There has been one overriding migration trend across the United States over the past several years: Americans are moving south. Surprisingly, though, this does not have much to do with the weather. Taking a deeper look at the National Association of Realtors’ 2024 Migration Trends report shows just what’s driving the trend-and it goes much deeper than preferences over climate.

The Southern Shift: What’s Driving It?

According to the NAR report, which used data from the U.S. Census Bureau, housing affordability, family ties, and job opportunities are driving the migration to Southern states. As a matter of fact:

The most common reason given for migration was housing-related: 42% said so. The South is more attractive because of lower home prices and laxer housing regulations.

26% of the movers moved closer to their family while 16% of the movers had job-related moves.

Amazingly, only 2% moved because of return to office policies, and 1% cited climate-related fears.

This certainly challenges the common view that people are moving south, first and foremost, because of its warm climate. Instead, economic and lifestyle considerations appear to play the biggest role.

Top Destinations: Southern States Reign Supreme

The report identifies the top states for net migration, and the South took the lion’s share:

Florida: 372,870 net migration

Florida had less appeal due to no state income tax, a more reasonable cost of living than many parts of the country, and a strong job market. Its iconic coastal cities-think Naples-add lifestyle appeal. Florida combines the urban opportunities available in major cities such as Miami and Tampa with serene retirement-friendly communities. Its strong tourism industry opens up many job opportunities and adds to the economic allures of this place. Infrastructure in this state includes highways and public transit that has been in continuous development to accommodate the rapid growth of the state.

Texas: 315,301 net migration

Business-friendly policy attracts Texas to both families and entrepreneurs alike. Cities like Austin and Dallas have cultural vibrancy and economic growth. Texas also benefits from having one of the most diversified economies in the nation, ranging from technology and energy to healthcare. Educational institutions, such as the University of Texas system, feed into a talent pipeline that sustains its workforce needs. The suburban areas of the state are growing rapidly, with spacious housing and family-oriented neighborhoods.

North Carolina: 126,712 net migration

Growth in North Carolina is driven by growing tech hubs in Raleigh and Charlotte, complemented by affordable housing. The state houses innovation, as businesses and talent from all over the country are drawn to Research Triangle Park. Its mountain towns and beaches make for a unique blend of outdoor recreation with urban living.

Notably, North Carolina’s low corporate tax has enticed startups and established companies to think of relocations. This dynamic combination of opportunities has set it firmly as a migration hot spot.

South Carolina: 91,853 net migration

It is becoming a popular destination for retirees and young families alike, with its charming coastal cities like Myrtle Beach and low cost of living. Its strong and growing manufacturing sector, consisting of big automotive and aerospace companies, is another advantage to the state. Its appeal also lies in its temperate climate and historic cities, such as Charleston, which blends culture and comfort. This state’s attention to the betterment of public education and infrastructure has also contributed to adding new residents. These factors make South Carolina a versatile destination for a wide range of demographics.

Georgia: 88,325 net migration

Atlanta remains a magnet for professionals, primarily due to its thriving job market, but also because the state can provide the rural serenity their counterparts may want to engage with. The “Hollywood of the South”-boasting Georgia further encourages such migration through its emerging cases of jobs and resultant economical actions. 

The low cost of doing business within the state has encouraged companies to expand businesses within the state, further driving migration to result. For families, Georgia has great school districts and plenty of recreational options, including national parks. The transportation infrastructure in Georgia, centered on the busy Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, connects it with global markets and makes it an evermore economically interesting state for economic participants. 

Other notable states include Tennessee, Arizona, Alabama, and Oklahoma, rounding out the top movers. For example, Tennessee touts a hot music scene in Nashville and no state income tax, while Arizona’s desert landscapes and affordable housing coax retirees. Ohio was the only northern state to crack the top 10, adding a net migration of 28,718 residents, a reflection of Rediscovery efforts that seek to drive local economies with new industries.

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The Broader Migration Picture

Although the South was the undisputed champion in luring movers, the regions losing a significant share of population were primarily the West and Northeast:

Among the states, California suffered the most significant loss, with 75,423 residents lost in 2023. Since 2020, facing high taxes and housing costs with very stringent COVID-19 policies, the state has reported the net exodus of over 700,000 residents.

It saw a big exodus from New York also, which lost more than 101,984 in 2023, while there were similar dramatic decreases in Illinois and Pennsylvania.

This may partly be attributed to factors such as high housing costs, state taxes, and shifting remote work dynamics.

Why Southern States Remain So Popular: A Closer Look

The South does not happen to have the largest share of net migration by accident. A combination of affordability, economic opportunity, and quality of life makes it an attractive destination:

Affordable Housing

Usually, housing is significantly more competitive when it comes to the South. Oftentimes, one can find much larger properties for less as compared with West Coast or Northeast values.

Economic Opportunities

Other cities, such as Austin, Atlanta, and Charlotte, have become business hubs with job opportunities in everything from technology to healthcare to financial services.

Lifestyle Appeal

More than anything, it has a slower pace of life, recreational opportunities, and a great deal of cultural heritage that draws people in. Other retirement-friendly southern states include South Carolina and Florida.

Tax Advantages

States like Florida and Texas have no state income tax, which is a big selling point for both families and high-income earners.

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What Does This Mean for the Future?

Where the South keeps adding Americans looking for opportunity and a better quality of life, other regions might suffer more. States losing population will need to revise their policies regarding affordable housing, taxation, and economic incentives if they ever hope to retain residents. It helps an individual remember that in migration trends, job opportunity, cost of living, and family priorities must be weighed against one another in deciding on relocation. 

Conclusion

Domestic Migration in the New Era The Southern migration trend reflects a more general shift in how Americans prioritize housing affordability, economic opportunities, and lifestyle. Whether the weather adds to the allure, it would appear that pragmatic factors are driving this movement. Such patterns may change regional economies and demographics for decades to come as the country is changing in the post-pandemic era. Whether you’re considering a move or simply observing the trends, the South’s rising prominence is a story worth following.

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