Careers and climate change have Americans on the move: Here are the top 10 states people are leaving (and where they are going)

20. Virginia

Outbound moves: 50.9%

The Old Dominion isn’t faring too badly when it comes to outbound moves, ranking close to the middle of the list.

Almost 38% of movers left Virginia for work-related reasons, while 27% were motivated to reside closer to their family.

Homes also tend to be pricier in Virginia compared to the rest of the country, with the median home value at $348,835, according to Zillow.

“Traffic sucks, especially in the areas where the jobs are. Cost of living is likely high, if you live within a decent distance of the jobs. Taxes are semi-high,” says caelric on Reddit.

Kiss your credit card debt goodbye

Millions of Americans are struggling to crawl out of debt in the face of record-high interest rates. A personal loan offers lower interest rates and fixed payments, making it a smart choice to consolidate high-interest credit card debt. It helps save money, simplifies payments, and accelerates debt payoff. Credible is a free online service that shows you the best lending options to pay off your credit card debt fast — and save a ton in interest.

Explore better rates

19. Nevada

Outbound moves: 51%

Nevada’s glitz and glam lures plenty of tourists and gamblers to the state temporarily, but how many Americans actually want to spend their lives there?

Work was the top reason for movers to flee the Silver State, while the desire to be closer to family followed as a close second.

Tourism is the main industry in Nevada — no surprises there — but the job market is pretty limited for those who seek other sources of employment. The state also has the second-worst unemployment rate in the country, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

“Education is awful, income doesn't match how expensive it has become here in Northern Nevada, health care can be hit or miss,” says one Redditor.

18. Missouri

Outbound moves: 51.8%

Often saddled with the unfortunate misnomer of “Misery,” the state of Missouri actually ranks somewhere in the middle of the pack when it comes to inbound and outbound moves.

The slow job market appears to be the top reason for residents packing up their bags. Over 38% of movers said they left the Show Me State to seek new employment opportunities last year.

Some say that one of the biggest downsides to living in Missouri is the weather, however. Resident Martin Mann on Quora says, “Our winters blow. There just is not that much to do. It is bitter cold on some days and at times the overcast may last several days, which is depressing. We also have some of the worst drivers anywhere.”

The richest 1% use an advisor. Do you?

Wealthy people know that having money is not the same as being good with money. WiserAdvisor can help you shape your financial future and connect with expert guidance . A trusted advisor helps you make smart choices about investments, retirement savings, and tax planning.

Try Now

17. Mississippi

Outbound moves: 51.9%

Surprise, surprise. The Magnolia State was pretty balanced out for its inbound to outbound move ratio.

Mississippi has tanked on several state lists in the past for its high poverty and unemployment rates, so it’s unsurprising that over half of its movers say they left the state for work-related reasons.

Redditor glam270 says that while you can benefit from a slower pace of life and less traffic in the state, they were motivated to leave Mississippi for something bigger and better.

“To show the cons that led me out of the area, this is not the land of opportunity for jobs or expanding businesses, building, educational opportunities for children, etc. that I was looking for at my personal stage of life.”

16. Wisconsin

Outbound moves: 52.1%

Wisconsin is considered one of the slowest growth states in the country — with declining birth rates and few residents under the age of 18, plus plenty of people leaving for better opportunities.

While employment is cited as the number one reason for movers to abandon Wisconsin, about 3 in 10 also say they left to be closer to their families.

Living in the Badger State also comes with relatively high property and income taxes for middle class families.

“Brain drain is a reality here, as many of our brightest and most qualified leave the state for our progressive (and more successful) neighbor, Minnesota,” writes Gene Rick on Quora.

15. Maryland

Outbound moves: 52.2%

The Free State fell five spots from its position on last year’s list, although it’s still clear that more people are moving out of the state than in.

The state is notoriously expensive to live in, with pricey homes and rent costs.

And while there’s a strong job market, especially for aerospace and defense and federal agencies, the unemployment rate is fairly high at 5%.

“I’m a teacher in what’s considered a pretty well-paying district and I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to buy a house a reasonable distance from my work. The cost of living is pretty wild,” says Redditor Consistent-Sample880.

14. North Dakota

Outbound moves: 52.5%

The Peace Garden State has long been scrutinized for its sparse population and — much like in other years — in 2021, more people chose to exit the state than enter it.

Work and the desire to be closer to family were the top reasons North Dakotans fled the state last year. That said, the state’s unemployment rate is relatively low, at 3.2%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The state’s cold winter months can also be a deterrent to prospective residents.

“You have to be very adaptable in regards to the weather. Summers are mostly pleasant, but 100° is not uncommon. Winters are cold. Last week we were at a high temp of -25 degrees ... without wind chill,” writes Marv Dorner on Quora.

13. Pennsylvania

Outbound moves: 52.6%

Pennsylvania might be well-regarded for its cheesesteak and chocolate — it’s home to the little town of Hershey — but residents aren’t staying put for the iconic food.

Movers in the Keystone State were primarily motivated by employment in 2021. Pennsylvania has a relatively high unemployment rate of 5.4%.

“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,” writes explainlikeimfifty on Reddit.

12. Minnesota

Outbound moves: 54.3%

The North Star State jumped five spots on the list this year, as more residents seek better opportunities elsewhere.

Employment was the biggest reason movers fled Minnesota by a generous margin — about 18 percentage points higher than the second (family).

Aside from the usual reasons for moving out, residents may also be trying to escape the high taxes and harsh winters the state is known for.

“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,” says Ukrainian_penguin on Reddit.

11. Kansas

Outbound moves: 55.5%

“There’s no place like home,” Dorothy says to get herself back to Kansas in The Wizard of Oz. However, plenty of residents in the state today simply can’t wait to leave.

Despite the low cost of living and affordable home prices, Kansas is undergoing an exodus of young folks for better job opportunities and more progressive laws. For example, the state passed new election laws last year, which critics say make it more difficult for someone to register as a voter or cast a vote.

Like many other states, work was the primary motivation for movers shifting out of the Sunflower State.

“If you want to do a lot of different jobs, you really can't do them in Kansas. Sure, there's 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,” says Redditor felesroo.

10. Nebraska

Outbound moves: 55.7%

Nebraska made it to the top 10 for states Americans were fleeing last year — KMTV reports the Cornhusker State loses around 2,000 residents a year due to “brain drain.”

College-educated adults are moving out of Nebraska for better jobs and pay, and looking at larger cities with more to offer, according to David Drozd, research coordinator at UNO’s Center for Public Affairs.

Nearly 42% of movers pointed to work opportunities as their primary reason for departing the state.

Some people also find the weather a nuisance. “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,” writes Keith Rockefeller on Quora.

9. Ohio

Outbound moves: 56.3%

Ohio didn’t change spots from last year’s ranking, remaining one of the states with the largest outflows.

A new job or job transfer is the number one reason for Ohio’s outbound moves, but 28% of Buckeye movers say it was retirement that prompted them to relocate elsewhere.

The state might boast a relatively low cost of living, but some say the erratic weather can be an issue.

“110 degrees in the summer with 90% humidity. Then a couple 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 weeks of spring weather, and right back into the brutal summer,” recounts Quora user Curtis Williams, who says he used to reside in Elkhorn, Blair and Tekamah.

8. Louisiana

Outbound moves: 56.5%

Residents in the Pelican State are eager to escape the sweltering heat and low income opportunities.

An overwhelming majority of movers pointed to work as their primary reason for getting out of Louisiana — more than 30 percentage points higher than the second biggest motivator (family). And nearly half of movers were under the age of 45.

“Everyone I know has left. Low pay and not many opportunities especially if you aren't aiming for oil field,” writes cain261 on Reddit.

7. Massachusetts

Outbound moves: 57.6%

The Bay State might be renowned for its top educational institutions and charming coastal towns, but it’s also one of the least affordable states to live in the U.S.

The median home value lies upwards of $545,000, according to Zillow, and it’s even worse in cities like Boston.

Jobs, family and retirement were the top three reasons for movers abandoning Massachusetts.

“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,” writes Thomas Griffin on Quora.

6. Michigan

Outbound moves: 57.7%

Michigan is widely considered the center of the American automotive industry, but more residents are packing their bags and driving out of the state than into it.

Although the desire to be closer to family was the primary motivation for almost half the inbound movers, a third of outbound movers said they exited the Great Lake State for jobs.

Michigan also has one of the highest average auto insurance rates in the nation and residents say driving in the colder months can get particularly treacherous.

“The weather is miserable six months of the year. If you're into winter sports, roads so icy that you fear for your life every time you get behind the wheel every winter, and constant grey dreary skies, then Michigan winters might be fine for you,” says one anonymous Quora user.

5. California

Outbound moves: 59.3%

California’s home to Disneyland, Hollywood and Silicon Valley — what’s not to love? — but the Golden State can lack luster for those who can’t afford it.

California’s quite expensive to live in, with the highest gasoline taxes in the nation, according to the American Petroleum Institute.

About 35% of movers also said they left the state to be closer to their family.

Quora user and resident Andrew T. Post claims overpopulation is a major problem 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.”

4. Connecticut

Outbound moves: 60.1%

The Nutmeg State is burdened by high taxes and expensive housing, and its residents simply cannot afford to stay.

About a third of outbound movers cite retirement as their primary motivation for leaving the state. Unlike most other states, all of your retirement income — including Social Security — gets taxed in Connecticut.

Residents contend with high property taxes as well. Others take issue with the weather.

“Winters are long, cold and usually quite snowy. Night time 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 on Quora.

3. New York

Outbound moves: 63.1%

The Empire State underwent an exodus during the COVID-19 pandemic with residents fleeing cramped, overcrowded apartments for more open, greener spaces.

New York slid down by one spot in 2021, however it still made the top three for outbound moves.

The top reason for movers exiting New York last year was to be closer to one’s family (29.4%), closely followed by retirement (29%).

“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,” says Steven Haddock on Quora.

2. Illinois

Outbound moves: 67.2%

Unlike New York, the Prairie State has plenty of rolling hills and open plains — and yet Americans are still fleeing Illinois in droves.

About 3 in 10 outbound movers left Illinois to be closer to their family. Around 28% each cited either retirement or jobs.

The state lacks job opportunities and reached an all-time high for resignations in August last year during the Great Resignation. To make matters worse, Kiplinger named it the least tax-friendly state for middle-class families in 2021.

Others say the climate can be off-putting as well. “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.

1. New Jersey

Outbound moves: 70.5%

The Garden State holds the dubious distinction of holding the highest percentage of outbound moves — for the fourth year in a row.

About a third of movers said retirement was their main reason for relocating elsewhere.

New Jersey has some of the highest property taxes in the nation and the median home value is around $430,000, according to Zillow.

“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,” writes emperorko on Reddit.

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.

Keep reading as we check out the top states people are moving to.

20. Georgia

Inbound moves: 53.5%

The Peach State offers far more than fresh fruit and sweet tea to potential homeowners — it features both gorgeous scenery and fairly reasonable home prices.

The top reason for inbound movers entering Georgia was the desire to be closer to family. The state has moderate sales and property taxes and doesn’t tax Social Security benefits for retirees.

Redditors say the weather down south can be a bit hit-or-miss, but it’s perfect for people who prefer warmth over cold.

“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,” writes thesouthdotcom on Reddit.

19. New Hampshire

Inbound moves: 53.6%

New Hampshire moved five spots up from last year’s ranking — with its low violent crime and poverty rates, it’s been called one of the best states to raise a family in the U.S. by multiple publications.

Close to half of all inbound movers pointed to family as their main reason for relocating to the Granite State.

“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 also adds that, “Unless you’re a professional in a high-demand industry or run a profitable business, there just aren’t many employment opportunities.”

Jobs were the top motivator for people moving out of the state last year.

18. Arizona

Inbound moves: 54.1%

Despite all the dry heat, more Americans moved into the Grand Canyon State than those who exited it last year. That said, it still dropped dramatically from its fifth place ranking in 2021.

Over a third of inbound movers cited retirement as their main reason for switching to Arizona. Snowbirds flock to the state’s stunning parks and sunshine (without all the humidity) during the fall and winter months each year — but some decide to remain there for good.

Arizona doesn’t tax Social Security benefits, and its property taxes are relatively low as well.

“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, allowing everyone to enjoy the diverse, scenic beauty of this state,” says Gil Flores on Quora.

17. Texas

Inbound moves: 54.4%

The Lone Star State’s affordable cost of living and job market are major incentives for movers — Texas is known for its decent home prices, lack of income taxes and booming oil and agricultural industries.

Just keep in mind that property taxes and home insurance can get pretty expensive if you’re hunting around for new digs in the state.

Some Redditors also warn newcomers to be prepared for the heat.

“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,” says texasforeveryall.

16. Utah

Inbound moves: 55.4%

Believe it or not, the Beehive State has been attracting more residents than usual in the past couple years, perhaps for the low cost of living and hot housing market.

And jobs were the top reason for both inbound and outbound movers in Utah.

The state’s tech industry — affectionately known as “Silicon Slopes” — is growing and generates billions of dollars each year.

“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.

15. New Mexico

Inbound moves: 56.1%

The Land of Enchantment still retained its hold on American movers last year — and most newcomers cited either jobs or retirement.

New Mexico is considered moderately tax-friendly for retirees — it partially taxes Social Security and other forms of retirement income, but also has one of the lowest property tax rates in the U.S.

Some residents recommend the state for its scenic beauty as well.

“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.

14. Maine

Inbound moves: 57.9%

Who wouldn’t want to reside in this coastal state known for its sandy beaches, lobster shacks and gorgeous greenery?

The top three reasons movers flocked to Maine last year were for family, retirement and lifestyle changes (lifestyle could refer to anything from improving their work-life balance, switching to a lower-density area or raising a family).

However, living in the Pine Tree State will also get you taxed heavily on your property and the groceries can be more costly as well.

“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,” writes S. Marcotte on Quora, but also adds that, “the economy sucks, we have a big issue with poverty.”

13. North Carolina

Inbound moves: 59%

The Old North State dropped seven spots from last year’s ranking — but its moderate climate and low property taxes are still drawing more inbound than outbound movers across the country.

That’s not to mention the cheap real estate prices — the median home value is just over $282,000.

The desire to be closer to family was the top reason for movers entering North Carolina last year, however 4 in 10 outbound movers seemed to find the jobs in the state lackluster. Durham County saw a huge spike in job resignations last year, which one commissioner attributed to burnout, reports WRAL.com.

“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.

10 (tie). Delaware

Inbound moves: 59.1%

The Diamond State got even more precious for Americans last year, making it to the top 10 for inbound moves. It also happens to be revered by out-of-state shoppers for its lack of a sales tax.

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.

That said, younger folks say there’s not much to do in terms of entertainment and job opportunities.

“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,” writes Redditor VicVinegar-Bodyguard.

10 (tie). District of Columbia

Inbound moves: 59.1%

Washington, D.C. might not technically be a state — but United Van Lines still includes it on its list every year.

D.C. moved up five spots from the previous year’s ranking, and while it’s considered pretty pricey to live in, the job market’s thriving and you can expect higher-than-average income as well, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Redditor Gumburcules says D.C. also trumps other big cities you might normally compare it to.

“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.”

10 (tie). Rhode Island

Inbound moves: 59.1%

America’s tiniest state has been steadily moving up the ranks of United Van Lines’ national movers list in recent years, jumping into the top 10 for inbound moves in 2021.

Nearly 36% of those entering Rhode Island said the jobs convinced them to relocate to the state.

That said, it’s also one of the costliest states to live in the U.S. and half of all inbound movers reported an income of $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,” says Redditor draqsko.

9. Idaho

Inbound moves: 60.4%

The Gem State wasn’t quite as prized in 2021 as it has been in previous years, plunging from first to ninth place.

Contrary to popular belief, Idaho isn’t all farmland and potatoes — its IT job market in particular has been flourishing and the state’s Department of Labor also reported strong population and job growth last year.

The low cost of living and abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities can make Idaho attractive to Americans seeking a more affordable lifestyle and open spaces as well.

“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,” says stormy370 on Reddit.

8. Oregon

Inbound moves: 60.5%

Lush forests and blue rivers delineate the Beaver State — however, its natural beauty wasn’t enough to stop it from slipping down the list.

Oregon took third place in United Van Lines’ list for 2021 and before that it held at No. 2 for three years in a row.

A sizable chunk of inbound movers (44%) said they chose Oregon for work-related reasons and that’s unsurprising considering the state’s thriving tech industry. A number of high-tech businesses are clustered around the Silicon Forest area around Portland.

That said, the state’s high cost of living and ballooning homeless population have become an issue for many.

7. Tennessee

Inbound moves: 62%

Tennessee is home to more than just Graceland and fried chicken — plenty of Americans love the state for its low cost of living and affordable homes.

The Volunteer State has fairly low property taxes and won’t tax your Social Security benefits or income. Just be prepared to deal with sky-high sales taxes when you do your shopping.

The climate can be hit-or-miss for some people, as Larry Gwinn writes on Quora.

“If you hate winter, then Tennessee is a great state for you. Tennessee’s winter is mild and short. But, its summer is long and very humid.”

6. Alabama

Inbound moves: 62.1%

Sweet Home Alabama certainly lives up to much of the hype, ranking sixth place on United Van Lines’ list.

Residents in the Yellowhammer State benefit from extremely low property taxes and cheap home values.

However, Alabama’s job market was the top reason for both people moving out and into the state. The unemployment rate is fairly low, but median household income in the state is lower than the national median.

“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, Atlanta are all reasonable to go to on a Friday after work and enjoy the weekend in,” says jsm2008 on Reddit.

5. Florida

Inbound moves: 62.3%

Florida’s got a little bit of everything for everyone, whether you’re hitting up the local beaches and theme parks or just looking for the ideal spot to settle down in your golden years.

Retirees adore the state (retirement was the top reason for almost 39% of inbound movers) for its excellent climate and recreational opportunities, as well as its tax-friendliness. There’s no state income tax, and the sales and property taxes are pretty average compared to the rest of the country.

It’s not all sunshine and rainbows in the Sunshine State, however, according to AdrianArmbruster on Reddit.

“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 being 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.”

3 (tie). West Virginia

Inbound moves: 63%

Those country roads are taking plenty of Americans into West Virginia — the state jumped up eight spots to make it to third place for inbound moves in 2021.

Close to half of those entering the Mountain State cited jobs as their main motivator, but a whopping 72% said they exited the state for the same reason.

West Virginia grapples with one of the worst poverty rates in the country, particularly with the decline of its coal industry.

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.”

3 (tie). South Carolina

Inbound moves: 63.3%

South Carolina boasts a warm climate, friendly residents and outdoor attractions like Myrtle Beach and the salt marshes.

Like in 2020, the top reason for moving to the Palmetto State was retirement, and almost 70% of the new residents last year were 55 or older.

South Carolina is well known for its golf courses, beaches and historic buildings — and it’s pretty tax-friendly for retirees as well.

“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.

2. South Dakota

Inbound moves: 68.8%

The Mount Rushmore State is clearly more than just the massive granite carvings it gets its nickname from — drawing almost 70% of its movers last year.

In fact, the desire to be closer to family was the main motivator for those relocating to South Dakota.

The cost of living is lower-than-average, plus the state has 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 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.

1. Vermont

Inbound moves: 74.3%

Despite being one of the least populated states in the nation, Vermont ranks No. 1 for the highest percentage of inbound moves in 2021.

Over 43% of inbound movers cited the jobs as their main reason for moving. The state has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the U.S., however it’s also considered quite expensive to run a business there, so it’s not ideal for launching a startup.

Redditor luxorange recommends the Green Mountain State for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

“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).”