Top Reasons Americans Are Moving in 2026: Affordability and Fresh Starts, Plus the Top Cities They’re Choosing

Moving isn’t always about landing a new job or buying a bigger house. The PODS Moving Mindset Study found that finances, relationships, and well-being are shaping where people choose to live. While affordability leads the top reasons Americans are moving, priorities can look different depending on someone’s generation and stage of life. Here are four of the top reasons people are moving, and five of the top cities they’re choosing to call home.

What Are the Top Reasons Americans Are Moving?

Job changes and wanting a better home or neighborhood still play a role, and both appear in U.S. Census Bureau moving categories. But the PODS Moving Mindset Study points to something more personal: People are weighing what a place will do for their budget, their relationships, and their well-being. The top reasons Americans are moving range from money and family to fresh starts and better health.

1. Greater Affordability

For many households, the numbers have to make sense. In the PODS Moving Mindset study, 58 percent of respondents cited affordability as a key consideration when choosing where to live, putting it high among the top reasons Americans are moving.

Cost-conscious movers may look beyond expensive metros toward suburbs, smaller cities, or regions where their budgets can stretch further. The goal isn’t necessarily finding the cheapest destination, but a place where finances and lifestyle feel more sustainable.

2. Proximity and Connection to Family and Friends

The study found that 41 percent of respondents said proximity to family, friends, or a support system influenced their move. And 45 percent said they would turn down a higher-paying job if accepting it meant moving away from those relationships.

Connection is particularly important among baby boomers, with 44 percent identifying it as a priority. Living near children, grandchildren, friends, or other support can make one location more appealing than another.

3. A Fresh Start

Half of respondents described their most recent relocation as a “fresh start.” Of those respondents, 49 percent associated it with a clean slate, while 38 percent connected it to “new place, new hope.”

That makes personal change one of the more emotional top reasons Americans are moving. Sometimes a move is less about leaving something behind and more about what comes next.

4. Younger Americans Want Opportunity, While Older Americans Prioritize Connection

Affordability was the top priority among all generations. However, other motivations for moving tend to change with age. Among Gen Z respondents, 41 percent prioritized opportunity and 39 percent valued flexibility. Millennials prioritized opportunity and stability equally at 33 percent each.

Baby boomers leaned toward connection, simplicity, and health. In addition to 44 percent prioritizing connection, 38 percent valued simplicity, and 35 percent prioritized health. 

These generational differences help explain why the top reasons Americans are moving can send people in very different directions.

Different types of communities offer different perks: from affordability and stability to opportunity and connection — all of which are top reasons Americans are moving.

Why Do People Choose Cities, Suburbs, or the Countryside?

Why do people move from one type of community to another? Often, it comes down to the kind of day-to-day life they want. Cities can provide career opportunities, entertainment, and social connections, while suburbs may offer more space and a quieter environment. Smaller towns and rural areas can appeal to people looking for simplicity, space, or a slower pace.

So, why do people move to cities specifically? Younger adults may be drawn by opportunity and flexibility, while movers focused on affordability, stability, or simplicity may prefer suburban or smaller communities.

Five Cities To Consider Moving to in 2026

There’s no destination that checks every box. These five options offer different lifestyles that can align with the top reasons Americans are moving.

1. Dallas-Fort Worth, TX — Best for Opportunity

• Average home value: $305,800
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,425
• Great for: Young professionals, families, affordability, suburban lifestyle, access to big-city amenities

DFW combines big-city amenities with a wide range of suburban communities. Why do people move to Texas? Career opportunities and lifestyle choices can play a role, including for those moving to Texas from California. Exploring Texas moving options and the things to know before moving to Texas can help determine whether the Lone Star State fits your priorities.

2. Ocala, FL — Best for a Slower Pace

• Average home value: $265,300
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,325
• Great for: Families, retirees, affordability, outdoor recreation

Ocala offers an alternative to Florida’s biggest metros, with a relaxed atmosphere and access to the outdoors. For those considering moving in Florida, it shows that Sunshine State living doesn’t have to mean a major coastal city. Why do people move to Florida? Weather, recreation, and lifestyle can factor into the decision, but weighing the pros and cons of living in Florida can help determine whether it fits.

3. Raleigh, NC — Best for Young Professionals

• Average home value: $428,700
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,400
• Great for: Young professionals, career growth, college-town energy, suburban neighborhoods

Living in Raleigh pairs a growing metropolitan environment with surrounding suburban communities, making it worth considering for movers prioritizing opportunity, flexibility, and room to settle down.

As part of the Research Triangle alongside Durham and Chapel Hill, the region draws professionals in technology, life sciences, and higher education. Raleigh neighborhoods range from walkable, restaurant-filled areas downtown to quieter suburbs — like Cary and Apex. Raleigh has the highest average home value on this list, but rent stays in line with the other cities, which may appeal to renters who want to get established before buying.

4. Knoxville, TN — Best for Outdoor Living

• Average home value: $370,700
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,425
• Great for: Young professionals, families, outdoor enthusiasts, hikers and bikers, college-town lifestyle

Knoxville combines city conveniences with access to mountains and recreation, offering a middle ground between urban amenities and a nature-focused lifestyle. The Great Smoky Mountains are about an hour away, and the city’s Urban Wilderness trail network brings hiking and mountain biking close to downtown.

With the Tennessee River running through town and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, adding college-town energy, there’s always something to do, from game days to local music and food. Tennessee also has no state income tax.

5. Myrtle Beach, SC — Best for a Fresh Start

• Average home value: $323,100
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,450
• Great for: Retirees, remote workers, beach lovers, golfers

Beaches, outdoor activities, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere can appeal to movers who want a change of scenery and a lifestyle reset. Living in Myrtle Beach means easy access to the Grand Strand, a roughly 60-mile stretch of coastline, and beyond the boardwalk you’ll find golf courses, state parks, and waterfront dining.

Nearby communities like Surfside Beach and Conway offer a range of price points, from beachfront living to small-town charm. A tourism-driven economy keeps restaurants, entertainment, and events going year-round, which can make the area feel lively even outside of summer.

From affordability to being closer to loved ones, the top reasons Americans are moving often come down to finding a better fit.

Top Reasons Americans Are Moving — FAQs

Q: Why are so many Americans moving?
A: Affordability, relationships, and quality of life are important factors. The PODS Moving Mindset Study found that 58 percent considered affordability important when choosing where to live, while 41 percent said proximity to family, friends, or support systems influenced their move.

Q: What is the No. 1 state people are moving out of?
A: PODS’ 2026 Moving Trends Report identifies California as the top-ranking state people are leaving, with Los Angeles leading its move-out city rankings.

Q: What are the top 10 reasons people move to a new place?
A: Some of the top reasons Americans are moving include affordability, being closer to family or friends, a fresh start, opportunity, flexibility, stability, simplicity, and health. U.S. Census Bureau moving categories also include job changes and wanting a better home or neighborhood.

Q: What are the top cities people are moving to in 2026?
A: According to PODS’ 2026 Moving Trends Report, the following are the top 10 cities people are moving to in 2026.

• Myrtle Beach, SC-Wilmington, NC
• Ocala, FL
• Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
• Raleigh, NC
• Greenville-Spartanburg, SC
• Charlotte, NC
• Boise, ID
• Knoxville, TN
• Sarasota, FL
• Jacksonville, FL

Make Your Move Flexible With PODS

Once you’ve chosen where to call home, PODS can help get your belongings there. Have a portable moving container delivered right to your driveway where you can load it on your own schedule. Need help with the heavy lifting? PODS can connect you with local packing and loading services. When you’re ready, have your container picked up and delivered to your new home or kept in a PODS Storage Center until you need it.

Visit PODS online for a free moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

Editor’s note: Average rent prices were obtained from RentCafe, and average home values were obtained from Zillow. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.

_{*PODS Enterprises, LLC (“PODS”) is the owner of this publication. The information and opinions expressed are based on data provided by PODS and publicly available information from competing moving and storage providers. All comparisons and pricing references in this post are based on information available as of September 2026. PODS Enterprises, LLC does not guarantee the accuracy of third-party data or that competitor pricing or service offerings remain the same after this date. This post is for informational and marketing purposes only and should not be construed as an endorsement or statement of fact regarding any competitor’s current business practices.}