According to the latest annual Moving Trends Report by PODS, Americans continue to move away from major metropolitan areas in California and the Northeast, while southern cities remain popular destinations.
California and Northeast Cities See Most Move-Outs
The report, analyzing customer move data from January 2024 through March 2025, highlights that California led the nation with seven cities ranking among the top 20 areas with the highest number of residents moving out. Los Angeles topped the list for the second consecutive year, followed by Northern California’s San Francisco area and San Diego.
Other cities with high move-outs include Long Island, NY, Central Jersey, NJ, Chicago, IL, and Boston, MA, reflecting ongoing challenges such as:
- High cost of living
- Housing affordability issues
- Increased risks of natural disasters
Top 20 Cities With the Highest Number of Move-Outs
- Los Angeles, CA
- Northern California (San Francisco area)
- South Florida (Miami area)
- Long Island, NY
- Austin, TX
- Central Jersey, NJ
- Chicago, IL
- San Diego, CA
- Stockton-Modesto, CA
- Hudson Valley, NY
- Santa Barbara, CA
- Denver, CO
- Boston, MA
- Hartford, CT
- Fresno, CA
- Bakersfield, CA
Not previously ranked but now notable: Seattle, WA; Washington, DC; Tampa Bay, FL; Philadelphia, PA.
Southern Cities Remain Attractive Destinations
On the flip side, the report praises cities like Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Wilmington, North Carolina, as the top relocation destinations for the second year in a row. These southern areas draw newcomers due to their:
- Affordable housing
- Outdoor recreational opportunities
- Overall quality of life
Summary
The migration pattern reflects broader economic and lifestyle trends, with many Americans seeking more affordable and less densely populated areas. While California and parts of the Northeast continue to face population declines, southern cities and regions like Texas and Florida maintain their appeal, shaping the country’s demographic landscape in 2025.
Information sourced from:
- PODS Moving Trends Report (2024-2025)
