Sarasota, FL, October 19, 2025
News Summary
PODS Enterprises has released its latest Moving Trends Pulse Check Report, revealing a continued trend of migration towards Southeastern and Sun Belt cities as residents depart from costly coastal urban areas like Los Angeles. With Sarasota, Ocala, and Myrtle Beach being the top cities attracting new residents, this report highlights the ongoing quest for more affordable living conditions and improved quality of life. Factors influencing this trend include robust job markets and low living costs in these regions, contrasting sharply with the high prices in cities experiencing significant outflows.
Nationwide Trends Reveal Ongoing Migration to Southeast as Coastal Cities Face Exodus
PODS Enterprises has unveiled its 2025 Moving Trends Pulse Check Report, which evaluates long-distance moving activities from January 2024 to March 2025. The report highlights a steady pattern of migration, primarily towards Southeastern and Sun Belt cities, as residents leave coastal urban areas in search of more affordable living conditions.
The findings of this report build upon the annual Moving Trends Report released in May 2024. The southeastern states, particularly Florida and the Carolinas, have emerged as top destinations for movers. Specifically, Sarasota and Ocala in Florida, along with Myrtle Beach in South Carolina and Wilmington in North Carolina, comprise the top three cities attracting new residents, holding this status for three consecutive years. Additional cities capturing the interest of newcomers include Raleigh, Charlotte, and Greenville-Spartanburg in South Carolina.
Factors contributing to the appeal of Sun Belt metropolises such as Phoenix, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Orlando include their robust job markets coupled with relatively low living costs. Conversely, Los Angeles, California, has topped the list for move-outs for the fourth year in a row, followed by cities including Boston, Long Island, and Washington, D.C.
The migration trends signal a significant shift as escalating housing prices, high taxes, and increasing insurance premiums in coastal cities motivate residents to relocate to more affordable regions. Notable move-out markets also include Hudson Valley in New York, Chicago, and Northern California.
The report underscores a sustained preference among movers for affordability, a balanced lifestyle, and favorable climate conditions—a trend evidenced by the significant population outflows from the Northeast and West Coast. The report observes that many are relocating primarily for reduced living costs and improved quality of life. These moving preferences have proven to be consistent year-over-year, with a rising attraction to smaller cities that offer access to nature, which younger professionals, retirees, and families are increasingly seeking.
For the average PODS customer, the distance moved was approximately 1,300 miles, with about 92% of moves being out-of-state. Notably, there is a rising trend in relocations to the Midwest compared to previous years. Challenges such as California’s exorbitant housing costs, severe weather, and high taxes continue to push residents away, leading to a list comprising seven Californian cities among the top move-out areas.
However, housing insurance premiums in Florida are projected to reach $15,460 by the end of 2025, which may serve as a deterrent for potential newcomers. Ultimately, the movement towards regions that offer an ideal combination of lifestyle and affordability illustrates a crucial shift in how people are choosing to live and work.
Key Findings
- Top inbound cities: Sarasota, Ocala, and Myrtle Beach/Wilmington
- Leading outflow city: Los Angeles
- Notable outflow states: California, New York, and Illinois
- Average distance moved: nearly 1,300 miles
- % of out-of-state moves: 92%
FAQs
What does the 2025 Moving Trends Pulse Check Report focus on?
The report evaluates long-distance moving activities from January 2024 to March 2025.
What regions are experiencing the most migration?
Southeastern and Sun Belt cities are the most popular destinations.
Which cities topped the inbound list for movers?
Sarasota, FL, Ocala, FL, and Myrtle Beach, SC/Wilmington, NC are the top three cities for move-ins.
Where are the most people moving out from?
Los Angeles, CA, is leading the nation in move-outs for the fourth consecutive year.
What are the average costs associated with moving?
The average distance moved by PODS customers was nearly 1,300 miles, with around 92% of moves being out-of-state.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Top Inbound Cities | Sarasota, FL, Ocala, FL, Myrtle Beach, SC/Wilmington, NC |
| Prominent Outflow City | Los Angeles, CA |
| Average Distance Moved | 1,300 miles |
| % Out-of-State Moves | 92% |
| Projected Housing Insurance Premiums in Florida | $15,460 by the end of 2025 |
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Additional Resources
- Builder Online: Americans Keep Heading South
- Live Now Fox: 2025 Moving Trends Report
- US News: Moving Trends Overview
- Wikipedia: Migration
- Travel + Leisure: Most Popular Places to Move in USA
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
