the Scranton area, where I made the grave mistake of purchasing a home. A very depressed and unkept area. While paying dirt-cheap taxes is a plus, the reverse of this is that there is little to no public upkeep and basic necessities, such as removal of storm damage and roadside cleanup, are nonexistent.”
21. Utah
Not everyone is thriving in Utah.
Outbound moves: 51.4%
Residents fleeing Utah are leaving behind great natural beauty, including some of the best skiing in the country.
At over 66%, the need for work dwarfs the desire for a different lifestyle, which was the next biggest reason at less than 13%.
While the state’s tech industry is thriving, accounting for one in seven jobs in Utah, that hasn’t brought prosperity to everyone.
“The housing market is going nuts with the tech companies moving in. Rent and housing are way over-inflated,” wrote TaddWinter on Reddit. “(Salt Lake City) and St. George are booming, diverse places but the rest of the state is the total opposite.”
20. Maryland
Housing is very expensive.
Outbound moves: 51.6%
It turns out retiring by the sea isn’t for everyone.
Next to jobs, the second biggest reason to leave Maryland and its delicious blue crabs is retirement (25%). Just over half the people leaving are 55 and older.
Why? Well, it’s expensive to live in Maryland. The state ranks 7th out of 52 regions on MERIC's cost-of-living index.
The cost of housing in particular is well above the nation’s average. Seniors who decide to stay, though, will be able to take advantage of Maryland’s comparatively affordable health care.
19. Minnesota
Winters are driving residents away.
Outbound moves: 51.9%
Known for its wheat and dairy, the “Bread and Butter State” isn’t producing quite enough dough for its residents. Jobs are again the main reason to leave.
While it’s still better than the national average, Minnesota’s unemployment rate is rising. It crept to 3.3% in December, up from 2.9% the year before.
One ever-popular complaint is the weather. To hear some Minnesotans tell it, there’s no way to beat the winters but to leave.
“It seems like no matter what I put on I'm either still freezing or so hot I'm sweating in my clothes and then I get even colder. There is no middle ground. I hate it with a passion,” says Redditor Violinagin.
18. Mississippi
High unemployment has residents struggling.
Outbound moves: 52.0%
It’s not just musicians singing the blues in Mississippi.
Over 72% of the people who left last year did so for work. Unemployment remains high, at 5.7% as of December, over two percentage points higher than the national rate.
Timothy Dunaway, a Quora commenter, says many of the people who stay in Mississippi have to look elsewhere for work anyway.
“Minimum wage is the norm at most non-factory jobs. Benefits are hard to come by as well. In my county alone, most workers have to travel out of state for decent jobs,” Dunaway says.
17. Indiana
Low cost of living for low pay.
Outbound moves: 52.1%
Jobs were by far the biggest reason to leave Indiana, at over 64%.
At a glance, the state seems like a fine place to live. Unemployment is below the national average, and according to the MERIC it’s one of the most affordable places in the country, especially when it comes to housing.
However, with a lower cost of living comes lower pay. The average worker in Indiana earns well below the national benchmark, and the minimum wage is stuck at the base rate of $7.25 per hour.
Redditor Sla963 says the tradeoff isn’t worth it.
“Your salary won't be as high as it is on the coasts, because the cost of living is low. So if you save 10% of your salary, you're not saving as much money,” they say.
“This matters because Indiana is not a tax-friendly state for retirement. Spend a bit of time googling this issue, and you'll see that Indiana is actually rated (by some financial advisors, anyway) as one of the worst states for retirement. There aren't many tax breaks for the elderly here, while there are lots of them in other states.”
16. Kentucky
The minimum wage is low, and unemployment is high.
Outbound moves: 52.4%
It’s no surprise that work is the No. 1 reason to leave this state behind.
The minimum wage has long languished at the base federal rate of $7.25 per hour, and unemployment is high at 4.3%.
Redditor Bnlol1 advised residents to find work outside Kentucky to make ends meet.
“The commute in the morning will suck, but extra pay will make up for it and there's a much larger job market and opportunities in southern Indiana.”
15. Wisconsin
It's just too cold.
Outbound moves: 52.6%
Half of those who left America’s Dairyland did so for work, but it was far from the only reason. Retirement, family and lifestyle each resonated with roughly a fifth of them.
Considering more than half who fled Wisconsin were 55 and older, there’s a good chance a lot of snowbirds are deciding to ditch the state for good. It gets down to bone-chilling temperatures in winter.
TopOTheMuffin on Reddit says Wisconsin winters can really make you a homebody.
“You'll notice a lot of people break plans in the winter because of the cold. No one will directly say it, but it happens regularly that plans with people will get a, ‘I'm feeling kinda tired,’ which translates to, ‘I'm under the blankets and Netflix is already on.’ It’s pretty frustrating.”
14. Virginia
Low population growth isn't helping.
Outbound moves: 52.9%
Virginia is low on lovers these days.
The state’s population is growing very slowly, possibly at its weakest rate since the 1920s, as tens of thousands of residents leave each year.
Jobs were the No. 1 incentive to leave at over 53%, though work was actually a greater motivation for those people entering the state.
boognish83 on Reddit offered some potential reasons to hit the road — or maybe not.
“Traffic is consistently terrible. I'm from Pittsburgh originally, and Norfolk actually changed the way I drive now. Flooding is pretty out of control in many areas. Also housing is pretty expensive for what it is; that might be everywhere, though.”
13. Montana
The west part of the state is more expensive.
Outbound moves: 53.9%
People are fleeing the Treasure State for a wealth of reasons. While work was the biggest at almost 32%, family (27%), retirement (23%) and lifestyle (almost 20%) weren’t far behind.
Though Montana is sparsely populated, a 2019 economic study by the University of Montana found that housing is an emerging affordability issue, particularly in the western part of the state.
Redditor DoctorBadger101 says the dream of living in Montana doesn’t match reality.
“Isolation. At first, this sounds awesome. Spending all your time in the glorious beauty of Montana. Green trees, blue sky, crisp air, zero pollution,” they wrote.
“Until you realize that that’s not typical of Montana living and you’ll be isolated somewhere like Billings or Great Falls where the isolation isn’t beautiful and wisdom-inspiring, it’s just living in the middle of nowhere without a mountain in sight.”
12. Louisiana
This state has one of the highest unemployment and poverty rates.
Outbound moves: 54.7%
Tourists come for Mardi Gras and cajun cuisine, but not everyone in Louisiana is celebrating.
Unemployment is a real problem at 4.9%, well above the national rate. Nearly one in five people in Louisiana is living below the poverty line, according to government census data.
Unsurprisingly, more than 70% of those leaving are doing so for work.
Quora commenter Delani Lass adds that the weather in southern Louisiana will leave you drained.
“It is horribly hot in the summer. (100 degrees with 100% humidity). Summer lasts from April until September/October. It gets cold once a week for two whole days then it warms back up.”
11. Massachusetts
The cost of living is just too high.
Outbound moves: 54.8%
This state has plenty to be proud of — the Mayflower, Boston Tea Party, Harvard — but it can’t brag about its affordability.
People pay a premium to reside in Massachusetts, ranking sixth out of 52 regions on MERIC’s cost of living index.
UebuNogami on Reddit offered one explanation for why Boston in particular is so expensive.
“There’s not enough housing to satisfy the demand. Unions make construction extremely expensive, and a requirement for the developer to give away a certain number of units for next to nothing makes building anything but luxury housing unprofitable.”
10. Iowa
Some residents struggle to work their way up.
Outbound moves: 55.0%
Golden cornfields make Iowa lovely to look at, but that hasn’t stopped people from looking elsewhere.
Work was by far the biggest reason to leave, inspiring over 68% of those who left. Despite its low cost of living and unemployment rate, Iowa hasn’t been growing very fast. According to census data, its population increased just 3.6% during the 2010s, well below the national average of 6.3%.
Slow progress is a common complaint. Former resident Hiei2k7 on Reddit misses Iowa but not its job prospects.
“I have no upward mobility there,” Hiei2k7 wrote. “Sure, I could have kept my comfy job in Cedar Rapids, kept stocking away money and just lived out the rest of my days. Or tried to get a mate and start a family. But damn if I didn't feel stagnated.”
9. North Dakota
You might get bored in North Dakota.
Outbound moves: 55.2%
North Dakota’s wide-open spaces are feeling even more empty these days.
While almost 60% of those who left did so for better job prospects, North Dakota’s unemployment rate is extremely low at just 2.4%. It seems finding a job isn’t hard; it just might not be a job you want.
Modern_rabbit on Reddit says the laid-back atmosphere can come as a “culture shock” to newcomers, highlighting a “lack of public transportation, lack of style, lack of flavor, lack of air pollution (and) lack of seafood.”
7. (tie) California
First time in the top 10.
Outbound moves: 56.9%
The Golden State was new to the top 10 in the latest United Van Lines survey.
While work was the No. 1 reason to leave California, it was an even bigger reason to come. The land of Hollywood and Silicon Valley has an irresistible appeal.
However, the glamor comes with a price. California is the third most expensive place to live in the United States, beaten only by the District of Columbia and Hawaii on MERIC’s list.
Housing is particularly pricey, and depending on where you live, there’s always the chance your hard-earned property will be consumed by one of the state’s many wildfires.
7. (tie) Michigan
High unemployment and low-wage jobs is a bad mix.
Outbound moves: 56.9%
Unemployment remains high in Michigan at 4.1%, and life can be hard even for people who do find a job.
In a 2019 study, the Michigan Association of United Ways found that the number of households that can’t afford basic services is on the rise. Low wages are the norm, with most jobs paying less than $20 per hour.
Homerinthedetails, a Redditor, feels Michigan also lacks a cultural hub.
“That means less fine arts, no world-class museums, fewer jobs in banking/finance. People who prefer/need big cities usually head for Chicago, New York, Boston or San Francisco,” they wrote.
“And the winters, oh god, the winters. They go on and on and on, and they are so dreary.”
6. Ohio
Unemployment is uncomfortably high.
Outbound moves: 57.8%
“Why, oh why, did I ever leave Ohio? Why did I wander to find what lies yonder, when life was so cozy at home?”
The answer to that old song’s query was work for more than half who left last year. Wages in the state are a little below average, according to BLS, and unemployment is high at 4.2%.
Redditor DJWLJR says turbulent weather is one more reason to head for the hills.
“It's too hot, or too cold, and not enough of spring or fall. The weather here is erratic and sometimes very extreme.”
5. Kansas
You probably won't reach your top earning potential here.
Outbound moves: 58.5%
As Dorothy said, “There’s no place like home,” but sentiment isn’t keeping people in Kansas.
More than half shipped out for work, while retirement and family were each factors for a quarter of those who left. Though it’s cheap to live in Kansas and it’s not especially hard to find work, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows people earn about $6,000 less per year than the national average.
Lindsey Bugbee on Quora finds Western Kansas an insular place.
“Life is very slow-paced. People don’t pay attention to the world outside because Kansas is a perfect bubble of safety. In effect, some towns feel no need to distinguish themselves from other places.”
4. Connecticut
Expect to lose a big chunk of your paycheck.
Outbound moves: 63.0%
Some may know it as the Nutmeg State over tales of peddlers selling fake nutmeg in centuries past. But today, people in Connecticut are losing their money to the state’s over-the-top cost of living.
MERIC data shows everything is more expensive here, especially housing and utilities.
And despite its seaside appeal, Connecticut doesn’t seem like it’s retaining its retirees. Almost 35% of the people who left wanted to retire somewhere else, competing with jobs for the No. 1 reason to move.
Another compelling reason: taxes. As in many states in the Northeast, residents can expect to lose a hefty chunk of their wealth to high income and sales tax.
3. New York
Rent is especially outrageous in Manhattan.
Outbound moves: 63.1%
Living in New York City is an infamous challenge, as the median home costs over $1.6 million and rent will run you around $5,000 per month.
And it’s not just the Big Apple that will take a huge bite out of your paycheck. On a cost-of-living index created by the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), New York ranks fifth in the nation.
Taxes in particular are crippling. Between income, property and sales tax, you’ll lose more in New York than anywhere else.
2. Illinois
Many residents are unhappy with the economy.
Outbound moves: 66.5%
Still in the No. 2 spot following last year’s ranking, the Prairie State is known for Chicago, expansive farmland, the world’s largest bottle of catsup and high taxes.
A survey from NPR Illinois and University of Illinois Springfield saw 77% of respondents rate the economy as fair or poor. In the same survey, 3 out of 5 people said they’ve considered moving elsewhere, and taxes was the most common reason why.
Quora commenter Michael Kong suggested education is one reason taxes are so high.
“I can say it has something to do with supporting the local school system,” wrote Kong.
“Every year I receive a letter explaining where my property tax goes into. From the letter, I can see about $8,000 goes to the public school system, and another $2,000 goes to the community college.”
1. New Jersey
This state has some of the highest taxes in the country.
Outbound moves: 68.5%
The grass is always greener outside the Garden State, as New Jersey retains its No. 1 spot from last year’s list.
Jersey has been one of the top 10 move-out states for United Van Lines for more than a decade. Jobs and retirement are equally likely to send people packing.
Taxes could be a major culprit — New Jersey has some of the highest in the country — though Reddit’s bjorn2bwild says just about everything is incredibly expensive.
“We have high property taxes if you want to live in a decent area. School districts are very closely tied to municipalities, so if you want your kids to go to a good school, prepare to pay for it. Auto insurance, tolls, most goods and services are all very high.”
So those are the states people are fleeing the fastest. But where are all those people moving to?
The National Movers Study also contains data on the states Americans are flocking to as they seek better prospects and a more comfortable life for their families.
Thee top states people are moving to.
24. (tie) Oklahoma
The low minimum wage is enough to drive people away.
Inbound moves: 50.2%
Known for crops and crude, this South Central state is seeing just as many people move out as move in.
Jobs were by far the most common reason to leave at over 64%; the second most common was family at just 15%. As with many other states, Oklahoma hasn’t yet raised its minimum wage above the federal requirement of $7.25 per hour.
Jon Davis on Quora suggests Oklahoma’s reliance on its traditional industries doesn’t make it the most stable place to live.
“A terrible amount of our government spending comes from taxation of one industry: oil. We run the risk of going broke every time the oil boom/bust cycle hits its low,” says Davis.
24. (tie) Maine
Maine is looking toward a brighter future.
Inbound moves: 50.2%
Slightly more people are moving to the country’s easternmost state than leaving it, but it’s a close shave.
In a rare exception, United Van Lines suggests the No. 1 reason for moving out of the state is family at more than 33%. Still, work was a factor for almost a quarter of the people who left.
To jumpstart its sluggish economy and lift substandard wages, Maine recently unveiled a 10-year plan focused on education, training and innovation. The state has traditionally relied on industries like farming, forestry and fishing, but the government hopes a more diverse economy will provide a better life for residents.
Some say the current job prospects are so bad they have to travel long distances for minimal pay.
“Commuting 50+ miles for a $10/hr job is not unheard of. From Van Buren to Easton, for instance. I know several people who do that,” says Reddit user nomocactusnames.
23. Nebraska
For a humble life.
Inbound moves: 51.0%
Nebraska is often labelled a “flyover state,” but the low-key lifestyle and affordable cost of living — the 13th lowest in the country, according to MERIC — make it a good place to settle down for Americans who don’t mind staying under the radar.
“No one lives here because it’s a destination,” says Reddit user timthetoolmantooth. “We live here because we are hardworking people that like to keep most of what we earn.”
Even so, making a living in the Cornhusker State isn’t always easy. Almost 70% of the residents who leave do so because of work.
22. West Virginia
The country roads will take you home.
Inbound moves: 51.1%
Although John Denver famously described West Virginia as “almost heaven,” he clearly wasn’t talking about the job market.
Work was the top reason to flee the Mountain State by far — 50 percentage points more than the second biggest reason, family, according to United Van Lines.
However, the natural splendor of West Virginia must have its charms, because slightly more people moved to the state last year than pulled up stakes.
“The physical beauty is really hard to surpass,” writes Brian Piercy on Quora. “The only downside has to be lack of upwardly mobile employment opportunities. High-technology jobs are extremely tough to find and concentrated in smaller, family-owned firms.”
21. Georgia
Warm and welcoming.
Inbound moves: 51.2%
Known for its southern hospitality, Georgia welcomed a few more residents than it waved goodbye to. However, if you’re thinking about relocating to the Peach State, be aware that the real estate market can be the pits.
“I had to get over sticker-shock when finding a house to buy,” says Quora commenter Mitch Anderson. “It’s quite a bit more expensive here.”
At the same time, the typical annual salary in Georgia is almost $7,000 below the national average, according to ZipRecruiter, so you’ll want to snag one of the better jobs before you head down south.
20. Arkansas
Some workers can still find good opportunities.
Inbound moves: 52.4%
Though Arkansas was once known as The Land of Opportunity, the story today is more complicated.
Even though the state jumped up seven spots on United Van Lines’ ranking of inbound moves from the previous year, more than three-quarters of the people who Arkansas did so in search of better job prospects.
It’s not necessarily due to a lack of work, though, as Reddit user JaysusMoon pointed out.
“Depending on your industry, there are a lot of jobs in Arkansas that offer a decent wage without much work experience… [but] the fact that we're a right-to-work state with very little union support does push wages down a lot.”
19. New Hampshire
Do you love freedom and hate taxes?
Inbound moves: 52.8%
New Hampshire’s official motto is “Live Free Or Die,” and the promise of freedom is one reason why Americans continue to move to the Granite State.
“There's no sales tax, no state income tax, cheap liquor and legal fireworks!” proclaims a proud New Hampshirite who goes by dcs1289 on Reddit.
However, dcs1289 adds there are some downsides to living in New Hampshire as well.
“Property taxes are high... [and] the climate is pretty extreme –– below zero temps in the winter, up to 100+ in the summer.”
18. Rhode Island
Small, yet mighty.
Inbound moves: 52.9%
Even though Rhode Island is the tiniest state in the union, its charm is definitely growing on people. In 2019, the Ocean State jumped up six spots on United Van Lines’ ranking of inbound moves.
Unfortunately for all those new residents, Little Rhody has some hefty price tags. In fact, Rhode Island is one of the most costly states to call home.
“I love R.I., but it's expensive,” says Reddit user mooscaretaker. “Taxes are high and cost of living is high. Make sure you have a job prior to moving.”
17. Colorado
The mountains are to die for.
Inbound moves: 53.4%
People love the Centennial State, and it’s not just for the breathtaking views of the Rockies.
The number of jobs is on the rise, as Colorado saw a solid 2.1% increase between the end of 2018 and end of 2019. Annual wages are also around $2,100 higher than the national average, which only sweetens the call of the mountains.
If you do decide to move to Colorado, be sure to take things slow as you adapt to the state’s high elevation. Just ask Quora commenter Beatrice Bosch.
“When I came home from the airport on my first day, I threw up,” Bosch says. “Altitude sickness is very real, and it takes time to acclimate to the thin air and necessity to drink more water.”
16. Wyoming
This state is drawing nature-lovers.
Inbound moves: 55.3%
Wyoming is home to scenic vistas, six national parks and the lowest population density in the contiguous United States — only six residents per square mile — so it’s a great place to move if you like nature more than people.
The trickle of new residents entering the state could mean more Americans are looking to get away from the bustle of big city life.
But life on the range isn’t just for star-gazers; there are also opportunities in Wyoming for entrepreneurs.
“Wyoming is great for a small business,” writes Reddit user Mycotoxin. “Registering your business... is cheap and easy. There is no individual income tax in Wyoming, so that helps a lot.”
15. Delaware
A strong job market goes a long way.
Inbound moves: 55.4%
People are starting to see the Diamond State for the jewel that it is.
Despite a slight dip in inbound moves from 2018, Delaware’s population continues to inch toward the 1 million mark thanks to a strong job market. In fact, last year saw the state’s unemployment rate hit a 31-year low.
“There is ... a good deal of diversity, with engineers, scientists and executives from all over the world attracted to jobs in our chemical, pharmaceutical and financial services industries,” writes Delaware resident John Nowaczyk on Quora.
He adds that Delaware offers “a good blend of urban, suburban and rural lifestyles and perspectives all squeezed into a relatively small and manageable package.”
14. Alabama
Professionals welcome.
Inbound moves: 55.5%
Although the Yellowhammer State’s ranking on the National Movers Study held steady between 2018 and 2019, the job market in Alabama remains a cause for concern.
Almost 75% of the people leaving cited work as their main reason for ducking out of Dixie.
“Although the cost of living is pretty low, the income and job market is also pretty weak, which makes making money difficult,” writes Quora commenter Steven Mann.
However, Mann notes that for certain professionals, Alabama might not be such a bad place to put down roots.
“Doctors and lawyers are almost worshipped down here.”
13. Texas
A haven for young people.
Inbound moves: 55.6%
Texas is the largest state in the contiguous U.S., which is good news, since 2019 saw the Lone Star State jump up five spots on United Van Lines’ ranking of inbound moves.
And if the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Texas is jangling spurs or a ten-gallon hat, you should know the state welcomes more than cowboys and oilmen. Texas has the third youngest population in America, according to U.S. Census Bureau data, with a hip atmosphere to match.
“It has a handful of large metropolitan areas, with lots of cool neighborhoods, amazing food, barbecue and nightlife,” says Reddit user getoutmyway98. “Cost of living is low, so suburban Texans, I find, tend to live in pretty big houses.”
12. Nevada
If you're a high roller, this state is for you.
Inbound moves: 55.8%
Nevada is often considered the gambling capital of the U.S., and in 2019 more people decided to roll the dice with the Silver State than cut their losses and hit the bricks.
Quora commenter and former Nevada resident Albert Hagan describes the state as a melting pot.
“There are a few proud natives who were born there, but most residents are from somewhere else, so the people are interesting,” says Hagan.
Still, he found the pay in Nevada wasn’t up to snuff, so he was forced to cash out.
“I would move back to Nevada in a minute if I could make what I make now in my current field,” he writes. “Not happening any time soon.”
10. (tie) New Mexico
Worth it for the view alone.
Inbound moves: 56.1%
In 2019, the Land of Enchantment jumped up a whopping 13 spots on United Van Lines’ ranking of inbound moves, proving that New Mexico is just as enchanting as ever.
“The landscape is amazing,” says Reddit user Ih8Hondas. “Awesome scenery everywhere.”
However, they found it to be a real challenge to make a living when they first arrived.
“If you want a job, you have to know people who know people. I searched for months without even getting so much as an interview when I first moved here.”
10. (tie) Tennessee
There is no income tax in this state.
Inbound moves: 56.1%
Although it’s home to Graceland, Dollywood and the Grand Ole Opry, Tennessee is more than just a mecca for music fans –– it’s also a great place to move to if you want to hold on to your hard-earned dough.
“Tax wise, people tend to love Tennessee,” writes lifelong Tennessean Logan Flowers on Quora. “There is no income tax. Period. None. Property taxes are also extremely low.”
However, Flowers warns, “Sales tax can be rather high ... with most places resting somewhere between 9-10%.”
9. North Carolina
A dream come true, most of the time.
Inbound moves: 57.3%
North Carolina is famous for its barbeque, but the Tar Heel State has also been tantalizing new residents with its rock-bottom real estate prices.
“You can buy a nice home on a sizable lot for far less than you would in many major metro areas,” says Quora commenter Jon Mixon.
Mixon notes that scenery is another big draw for new residents — at least for most of the year.
“The shoreline is one of the most beautiful places in the U.S. Living there would be like a dream for many… except during hurricane season.”
8. South Dakota
A state that's stunning to look at.
Inbound moves: 57.4%
The Mount Rushmore State may have a small population for its size, but people are starting to catch on to its outdoorsy appeal.
“The air is clear from smog, leaving ... the earthy smell of the fields to travel far on the wind,” writes South Dakotan Amanda Fristrom on Quora. “The harvest season brings deep red sunsets and striking sunrises… [and] at night the stars are clear and numerous.”
However, more than 70% of the people who moved out of the state in 2019 cited work as their main reason for leaving, so you’ll want to make sure you’ve secured a job before you pack up and head for the hills.
7. Florida
It's always summer vacation here.
Inbound moves: 58.1%
Palm trees, beaches and year-round warm weather make the Sunshine State one of the most popular places to move in the country, especially for those entering their golden years. More than 40% of new residents to Florida cited retirement as their reason for relocating.
“Living in Florida, in my opinion, is like no other life you could ever imagine,” says Quora commenter Mace Andrews. “The dress code is literally shorts, T-shirts, tank tops and flip flops.”
If you’re still working, make sure you have a job lined up before you move to Florida. The state’s economy relies heavily on the tourism industry, which was decimated by the coronavirus pandemic. A report from the University of Central Florida’s Institute for Economic Forecasting suggests the state’s economy won’t recover until at least late 2021.
6. District of Columbia
A workers' paradise.
Inbound moves: 59.3%
It may not technically be a state, but Washington D.C. was one of the most attractive areas in the U.S. in 2019.
According to United Van Lines, the District saw a larger influx of residents due to work than any of the states. A whopping 78% of the people who moved there did so because of a new job or company transfer.
“There are lots of good jobs, even for someone with a basket-weaving degree like me,” says Redditor Gumburcules. “Cost of living isn't nearly as bad as people say it is, especially if you're here long term or willing to make minor compromises.”
5. Washington
There's a big job market here.
Inbound moves: 59.5%
While states like Florida owe their influx of new residents to retirees, Washington’s growth is due in large part to the number of job opportunities for young professionals.
Companies like Amazon, Microsoft and Starbucks are all headquartered in the Evergreen State and are major draws for jobs. Roughly half the people who moved to Washington in 2019 did so for work, according to United Van Lines.
Although the cost of living in Washington is higher than other states, the wages tend to be higher as well.
“Housing is where we saw a big jump in cost,” writes Reddit user ZombieLibrarian, who moved to Washington from Kentucky with his wife. “The jump in cost was exceeded by the jump in our salaries, though, so it sounded a lot more scary than it actually was.”
4. South Carolina
The cost of living is a big draw.
Inbound moves: 61.8%
The Palmetto State is known for its pleasant climate, varied landscape and laid-back lifestyle, and it appears that the rest of the country has cottoned to its southern charm.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, South Carolina had the sixth-highest rate of population growth in the country between July 2018 and July 2019, marking almost a decade of consistent growth.
And it’s not just the warm weather and pretty scenery that are pulling in new residents. South Carolina’s affordability is a major draw as well.
“Cost of living is dirt cheap,” says Quora commenter Alexander Lay. “I moved from North Carolina, and the cost of living decrease essentially acted as a 20% raise.”
3. Arizona
People want to retire here.
Inbound moves: 63.2%
Year-round sun and a low cost of living make the Grand Canyon State an ideal place to settle down, especially during your golden years.
Arizona had the third-highest percentage of inbound moves in 2019, up two spots on the National Movers Study list compared to the previous year.
Quora commenter Erica Larson Odello says part of Arizona’s appeal is that it can accommodate virtually any lifestyle.
“You don’t have to live in a giant city or suburb,” she writes. “We have artist communities, you can live on a ranch, you can live far away from other people [or] you can live just close enough to get the benefits of urban areas without the inconvenience.”
2. Oregon
The state looks lovely and is a tech hot spot.
Inbound moves: 65.4%
The Beaver State has been flooded with new residents since the founding of the Oregon Trail in the mid-1800s, and 2019 was no exception. For the third year in a row, Oregon occupied the No. 2 spot for inbound moves on United Van Lines’ study.
Aside from the plentiful trees and lush vegetation, Oregon is also rife with tech industry jobs, particularly around Portland and Hillsboro, an area which some have dubbed the “Silicon Forest.”
“There are hundreds of satellite offices of ... big companies that support the semiconductor industry,” writes Quora Anil Kumar. “Additionally, Nike, Columbia and Fisher Investments are headquartered in Portland Metro.”
1. Idaho
It's a good place to raise your kids.
Inbound moves: 67.4%
It appears the Gem State is no longer a hidden gem.
Idaho had the highest percentage of inbound moves in the country in 2019, marking its first time at the top of United Van Lines’ inbound list in more than 25 years.
With a burgeoning job market and an extremely low cost of living, Idaho is particularly attractive to IT workers who want to avoid shelling out millions for a home in other tech hubs like California.
The median price of a home in Boise is $332,698. In San Francisco, it’s $1.32 million.
On top of that, many residents say Idaho is a great place to raise a family.
“I loved the fact that my kids knew their teachers in and out of the classroom,” writes longtime Idaho resident Diane Allen on Quora. “I knew their bus drivers and knew my kids were in good hands.”
Realtor.com
has been analyzing a ton of data — including median home prices, rental
rates and median incomes — and says these are
The top 20 metro areas people want to move to.
Keep reading as we count down to Realtor's top pick for affordable homes, good jobs and overall livability.
20. Richmond, Virginia
Richmond has many attractive neighborhoods with reasonable home prices.
- Median list price for a home: $319,950
- Median household income: $66,191
As Virginia's capital city, Richmond obviously offers positions in state government, but private companies have loads of jobs here, too. The local unemployment rate recently sank to an 11-year low of 3%.
The region's largest private employer is the credit cards giant Capital One. Tobacco company Altria Group (maker of Marlboro) is based here, and so is the used-car retailer CarMax.
Richmond's home prices are heating up, but still reasonable. They jumped 7% during the year that ended in August, and that was after surging 9% during the previous one-year period.
19. St. Louis
The Gateway Arch dominates the landscape in St. Louis.
- Median list price for a home: $209,950
- Median household income: $62,531
In St. Louis, they might want to think about hanging a "Help Wanted" sign on the Gateway Arch. Unemployment in the metro area has dropped to 3.4%, the lowest in 18 years.
The region added nearly 13,000 jobs over the year that ended in August, reports the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Boeing's St. Louis plant recently signed new contracts to build military aircraft and provide hundreds of new jobs. The largest local employer is BJC HealthCare.
Home prices rose 6.7% from spring of 2017 to spring of this year but are still modestly priced. You can buy a 1,200-square-foot condo downtown for about $178,000, or in the suburbs for just $127,000, reports living-costs website Numbeo.
18. Columbus, Ohio
German Village, south of downtown Columbus, is known for its beautiful brick homes.
- Median list price for a home: $249,950
- Median household income: $63,009
Ohio's capital city is dominated by Ohio State University (Go Bucks!) and state government, but they're not the only games in town for job seekers.
The area's largest private employer is banking powerhouse JPMorgan Chase, with a massive workforce of more than 20,000. Insurance company Nationwide is based here, and so is burger chain Wendy's. The region's 3.8% unemployment rate is the lowest in Ohio.
Columbus has many charming, historic neighborhoods with gorgeous homes that aren't crazy-expensive. They include Merion Village, where the average sale price last year was about $268,000, reports Forbes.
17. Omaha, Nebraska
Omaha has jobs, inexpensive housing -- and Warren Buffett.
- Median list price for a home: $289,050
- Median household income: $65,490
How do we know Omaha is a great place to live? Because Warren Buffett — one of the richest men on Earth, who could live anywhere on the planet — has chosen to remain in Omaha, his hometown.
Besides Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway, other Fortune 500 companies based here include Union Pacific (railroad), Kiewit Corp. (construction) and Mutual of Omaha (insurance). Finding a job is no problem: The area's unemployment rate has fallen to just 2.7%.
Home prices in the area have jumped 8.5% in the last year but remain fairly unexpensive. In the suburbs, the average cost of a 2,000-square-foot home is under $275,000, says Numbeo.
16. Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Sioux Falls lives up to its name.
- Median list price for a home: $234,950
- Median household income: $65,490
South Dakota's largest city is getting bigger all the time, thanks to its bustling job market and cheap real estate.
Unemployment in fast-growing Sioux Falls has plummeted to an unbelievably low 2.3%. Major employers include: health care providers Sanford Health and Avera Health; meat processor Smithfield Foods; and banking behemoths Wells Fargo and Citi.
While still very affordable, the area's home prices have skyrocketed 9.6% in the last year.
15. Anchorage, Alaska
The housing in Anchorage can be quite colorful.
- Median list price for a home: $305,050
- Median household income: $85,266
Anchorage is Alaska's biggest city and its center for industry and jobs. Work is available in health care, tourism, government — and of course, energy (oil and gas).
Living costs are higher in Anchorage than in many of the other cities on this list, but salaries are higher, too. The metro area's 5.4% unemployment rate is relatively high, but down from a year ago.
You can buy a three-bedroom house in the suburbs for under $330,000 or a two-bedroom downtown condo for $179,000.
14. Des Moines, Iowa
Living costs and home prices in Des Moines are below the national avderage.
- Median list price for a home: $292,950
- Median household income: $67,375
The largest city in Iowa is also its capital, offering jobs in state government and at Iowa State University, about 30 miles outside of town. But Des Moines' largest local employer is Wells Fargo, with 14,500 workers in the metro area.
You'll find good job prospects in Des Moines, because the local unemployment rate has fallen to 2.3% — one of the lowest in the U.S.
Housing prices have gone up 7.6% in the last year but are still very attractive. You can buy a modern one-bedroom loft condo downtown for $185,000 or a new three-bedroom house in suburban West Des Moines for about $280,000.
13. Lafayette-West Lafayette, Indiana
West Lafayette is home to Purdue University.
- Median list price for a home: $200,050
- Median household income: $54,046
If you know Indiana, you know that Indianapolis is smack in the center of the clock. The Lafayette area is between 10 and 11 o'clock, about 60 miles northwest of Indy.
The local unemployment rate is a low 3.4%, and there are plenty of big employers with opportunities, including Purdue University (pictured), Subaru and Caterpillar.
Here's a sign of how inexpensive housing is here: A new building is now renting one-bedrooms for $1,399, and the local newspaper calls that "unheard of." A suburban four-bedroom home built in 2010 is priced under $240,000.
12. Raleigh, North Carolina
Downtown Raleigh features brightly colored new homes.
- Median list price for a home: $347,930
- Median household income: $70,693
Raleigh is booming, particularly downtown. New restaurants and nightlife have helped create demand for thousands of new downtown apartments and condos not far from the North Carolina Capitol building.
A one-bedroom downtown rents for about $1,200 a month, or you could buy one in a building with a pool for $245,000. But for just $307,000, you could buy a suburban five-bedroom house built in 2000.
Staffing firm ManpowerGroup recently identified Raleigh as one of the U.S. metro areas with the strongest job prospects. Unemployment is just 3.5% here.
11. Worcester, Massachusetts
- Median list price for a home: $311,800
- Median household income: $71,212
Worcester is that city in central Massachusetts with the odd pronounciation, like "Wooster." More people are learning how to say it, as the city grows and becomes more of a bedroom community for Boston, about 50 miles away.
Worcester's lower costs are a big attraction. Homes are considerably less expensive than in Boston, where the median home price is close to $500,000. In Worcester, you can buy a suburban three-bedroom home for under $335,000.
For those who want to work here and not commute to the big city, the local unemployment rate recently hit 3.8%, and new jobs will be added as the Pawtucket Red Sox minor league baseball team moves to Worcester. Play ball!
10. Atlanta
Townhouses have been springing up quickly in the Atlanta suburbs.
- Median list price for a home: $330,000
- Median household income: $65,167
"Hotlanta" is hotter than ever for job opportunities. The local unemployment rate recently fell to a 17-year low of 3.8%.
The metro area is home to several Fortune 500 companies, including The Home Depot, United Parcel Service, Coca-Cola and Delta Air Lines, plus it's attracting tech industry startups.
Young professionals will find plenty to do in the city that hosted the 1996 Summer Olympics. The traffic can be horrible, but Atlanta is more manageable than, say, New York or Chicago. It's a big city, but not humongous.
9. Madison, Wisconsin
You find affordable homes in tidy neighborhoods throughout the Madison area.
- Median list price for a home: $309,800
- Median household income: $70,042
Wisconsin's capital city, and the city where you find the University of Wisconsin, offers jobs for both blue-collar and white-collar workers.
Companies based here include Alliant Energy, American Family Insurance and Spectrum Brands, whose products include Rayovac batteries and the George Foreman Grill. The area also has loads of health care jobs.
The city's unemployment rate was just 2.4% in July. That's startlingly low, and so are home prices: You might find a condo downtown for under $300,000 or a three-bedroom home in the suburbs for less than $270,000.
8. Hartford, Connecticut
Downtown Hartford is drawing millennials.
- Median list price for a home: $275,000
- Median household income: $77,980
Younger millennials are flocking to Hartford, and for good reason. Obsolete office buildings are being converted to residential living spaces downtown, creating hip, affordable living spaces for professionals just starting out.
Hartford is home to major insurance companies, and the industry offers good-paying jobs. The local unemployment rate was 4.5% in July, the most recent month with data available.
Suburban single-family homes sell for under $325,000.
7. Baltimore
Baltimore has many neighborhoods of affordable homes.
- Median list price for a home: $325,100
- Median household income: $77,704
Baltimore has been getting back on its feet following riots in 2015. The downtown and waterfront areas have been given a facelift and are attracting many new residents, particularly to luxury condos in old office buildings that have been converted.
Conveniently located close to Washington, D.C., Baltimore offers an easy commute to government jobs, and homes that are far more affordable than in the nation's capital. Washington's median home price is a much higher $449,950.
Unemployment in the Baltimore area stood at 4.6% in July, a few notches above the national rate for the month of 3.9%.
6. Philadelphia
Professionals are moving into downtown Philadelphia for the reasonably priced homes.
- Median list price for a home: $270,000
- Median household income: $70,516
Philadelphia is in the middle of a huge building boom, with more than 8 million square feet of new development being added, according to real estate services firm JLL Philadelphia.
Businesses need more space for all the new employees they're looking to hire. And, townhouses and high-rise condos are going up in the downtown area, all with modest price tags. You might find a one-bedroom condo for under $250,000.
In July, the Philadelphia metro area had an unemployment rate of 4.6%.
5. Manchester, New Hampshire
Manchester offers opportunity, convenience and affordability.
- Median list price for a home: $325,100
- Median household income: $80,246
One of Manchester's largest employers is Southern New Hampshire University, which has been on a hiring spree in recent years, adding more than 1,000 professors and administrators.
The city also has job opportunities at a number of budding health care startups, and at the Segway scooter company, which is based in the area.
Manchester boasts an impressively low unemployment rate of 2.6% and is conveniently located less than an hour from Boston — where the median home price is $200,000 more expensive.
4. Burlington, Vermont
- Median list price for a home: $319,100
- Median household income: $70,227
Burlington is a great place to plant yourself if you're looking to build your career in a slower-paced city. You might find a job with the University of Vermont, or with Ben & Jerry's, which offers its ice cream free to employees as a cool perk. (Literally!)
Houses in Burlington are decently priced, with three-bedroom homes selling for under $350,000. And, Burlington and its suburbs offer walkable downtowns, adding to the region's charm and cost-effectiveness.
The region's unemployment rate of 2.6% is far below the national average.
3. Minneapolis
- Median list price for a home: $344,600
- Median household income: $76,791
Minneapolis and neighboring St. Paul are home to many Fortune 500 companies, including General Mills, Target and UnitedHealth Group.
The metro area's unemployment rate was just 2.6% in July. Given its variety of employers, the region is attracting talented professionals from larger cities like New York and Chicago.
The Twin Cities have experienced an influx of residents since 2010, which has sparked the construction of new downtown condos and apartment buildings.
2. Houston
Large homes in the Houston suburbs can be surprisingly cheap.
- Median list price for a home: $325,000
- Median household income: $67,225
Texas' largest city is a major hub for the energy industry, and it's a great place to live and find a good job even if you don't have a college degree.
In true Texas fashion, homes in Houston are getting bigger and bigger — but not their prices. You might find a four-bedroom, 3,600-square-foot home for about $350,000.
In July, unemployment rate for Houston and its suburbs was 4.4%.
1. Chicago
The Chicago metro area is much more affordable than America's other big cities.
- Median list price for a home: $299,600
- Median household income: $69,911
Chicago tops Realtor.com's list. It may be the nation's third-biggest metro area, but home prices are far lower than what you find in larger New York and Los Angeles.
Home to Fortune 500 companies such as McDonald's, Walgreens, and Boeing, "Chicagoland" attracts workers of all ages and from all over the globe.
Decent public transportation makes living in Chicago a lot easier than in many other cities. The city's unemployment rate stood at 4.1% in July.
So those are the big winners. If you live in one of those cities, know that you're making a lot of people across the country real jealous.
On the other hand, if you live in one of the following cities, it may be time to pack your bags and find someplace better. At least, that's what your neighbors are thinking.
The top 20 metro areas people want to leave,
20. Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Baton Rouge is known for its festivals, fantastic Cajun food and culture, and its family-friendly parks and green spaces. But sadly, the city also has a homicide rate that's said to rival Chicago’s.
And if the relentless, year-round humidity and swarms of ravenous mosquitos and fire ants don’t drive you out, then the empty and competitive job market just might.
As one resident puts it on Reddit: “Moved here 10 years ago. The charm of the area wears off in 6 months. I'd recommend literally anywhere else.”
19. Little Rock, Arkansas
Little Rock is the state capital of Arkansas, the home of the Bill Clinton presidential library, and an area steeped in civil rights history.
Living costs are low, and there are jobs here: The unemployment rate in September 2018 was just 3.1%. Homes are affordable, selling for an average $175,000. So what's not to love about Little Rock?
The city has been called one of the most dangerous in America because of its high rates for murder and other violent crimes. The region also lies within the central U.S. "Tornado Alley," and a recent report said more twisters are likely in Little Rock.
18. Chico, California
Chico — not far from northern California's historic Camp Fire — is part farming community, part college town. (Chico State University has a student body of about 17,000 undergrads.)
The wildfires may be one reason the Chico metro area makes this list. Others likely include the area's surging violent crime rate and its above-average rate of residents in poverty.
But while Redfin says many residents are eager to leave, bidding wars are common for homes here, and they're selling for an average $328,000.
17. Syracuse, New York
Syracuse's average snowfall is 124 inches, or over 10 feet per year.
Though Buffalo's snowfalls are notorious, this city 150 miles east in upstate New York takes the award as the snowiest in America. Syracuse gets an average of nearly 124 inches every season. Yes, more than 10 feet of snow!
That could help explain why people who live here are inclined to check out houses in other cities. Maybe places where no snow shovel is needed.
Homes are ridiculously cheap here, with the median list price just $111,000. And while the region's economy has been sluggish, the local unemployment rate recently dropped to an 18-year low of 3.7%.
16. Omaha, Nebraska
Bazillionaire investor Warren Buffett famously loves Omaha — it's his hometown, and he has lived in the same modest home here for 60 years.
But other people living in Nebraska's largest city apparently don't feel the same sense of attachment. They're looking to get out, despite the area's affordable housing market, with homes listing for a median of $220,000.
Unemployment is a low 2.6%, and the median household income is well above the U.S. average at more than $83,000. So maybe the big turnoff is Omaha's extreme weather: Summers are sizzling, and winters are frigid and snowy.
15. Dayton, Ohio
Homes are unbelievably cheap in Dayton, in western Ohio midway between Columbus and Indianapolis. But that's not enough to keep residents from looking elsewhere.
Houses are selling for an average $115,000, but they typically sit on the market for a month and a half, and go for about 3% below the asking prices, Redfin says.
The Dayton metro area has struggled to recover from the Great Recession. The poverty rate is nearly three times the national average, and a recent report from Attom Data Solutions depicted Dayton as a ghost town, with more than 16% of homes vacant.
14. Eugene, Oregon
Eugene, OR downtown cityscape at dusk
With its waterfalls and scenic byways, Eugene is a truly beautiful place to call home. Unfortunately, living in the area has become an unsustainable dream for many.
The cost of housing, whether rented or owned, is incredibly high — and so are property taxes. It can be difficult to find a job that will cover the cost of housing.
Those who feel forced to pack their bags are eager to head to Portland or Seattle. Although the cost of living in those cities isn’t exactly low, there may be better job opportunities in tech and other emerging sectors.
13. Detroit
The sun is setting on Detroit, MI.
While Detroit is still Michigan's biggest metro area by a mile, the city's population has been shrinking for decades. In 1950, Detroit itself was home to 1.8 million people. That number has dropped to around 673,000 today.
A booming auto industry made Detroit a great place to live and work, but the industry's decline hurt the region's economy.
Although some areas of the city are being revitalized and luxury condos are going up, many Detroit area residents are interested in saying goodbye — and moving to Chicago, Redfin says.
12. Salisbury, Maryland
Salisbury, on Maryland's Eastern Shore, is making a name for itself in the microbrewery scene — but the city’s already got a reputation, and not a good one.
Violent and property crime rates are twice the national average. Public schools are terrible, the real estate market is stagnant, incomes are low and good jobs are hard to find.
Although Salisbury’s unemployment and crime numbers are slowly improving, many people have apparently decided the wait just isn’t worth it.
11. Rockford, Illinois
Rockford offers a ton of amenities and also has a fairly good cost of living. Unfortunately, the good news ends here. People started moving away in the 1970s, and the trend continues today.
The area is a couple of notches above Little Rock on that list of America's most dangerous cities, it lacks decent job opportunities and has notoriously bad public schools.
While housing is relatively affordable, that’s because no one wants to live here. As one longtime resident advises, “Don’t move to Rockford. Choose one of the northern suburbs of Chicago or Madison, [Wisconsin,] instead.”
10. Orlando, Florida
Orlando offers an amazing array of restaurants, golf courses, year-round sunny weather — and, of couse, those world-famous theme parks. But while retirees are happy to move in, longtime residents are on their way out.
Orlando’s cost of living is slightly above the national average, but workers earn 22% less than the U.S. average wage. Meanwhile, Zillow says the median home value of $234,100 is up 10% from last year and is still climbing.
Traffic is getting worse, construction is increasing, and displaced wildlife keeps ending up in people’s yards and swimming pools. Add in subpar public schools and frequent tornadoes and sinkholes, and it’s clear why people are packing it in.
9. Houston
Houston, TX downtown city park and skyline
In Houston, unemployment, apartment rents and housing prices are all above the national average.
Plus, Houston’s infrastructure is so prone to flooding that buying property in the city is now a terrible investment. Though Hurricane Harvey was big news, the city deals with flooding almost every time there’s a rainstorm.
So these days, many Houstonians are searching for homes in Austin and Chicago.
8. Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI's picturesque harbor
Metro Milwaukee has been described by some of its own residents as a place of sharp economic contrasts, with rich people who are extremely rich and poor people who are extremely poor.
In middle-income and poor neighborhoods, Milwaukee lacks public transportation and decent public schools. These factors make it hard for anyone who doesn't already have money to live in the area.
Millennials are most affected by these trends and are now looking to Chicago as a place offering a better way of life.
7. Spokane, Washington
Spokane residents enjoy easy access to the Centennial Trail, more than 70 nearby lakes and numerous local wineries. The local job market also is booming — but the city doesn’t have the infrastructure to handle more people coming in.
Construction can’t keep up with the demand for rentals, condos and single-family homes in the city. In response, homes are selling for an average 24% more than a year ago, and renters are being priced out.
Add this to downtown Spokane’s homelessness problem, infrastructure issues and recent water quality problems, and it’s no wonder hordes of people want to leave the city.
6. Chicago
Chicago, IL downtown at dusk
While droves of hopefuls want to move to Chicago, a whole lot of Chi-town residents are moving out to make room. They're most interested in relocating to Phoenix, maybe for the warmer weather.
Many people complain about the cost of living, property taxes, education and amenities in Chicago — although this is a matter of perspective.
New residents hailing from Oregon or Seattle might be pleasantly surprised at how affordable things are, compared to what they’re used to.
5. Denver
Denver, CO downtown with City Park
Housing costs in the Denver metro area are rising faster than people’s wages.
More luxury homes are popping up every day, which is driving up housing values across Denver. Redfin says the metro's median list price for homes has topped $400,000.
Denver residents are looking to migrate to nearby cities like Colorado Springs and Fort Collins, where homes are listing for a median of $305,000. Denverites are searching in Seattle, too.
4. Washington, DC
Aerial view of Washington, DC
Like Chicago, the nation's capital has plenty of great job opportunities, especially for those who have a bachelor's degree or are seeking a career in government.
But housing costs and property taxes in the D.C. metro area can be shockingly high, and dining out tends to be an expensive ordeal.
So, people in Washington and its suburbs are voting with their feet. They're most inclined to go to Philadelphia to take advantage of that city’s more affordable lifestyle and hot job market.
3. Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA downtown at sunset
Los Angeles residents contend with a higher-than-average cost of living, high rents and property taxes — plus, the city’s legendary traffic congestion.
Homes are selling for an average $690,000 and they go quickly, typically spending just 36 days on the market, Redfin says.
Today, burned-out L.A. locals who are tired of waiting for their big Hollywood break are looking to head to more reasonable San Diego or Phoenix.
2. New York
New York City, NY
New York is among the most expensive cities in the world and competition is stiff in every sector. Given the high cost of food and housing (and the freaky subway rats), the New York area's population is understandably somewhat transient.
According to U.S. Census data, almost 300,000 New Yorkers move to the suburbs each year, and nearly 200,000 relocate out of state. Their main motivation in leaving is to buy a home and gain more space.
But maybe it's at least a little surprising that the metro area they most want to flee to is Boston — which isn't exactly cheap or spacious.
1. San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco’s high-paying jobs attract plenty of people — but its insanely expensive real estate drives them away again. Homes that would be undesirable elsewhere sell for hundreds of thousands over asking price in desperate bidding wars.
The average selling price is currently about $1.4 million. Residents making San Francisco the most-fled metro area are seeking relief in the marginally more affordable West Coast markets of Sacramento and Seattle.