Relocating to a neighboring town for an extra bedroom doesn’t seem to cut it anymore for many Americans. Whether seeking better jobs, friendlier housing markets or more bang for the buck in general, an increasing number of people are taking the longer route to their new homes.
Interstate moving is, in fact, at an all-time high, with a record-breaking 8.2 million Americans making the move across state lines in 2022, according to a recent domestic migration report from StorageCafe. Conversely, same-state relocations plummeted over the last decade, from 37.8 million Americans involved in local moves in 2013 to just 31 million in 2022.
Considering the major impact of relocation on the self-storage industry, we aimed to identify the top moving destinations in the U.S. and the states that excel at retaining residents. Our research is based on the latest U.S. Census data, which includes migration patterns for 2022.
Arizona secured the fourth spot for net migration in 2022 (after Florida, Texas and North Carolina), acquiring more than 77,000 new residents and solidifying its status as a prime relocation destination. The state’s appeal is bolstered by its robust economy, proximity to California and its red-hot housing market — as well as its coveted climate, rendering it a favored choice for retirees.
California emerges as the primary origin of newcomers, with nearly 75,000 individuals making the move to the Grand Canyon State in 2022. It’s not just individuals but also California corporations that are making a beeline for Arizona. And companies like Intel, Tesla, Charles Schwab and PayPal have substantially expanded their operations in Arizona in recent years, creating a ripple effect that intertwines corporate and individual migration. Promising job prospects creates a magnet for newcomers. Moreover, Arizona’s housing market, while not universally affordable, presents a more accessible option for Californians, with home prices being 44% lower than in Cali.
Washington state stands out as the second significant source, contributing more than 20,000 new Arizonans in 2022, among whom 29% are baby boomers. The average age of those migrating from Washington to Arizona stands at 45, a clear indicator of the current retirement trends. Other states sending significant amounts of people to Arizona include Texas, Colorado and Oregon.
Maria Gatea is a real estate and lifestyle editor for Yardi Systems, a software company that provides property management solutions for various industries and regions, including StorageCafe.
