News Summary
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has been named the most popular city for relocation in 2025 according to a report by MoveBuddha. The city boasts a remarkable move-in-to-out ratio of 2.55, highlighting its appeal among families and individuals seeking affordable, family-friendly environments post-COVID-19. South Carolina’s lower cost of living, job opportunities, and outdoor activities contribute to its appeal, with many opting for areas that balance quality living and economic prospects. The trend indicates a significant shift in relocation preferences across the U.S.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has been identified as the most popular U.S. city for relocation in 2025, according to a recent report from Atlanta-based moving and storage company MoveBuddha. This surge in relocation preferences reflects a growing trend where individuals are leaving expensive urban areas in favor of more affordable and family-friendly locales, particularly in the post-COVID-19 landscape.
MoveBuddha’s analysis, which encompassed 55,000 searches from individuals contemplating moves from January 1 to March 10, 2025, highlighted South Carolina as the hottest state for relocation. With a remarkable move-in-to-out ratio of 2.18, South Carolina’s appeal is primarily driven by its affordable cost of living and desirable quality of life. This ratio indicates that for every individual leaving the state, over two are moving in, showcasing strong interest in the region.
Myrtle Beach outshines other cities with a move-in-to-out ratio of 2.55, leading the entire nation. The city is noted for its beautiful sandy beaches, a rich array of natural surroundings, and an abundance of family-friendly entertainment options which contribute to its growing popularity among relocating families and individuals. Following Myrtle Beach, Greenville ranks third with a ratio of 2.29, while Charleston occupies the eighth position with a ratio of 1.68.
The reported statistics reveal a 14% increase in interest for moving to South Carolina over the previous year, demonstrating an ongoing preference for mid-sized cities offering both affordable housing and ample job opportunities. Notably, even though North Carolina has the highest number of searches for 2025, it ranks third in overall move-out ratios with a figure of 1.61. This indicates that while many may be searching, fewer are making the move compared to South Carolina.
The appeal of South Carolina can be attributed not only to its low cost of living—approximately 7% below the national average—but also to its diverse outdoor activities available year-round, such as golfing, hiking, and more, thanks to its moderate climate. Additionally, the state boasts a booming job market supported by major manufacturing companies such as Boeing, BMW, and Volvo, which have positively contributed to South Carolina seeing a 7% increase in employment over the last five years.
The data from U-Haul further emphasizes South Carolina’s rise, as the state accounted for 51.7% of U-Haul’s one-way traffic in 2024, marking the first time it has emerged as the leading growth state. Notably, the U-Haul Growth Index, which compiles data from over 2.5 million one-way equipment transactions made annually, revealed that while overall moving traffic dropped in 2024, South Carolina’s inflow remained steady, showing only a 2% reduction in outflows.
The growing trend of relocating to Myrtle Beach and other cities in South Carolina suggests that individuals are increasingly prioritizing a balance of quality living with economic opportunity, a trend that was catalyzed by lifestyle changes prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
These findings from MoveBuddha provide valuable insight into contemporary migration patterns in the U.S., illustrating where people are choosing to relocate and the factors influencing their decisions. Myrtle Beach, with its unique blend of amenities and appealing lifestyle, continues to capture the attention of those seeking new beginnings in 2025.
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Additional Resources
- Apartment Therapy: Popular State People Moving To 2025
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach relocation trends
- Greenville Online: SC is U-Haul’s Leading Growth State of 2024
- Wikipedia: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- TBR News Media: PODS Unveils 4th Annual Moving Trends Report
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Migration
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.
