Top Cities People Want to Relocate to in Each State in 2025

Key Takeaways from Move Trends in 2025

Small cities are gaining more attention as top destinations for relocation. For example, Johnson City, TN, has taken the lead over Chattanooga, and Coeur d’Alene, ID, has surpassed Boise, which was previously the top choice. Meanwhile, some cities that were once popular are experiencing a slowdown in move interest. The Villages in Florida, for instance, saw its in-to-out move ratio drop significantly. Similarly, Burlington, VT, and Cheyenne, WY, have also seen a decline in interest.

New affordable cities are rising in popularity, challenging traditional favorites. Duluth, GA, and Bozeman, MT, have overtaken previous winners like Decatur and Billings. Additionally, small regional hubs are attracting more people, with cities like Harrisburg, PA, Shreveport, LA, and Ithaca, NY, showing positive inflow.

Top 10 Move-to Cities of 2025

The top 10 cities reflect a preference for smaller communities with high quality of life and affordability. These cities offer outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and lower living costs compared to larger metropolitan areas. Portland, ME, is one of the few large cities in the list, highlighting how even major cities can be attractive for relocation.

Johnson City, TN, is a university town with a population under 100,000, known for its scenic beauty and outdoor opportunities. Coeur d’Alene, ID, offers access to water sports and natural landscapes. Fairbanks, AK, provides unique experiences like dog sledding and hot springs. St. George, UT, is close to Zion National Park but far from Las Vegas. Hickory, NC, allows residents to avoid the overcrowding of Raleigh while enjoying local culture.

These cities show a growing trend toward smaller, more manageable communities that offer a better balance between lifestyle and cost of living.

Cooling Interest in Previously Popular Cities

Some cities that were once top choices are seeing a decrease in move interest. The Villages, FL, which was a leader in growth, has experienced a significant drop in its in-to-out move ratio. Similarly, Burlington, VT, and Cheyenne, WY, have seen their move ratios decline. While these cities remain popular, the overall interest has decreased, indicating a shift in preferences among potential movers.

Affordable Cities Rising in Popularity

Many of the top move-to cities in 2025 offer affordable housing options. Cities like Johnson City, TN, Huntsville, AL, and Shreveport, LA, have home prices well below the national average. These cities not only provide affordability but also offer desirable living conditions, such as outdoor recreation or strong job markets. Despite higher home values in some cities, factors beyond price—such as lifestyle and community—play a significant role in relocation decisions.

Emerging Hotspots and Population Growth

Some cities that were previously struggling with population outflow are now seeing positive movement. Shreveport, LA, and Providence, RI, have reversed their trends, becoming more attractive to new residents. This shift highlights the importance of recreational, cultural, and economic opportunities in influencing relocation choices.

Affordable Housing Options in 2025

For those seeking the most affordable housing, several cities stand out. Youngstown, OH, offers homes at an average price 83% below the national average, making it a top choice for retirees. Gulfport, MS, is another affordable option, with a thriving casino scene and access to beaches. Other cities like Peoria, IL, and Kansas City, KS, also provide excellent value for homebuyers.

High-Value Destinations

Despite their high home prices, some cities continue to attract new residents. Boulder, CO, remains a top destination, with an average home price of over $950,000. Its college-town atmosphere, mountain lifestyle, and proximity to Denver make it appealing despite the cost. Other high-value cities like Bend, OR, and Bozeman, MT, also maintain strong appeal due to their lifestyle amenities and natural beauty.

Changing Trends in Relocation Patterns

Search data for 2025 shows that traditional population growth metrics do not always align with current move trends. Some cities in the top 10 had negative population growth in recent years, yet they still attract significant move interest. This suggests that Americans are prioritizing quality of life over traditional factors like population size or economic indicators.

Mid-Sized, Livable Cities Lead the Way

Mid-sized cities are increasingly preferred over large metropolitan areas. Cities like Youngstown, OH, and McAllen, TX, offer affordability without sacrificing lifestyle. Others, such as Huntsville, AL, and Lexington, KY, provide strong economies and community engagement. Suburban and hybrid cities like Summerville, SC, and Duluth, GA, are also gaining traction as attractive alternatives to urban living.

Methodology Behind the Data

To determine the top move-to cities, moveBuddha analyzed search data from July 2024 to March 2025, focusing on moves planned for 2025. Only cities with at least 20 searches for both in and out moves were considered. Hawaii was excluded due to insufficient data, and some cities in other states did not meet the criteria for being top move-to destinations. Zillow Home Value Index data and U.S. Census population estimates were also used to support the findings.