States Americans Are Fleeing And The Places They’re Flocking To

On To Better Things

More and more Americans are packing their things and moving to greener pastures. The rise of remote work and mounting housing costs drive people to look for cheaper living arrangements. Many of the places Americans are leaving were once attractive places to live. So, what happened?

Better job opportunities inspire nearly a third of moves. Additionally, Americans increasingly want to be closer to their loved ones, which has increased significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic. We have compiled a list of all the states Americans are leaving, followed by the ones they’re now calling home.

Nevada

There’s no doubt that tourists and gamblers flock to Nevada for its glamour, but how many people are actually willing to live in the state permanently? With 51% of outbound moves, most Americans left the state for better job opportunities. Nevada relies a lot on tourism, but job opportunities are scarce. Nevada has the second-worst unemployment rate in the U.S., as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau.

One Redditor complains that education in the region is poor, income doesn’t reflect how expensive things have gotten, and health care is hit or miss. Each state is rated and ranked in three different categories in the Quality Counts report card: Chance for Success, School Finance, and K-12 Achievement. Considering that, Nevada received a D-plus due to its educational system.  This is alarming as C is the national average.

Missouri

This state has reported 51.8% of outbound moves. Local residents are leaving due to the slow job market, according to recent surveys. More than 38% of residents state that they left the state to look for greener pastures.

Many share that the terrible weather conditions are one of the main reasons why they want to leave the state.  Martin Mann, a Missouri resident, posted the following on Quora, “Our winters are brutal. There’s not much to do during the cold months. Sometimes it is bitterly cold and overcast for days on end. Additionally, our drivers are some of the worst in the country.”

Mississippi

It should be no surprise that the Magnolia State has an outbound rate of 51.9%. With high unemployment and poverty rates, more and more residents are flocking to different states with more job opportunities.  Reddit user glam270 posted that even though the state provides residents with barely any traffic problems and an escape from the fast-paced living found in many other states, the appeal of something bigger is a good enough reason to leave.

The user wrote, “I was looking for opportunities for growing my business, building houses, providing educational opportunities for my children, etc., which were not available in the state at this point in my life.” According to Mississippi Today that even though there’s a rapid decline in the state’s population, the elected officials haven’t even addressed the problem.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin has time and time again proved to have one of the slowest growth rates in the entire country. Birth rates are rapidly declining, and there aren’t a lot of residents under 18. Many people are leaving the state for better job opportunities. Employment is the main driving force for residents to pack up and leave, but three out of ten people state they’re leaving to be closer to their relatives.

The state also has terrible weather, which also causes many to move to warmer, more Southern states. Another con of living in Wisconsin is the property and income tax rates. The government imposed an 11% tax rate, and many are overwhelmed by the additional expense. Gene Rick, a Quora user, wrote, “Many of our best and most skilled people are leaving the state for our liberal (and more prosperous) neighboring state, Minnesota.”

Maryland

It became abundantly clear that a lot more people are leaving the state than moving to the state. It’s common knowledge that the cost of living is extremely high, and it’s nearly impossible to buy a house or rent a property. The state boasts a prosperous job market, but the unemployment rate is still 5%. Despite the appealing job market, many residents leave to pursue better job opportunities, nearly 39% of residents, according to United Van Lines.

Reddit user Consistent-Sample880 posted that even though she’s a teacher in a relatively well-paying area, she doubts that she would be able to purchase a house. Since working from home gained popularity, many residents packed their bags to pursue more and better opportunities to work from home in other states.

North Dakota

North Dakota has always been criticized for their relatively low population rates, and 2021 was no different, with an outbound move percentage of 52.5. Yet again, residents are leaving for job opportunities and to be closer to their families. The state has an unemployment rate of 3.2%, but people are still leaving.

Over 60% of residents stated that the cold weather was the main reason why they relocated. The winters are terrible, and it is not appealing to potential residents. Marv Dorner posted on Quora that in order to live in North Dakota, one must be adaptable to the ever-changing weather.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is well-known for its cheesesteak and chocolate, but it’s not enough to keep residents in the state. According to Move.org, one in five residents left the state. Over 60% were people who rented homes and wanted to move to states with affordable housing markets. Pennsylvania has an unemployment rate of 5.4%, and many left the state for better job opportunities.

Many people encountered work-related issues, health concerns, changes in housing demands, and significant financial losses as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Explainlikeimfifty posted on Reddit, “Pennsylvania is not an awful place to live, but it isn’t really paradise either. And if you’re living outside of Philly/Philly metro area, Lehigh Valley, or Pittsburgh, the job market just isn’t that great.”

Minnesota

Many people leave the state to seek more employment opportunities. A lot of the residents also seek to get away from the high tax rates and the terrible winters. Another driving factor is the increase in crime-related activities.

Ukrainian_penguin, a Reddit user, shared, “We get taxed up the wazoo. We have high-income taxes, high sales taxes, and property taxes are up there too. Winter can last a few months and get pretty, cold-causing potholes, which take all summer to fix.” The U.S Census Bureau shared that nearly 13,500 people left Minnesota, and the state is ranked eighth in population loss through domestic migration.

 Kansas

Even though Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz couldn’t wait to get home to Kansas, many residents feel differently. The cost 0f living isn’t as high compared in other states, and the housing is affordable, however, many of the younger generations seek new homes in more progressive states as well as better job opportunities.

“If you want to do a lot of different jobs, you really can’t do them in Kansas. Sure, there are indie/start-ups everywhere, but if your dream is to work for a big tech company/game developer, world-class museum or university, stage/dance performance, government, publishing … Yes, Kansas has these jobs, but few of them and they are really local, or they’re a place people go through before moving on to something better,” Redditor felesroo writes.

Nebraska

Nebraska listed in the top 10 states residents were leaving, with outbound moves at 55.7%. According to a report from KMTV, around 2,000 residents are leaving the state annually due to “brain drain.”Residents with college educations are leaving Nebraska to pursue opportunities that offer better salaries, especially in bigger cities.

Another big downside to living in Nebraska is the weather, Keith Rockefeller, a user on Quora shed some light on this, “Our winters are very cold … What is worse than the cold itself is the wind. 20 degrees with a strong wind from the west can chill you to the bone. When it gets into the single digits with a strong wind, it is hard to deal with. I have had to jump start batteries in that kind of weather, and it is not fun,”

Ohio

Ohio has an outbound move percentage of 56.3. Job transfers and job offers in different states is the primary reason why people are leaving, but around 28% of residents are moving due to retirement. Most residents who relocated are older than 65.

Even though the cost of living is low, the weather drives many to reconsider their residences. “110 degrees in the summer with 90% humidity. Then a couple of weeks of autumn weather. I missed the changing foliage. Then straight into frigid winter. We got what they called a polar vortex. It was -10 degrees for six weeks. I had seven feet of snow in my drive. Then a couple of weeks of spring weather, and right back into the brutal summer,” recounts Quora user Curtis Williams.

Louisiana

Residents are ready to get away from the unbearable heat and limited economic options. Outbound moves are at 56.5% in Louisiana. The primary reason to leave the state was for work, and more than half of the people who leave the state are under 45.

“Everyone I know has left. Low pay and not many opportunities, especially if you aren’t aiming for the oil field,” user cain261 shared on Reddit. There has been a crisis in Louisiana’s energy sector for years. (icnaconvention.org) The pandemic only exacerbated it. As a result of the decline in oil and gas demand, layoffs have occurred in the state’s energy industry. Job loss isn’t the only reason why people are leaving, though. Hurricanes hit Louisiana frequently, the most recent being Hurricane Ida, a category 4 hurricane that destroyed thousands of people. With each hurricane, more land is damaged, and more people flee the state.

Massachusetts

Although the Bay State is known for its world-class educational institutions and lovely seaside communities, it is also one of the most expensive states to live in. According to Zillow, the average home goes for around $545,000.

The top three reasons for people leaving Massachusetts were jobs, family, and retirement. Residents moved to less densely populated regions with more remote career prospects and closer proximity to family. “Gentrification is going on hardcore and causing rents to skyrocket even more. Kinda runs counter to the whole collegiate environment, as it’s hard for students to find affordable places to live,” Thomas Griffin posted on Quora.

Michigan

Although Michigan is widely regarded as the heartland of the American automobile industry, more people are packing their belongings and leaving. People want to be closer to their families, but many others leave the state for jobs.

Michigan also has one of the highest average auto insurance prices in the country, with locals claiming that driving in the winter months can be especially hazardous. It also makes no difference who caused the accident in Michigan. The increased premiums are due to the state’s no-fault policy.

California

There are a lot of things to love about California, but it is not very welcoming to those who can’t afford the high cost of living. Many are realizing that it is not worth the money to stay there.

This has been an ongoing problem for years. Movers are also leaving to be in closer proximity to their families. Andrew T. shared a post on Quora that reports that overcrowding is a big issue in the state. “Housing prices are sky high. There’s too little housing and too many people — and too many regulations on the building of new housing. Traffic is insane, even in non-major cities.”

Connecticut

With an outbound moves percentage of 60.1%, many are overwhelmed by the high tax rates and exorbitant housing prices. Many who leave the state are older than 55. Even though it is not common, retirement income gets taxed in Connecticut, which is why many are leaving for retirement reasons.

Another problem is the high property rate taxes as well as the terrible weather conditions. “Winters are long, cold, and usually quite snowy. Nighttime starts at 4:00 or so in the afternoon in the depths of winter. Go to work with your headlights on, and come home with them on again,” says resident David Dill shared on Quora.

New York

During the COVID-19 pandemic, inhabitants of New York City fled tight, overcrowded apartments in favor of more spacious, greener surroundings. The most common reason for people leaving New York last year was to be closer to their families, followed by retirement. It is costly to live in New York, which is why many retirees decide to relocate. Many are also leaving to states with no state income tax or where housing is more inexpensive.

“Most of New York State’s population can be found in the New York City area and, frankly, there’s no more room … The other population centers in New York are suffering from a combination of urban sprawl and a hollow industrial base. Buffalo, for example, has been losing population since 1950 and the growth of the metro area hasn’t kept pace,” Steven Haddock shared on Quora.

Illinois

Illinois has large open spaces unlike New York, but still has a staggering 67.2% of outbound moves. Many leave to be with their families, and others leave for better job opportunities. The state is short on job prospects, and resignations hit an all-time high in August of last year during the Great Resignation. High crime rates, high taxes, and high housing prices are all reasons why people are leaving for greener pastures.

Others claim that the climate is also a deterrent. “I just can’t deal with winter or the humidity very well anymore. It used to only be the winter, but as I get older the humidity affects me more and more. We have 11 years until retirement and then we are moving to a cheaper, more temperate area,” says Sloth_grl on Reddit.

New Jersey

For the fourth year in a row, New Jersey has the unfortunate luck of having the greatest percentage of outbound moves at 70.5%. Most leave due to retirement and many are deterred by the high property taxes.  “It’s overpopulated, over-regulated, and overtaxed. People also tend to hate it because almost every approach to the state drops you right in the middle of an industrial wasteland, and if you drive through it you only see the massively crowded highways,” user emperorko shared on Reddit.

These are the states where people are leaving, but where are they going? Continue reading to learn about the most popular states for people to relocate to.

Georgia

There is much more to Georgia than fresh fruit and delicious sweet tea. It has both beautiful scenery and reasonable housing prices. This is reflected in its 53.5% inbound moves rate. Many move to Georgia for their families and the attractive property taxes. This is appealing to many who are looking to buy a property.

The weather can be quite unpredictable at times, but Georgia is the perfect place for those who prefer sunny conditions. Reddit user thesouthdotcom wrote, “If you hate the cold, you’ll love it here. Lots of people complain about the humidity, but if you live here long enough, it’ll grow on you. I personally refer to it as the warm blanket.”

New Hampshire

The low crime and poverty rates make New Hampshire the ideal place for Americans to move to. Many sources claim that the state is the perfect place to start a family in. People who are interested in lifestyle changes, or have a desire to live a higher quality of life flock to New Hampshire.

“New Hampshire is green, clean, and has abundant natural scenery, including a nice coast, forests, mountains, and beautiful lakes,” says Carol Francis on Quora, but she also wrote, “Unless you’re a professional in a high-demand industry or run a profitable business, there just aren’t many employment opportunities.”

Arizona

Even though Arizona has extremely hot weather, many people are making the big move to the Grand Canyon. Many move to enjoy their retirement in peace and others move due to being tired of the cold weather of other states.

Social Security benefits aren’t taxed, and property taxes are low compared to other states. Arizona is also noted for its gorgeous scenery, moderate winters, and pleasant weather. Resident Gil Flores posted the following on Quora, “Arizona is a wonderland of diverse, interesting outdoor environments. On the same day, you could go from snow skiing to water skiing. Arizona has a massive amount of federal, state, and municipal parks, preserving our natural wonders, and allowing everyone to enjoy the diverse, scenic beauty of this state.”

Texas

With Texas’s low cost of living and prosperous job market, it is no surprise that the state has a percentage of 54.4% of inbound moves. Nearly 90% of native Texans still reside in the state according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. The same study also indicated that about 3,800 more people move into Texas than leave – every single week.

It’s important to bear in mind that property taxes, as well as home insurance, is pretty pricey if you’re looking for a new home. The heat can also get quite unbearable, texasforeveryall wrote, “The weather gets really hot and it’s not very seasonal. This can be a blessing or a curse. You have to be cautious of flooding, tornadoes, or hurricanes depending on your location.”

Utah

Many Americans are flocking to Utah due to the low cost of living and up-and-coming housing market. What’s ironic is that most people move to, and leave Utah for the same reason – jobs. The state’s IT economy, dubbed “Silicon Slopes,” is expanding and generating billions of dollars annually.

“There are jobs, they pay pretty well, cost of living is lowish, and you can access [nature and mountains] on any weekday before or after work. We live well compared to large expensive cities where everyone works 60 hours a week to barely get by and has no escape from the grind,” writes one Redditor.

New Mexico

New Mexico is a somewhat tax-friendly state for seniors, partially taxing Social Security and other kinds of retirement income while still having one of the lowest property tax rates in the country. Some people also promote the state because of its picturesque beauty. New Mexico’s gorgeous terrain draws a large number of new residents

“If you’re retired and healthy and like to walk, it’s great. Price of living is probably cheaper, you have access to culture, parks, and whatever it is that retired people do,” says WesternTumbleweeds on Reddit.

Maine

Who wouldn’t want to live in this coastal region known for its pristine beaches, lobster shacks, and lush greenery? With inbound moves around 57.9%, it is clear that Maine is the place to be for lifestyle changes. However, living in Maine means you’ll be highly taxed on your land, and food will be more expensive.

“Maine is a quiet place, but I like being able to live in a place where I can go to the woods and be away from everyone for a while, or go down to the coast and watch the boats,” S. Marcotte on Quora writes, but then adds, “the economy sucks, we have a big issue with poverty.”

North Carolina

North Carolina boasts a moderate climate and low property taxes, which is mainly why so many Americans are moving there. Last year, the main reason for movers entering North Carolina was to be closer to family. However, according to WRAL.com, Durham County reported a significant increase in employment resignations last year, which one commissioner blamed on fatigue.

“The weather is usually fairly pleasant, it is not yet too overcrowded, the crime rate is not too high and most people mind their own business … Both beaches and mountains are reasonably close and there are sports events, concerts and other activities available,” writes resident Leonard Roberts on Quora.

Delaware

Retirement was the main reason people shifted into Delaware in 2021, with those aged 65 or older making up over half of the inbound population. Younger people, on the other hand, complain that there isn’t much to do in terms of entertainment and career prospects.

“Delaware is very small so everyone is like two or three degrees of separation away. It can be a little cliquey, but for the most part people will be willing to make new friends,” Redditor VicVinegar-Bodyguard posted.

District of Columbia

While the cost of living is high, the job market is booming, and you can enjoy higher salaries, according to the US Census Bureau. According to Redditor Gumburcules, Washington, D.C. outperforms other major cities.

“It’s so much quieter and more relaxed than NY. It’s much more compact and convenient than LA. The weather is miles better than Chicago, and you’re not stuck in the middle of the country, which makes travel and weekend getaways a million times better.”

Rhode Island

Nearly 36% of individuals moving to Rhode Island indicated the work opportunities motivated them to do so. Remote employment is a top lifestyle change for the movers. However, it is also one of the most expensive states to live in, with half of all inbound movers earning $150,000 or more.

“It’s basically the Shire in LOTR, everyone knows everyone, people are generally friendly with each other but distrusting of strangers, and generally the people that live here never leave or want to leave,” draqsko, a Redditor, says.

Idaho

There’s more to Idaho than its agricultural market; its IT job market, in particular, has been booming. Idaho’s low cost of living and availability of outdoor recreational options may appeal to Americans looking for a more economical lifestyle and more open landscapes.

“There’s a lot of positives especially if you’re the outdoors type. Huge swaths of wilderness in the state, desert in the south with more mountainous terrain, and forests in the central and northern parts of the state. Even in Boise (where traffic can get ‘bad’), an hour of driving will get you into the wilderness,” Reddit user stormy370 shared.

Oregon

Alabama

Alabama residents have extremely low property taxes and it reflects in the state’s inbound moves percentage, which is at 62.1%. People moved to and from Alabama due to the state’s job economy, however. The state’s median household income is lower than the national average, despite its low unemployment rate.

“Travel is easy and cheap in one of the most ecologically diverse states, meaning there is a ton to see and do in nature without spending much. Lots of diverse small/medium cities to visit … Alabama is also a sick hub for great weekend trips. Nashville, New Orleans, and Atlanta are all reasons to go on a Friday after work and enjoy the weekend,” says jsm2008 on Reddit.

Florida

Whether you’re visiting the local beaches and theme parks or seeking the perfect place to retire, Florida has something for everyone. The state’s superb climate and recreational activities, as well as its tax-friendly status, attract retirees. However, AdrianArmbruster on Reddit says Florida isn’t all sunshine and rainbows.

“It’s definitely not going to be all vaporwave aesthetics and Miami Beach sunsets all the time. Definitely don’t go expecting that. The primary industry of tourism both raises prices and depresses wages. Anyone thinking of coming here with a penny to their name may want to keep that in mind.”

West Virginia

Nearly half of those who came to the Mountain State said jobs were their primary motivation, but 72 percent said they left for the same reason. A declining coal industry has left West Virginia with one of the highest poverty rates in the country.

However, Redditor OMothmanWhereArtThou says, “The cost of living in West Virginia is really low and it has so much natural beauty. If you’re an outdoorsy person, you can find a lot to get into. If you’re a fan of living near very few people, that can be easily achieved in WV.”

South Carolina

South Carolina is known for its mild weather, pleasant locals, and recreational attractions such as Myrtle Beach and the salt marshes. South Carolina is famed for its golf courses, beaches, and historical sites, but it’s also a tax haven for retirees.

“There are plenty of gorgeous towns around Beaufort, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach, and Charleston. I would even say that Charleston is perhaps the most underrated city in the U.S. I don’t think you can find that sort of wonderful, unique, and well-preserved southern British colonial architecture anywhere else in the U.S.,” writes TheWalkingKing on Reddit.

South Dakota

Those moving to South Dakota were mostly motivated by a desire to be closer to family. The state offers a lower-than-average cost of living, as well as no income tax and low sales taxes.

“Sioux Falls is consistently rated one of the best places in the U.S. to live. It’s got a gorgeous parks system and a lively local music scene. As to the rural parts of the state, it’s incredibly beautiful, basically the lyrics to ‘America the Beautiful’: beautiful, spacious skies; amber waves of grain; purple mountains majestically rising above a fruited plain,” writes nemo_sum on Reddit.

Vermont

Vermont ranks No. 1 for the most inbound moves in 2021, despite being one of the least populated states in the nation, with the percentage being 74.3%. Although the state has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, it is also believed to be highly expensive to establish a business there, making it unsuitable for starting a business.

“It’s a really outdoorsy state. People are all about being outside, hiking, kayaking, biking, skiing. No matter where you live here, it is beautiful. The seasons are fun, it’s almost always a pretty drive, and the air is clean (seriously underrated feature of VT, how good the air smells),” Redditor luxorange shared.