Based on the most recent available data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Americans continue to relocate all across the country. You might be thinking about making a change, too.
According to migration data, family needs, lifestyle goals, and career shifts, especially with the rise of remote work, can all factor into where someone might decide to relocate. It’s a big decision, and understanding where others are flocking to could help you narrow down your options. This is where a simple question comes into play: where are people moving to, and why?
Before you start packing, booking movers, and locking down moving storage, it’s worth doing some research on the top cities people are moving to. In this guide, we’ll break down the data based on national trends and explore which destinations stand out as some of the best places to live in 2026.
Big Picture: National Migration Trends
Before diving into our list of the best places to move in the U.S., it’s worth getting a sense of the broader trends first. Based on the most recent estimate from the U.S. Census Bureau (July 2023–July 2024), population growth continues to concentrate in the South and parts of the West. Texas and Florida, in particular, remain strong favorites, while some Midwest and Northeast regions are seeing slower population growth (though populations are still growing).
Massive hubs like Los Angeles and New York still welcome a huge wave of newcomers each year, but a growing number of people are also leaving those cities. According to a recent survey, many households are trading in higher-cost coastal regions for metros with lower costs and often, more job flexibility and better career opportunities.
Texas, for instance, stands out in nearly every migration measure. Multiple Texan cities appear on both lists of the top cities people are moving to and the fastest-growing by percentage. Florida also attracts steady inflows, especially among retirees and remote workers seeking warmer weather and lower taxes.
Which City Are Most People Moving To?
The number-one city most people are moving to is still New York, New York.
Per the U.S. Census Bureau, New York City brought in 87,184 new residents between July 1, 2023, and July 1, 2024, the biggest jump of any U.S. city.
After population losses in the last few years, New York is bouncing back, with more people drawn to its dense job market, rich cultural scene, and career opportunities. For young professionals especially, the city can offer unmatched networking and industry variety—not to mention never-ending entertainment.
New York’s growth also highlights an important trend: large cities are not disappearing. Instead, many of these cities are adapting, offering features like more flexible living arrangements and hybrid work options to lure residents back.
Other Top Cities People Are Moving To
What cities are people moving to beyond New York? We’ve compiled the rest of the top ten, based on numerical population increases over the most recent one-year reporting period.
Houston, Texas’ New Resident Count: 43,217
Houston’s diverse job market spans energy, health care, aerospace, technology, and other major sectors. Combined with warm weather, no state income tax, and relatively low housing costs, the prospect of moving to Houston continues to attract a lot of newcomers.
Los Angeles, California’s New Resident Count: 31,276
LA has long been a magnet for entertainment, tech, and global business talent, and its cultural influence hasn’t changed. While housing costs are high, many residents are drawn to the opportunities, warm weather, and the Hollywood entertainment industry, which are hard to replicate elsewhere.
San Antonio, Texas’ New Resident Count: 23,945
A strong military presence, an expanding healthcare sector, and, like Houston, a lower cost of living drive San Antonio’s steady growth. The city’s family-friendly neighborhoods, slower pace, and rich cultural heritage add to its growing appeal.
Fort Worth, Texas’ New Resident Count: 23,442
Part of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, Fort Worth offers access to a huge job market while maintaining a more relaxed, spacious feel. New housing developments, an expanding cultural scene, and relatively affordable home prices continue to bring in new residents.
Charlotte, North Carolina’s New Resident Count: 23,423
Charlotte’s role as a major banking hub, alongside its growth in the energy, health care, and tech sectors, has appealed to a growing number of young professionals. The city also offers modern infrastructure, suburban-style neighborhoods, and proximity to both mountains and the coast.
Chicago, Illinois’ New Resident Count: 22,164
Chicago’s rich culture, world-class dining, and diverse neighborhoods are major draws for new residents interested in big-city living. Compared with other major metros, Chicago is especially appealing to both young professionals and families thanks to its affordability and reliable transit. If you’re planning on moving to the Windy City yourself and need to start researching neighborhoods, check out our guide to the best neighborhoods in Chicago.
Phoenix, Arizona’s New Resident Count: 16,933
Phoenix continues to attract transplants with its warm climate, expanding job base, and steady pace of housing development. The metro’s growth has also been supported by retirees, remote workers, and companies looking for lower operating costs.
Seattle, Washington’s New Resident Count: 16,813
Seattle’s tech-driven economy, anchored by major employers like Google and Apple, is a key contributor to the city’s steady population growth. Seattle also offers unparalleled access to outdoor recreation, strong wages, and a high quality of life, which helps mitigate concerns about housing affordability for many residents.
Jacksonville, Florida’s New Resident Count: 16,365
Jacksonville appeals to a broad range of people with its coastal location, lower taxes, and relatively affordable housing for a Florida metro. The growth of the health care, logistics, and financial services sectors further supports its population growth.
What Are the Top 5 Growing Cities in the U.S.?
The top five growing cities in the country, which are arguably some of the best places to move to in the U.S., might be cities you’ve never heard of before. But looking at percentage gains based on the census data, these five towns across Texas and Florida are growing fast.
Princeton, Texas’ Population Growth: 0.6%
Princeton is growing quickly thanks to a wave of new housing and its easy access to the Dallas metro area. It has become a popular choice for people who want more space without giving up job opportunities in the city.
Fulshear, Texas’ Population Growth: 26.9%
Families are flocking to Fulshear for its newer neighborhoods, good schools, and roughly 30–45-minute commute into Houston. It offers a quieter, suburban feel while still staying connected to a major job market.
Leesburg, Florida’s Population Growth: 18.5%
Leesburg continues to attract residents, especially retirees, seeking a relaxed lifestyle. Its access to health care, recreation, and the broader Central Florida region are added perks.
Celina, Texas’ Population Growth: 18.2%
Celina’s appeal lies mostly in its strong schools and small-town atmosphere. Young families, in particular, are finding it an appealing place to put down roots.
Anna, Texas’ Population Growth: 14.6%
Anna is drawing residents north of Dallas with more affordable housing and plenty of room to grow. For buyers priced out of closer-in suburbs, it’s become an increasingly attractive option.
Why These Cities Are Popular: Key Factors
When you look at the top cities people are moving to right now, a few clear patterns emerge.
Affordability
First and foremost, affordability still matters a lot. Many of the best places to move in the U.S. offer housing costs that are noticeably lower than what you’d find in major cities, which makes it easier for people to stretch their budgets without sacrificing comfort, for example, in cities like Tulsa or Des Moines.
Job Market
Job opportunities are another big draw. Texas and Florida continue to stand out thanks to strong job growth and business-friendly policies that attract new companies and entrepreneurs alike. It’s no surprise that these states consistently appear on lists of the best places to live in the U.S., with cities like Austin and Tampa standing out.
Lifestyle
With remote and hybrid work becoming the norm, people have more freedom to choose cities that support how they want to live. This desire for a higher quality of life often plays a huge role in where people decide to relocate. For instance, many people are looking for better weather, more time outdoors, easy access to amenities, and shorter commutes, as seen in cities like Denver or Raleigh.
Best Places to Move in the U.S. in 2026: Beyond Migration Numbers
Migration data can tell us where people are moving to, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. The best places to move in the U.S. in 2026 should reflect not just population trends but also long-term livability and fulfillment for the people who choose to make a move.
When it comes to lifestyle (think: housing, schools, and a sense of community), here are a few of the best places to move to depending on who you are and what you’re looking for.
Best Places to Move in the U.S. for Young Adults
For those in their twenties and thirties, choosing where to live is often about finding the right mix of social and career opportunities. These cities stand out as some of the best places to live in the U.S. for young adults.
- Austin, Texas, offers a strong tech scene, great food, and nonstop music and festival lineups.
- Denver, Colorado, combines solid job prospects with easy access to the outdoors (e.g., hiking, skiing, and rafting).
- Raleigh, North Carolina, provides a quieter pace with stable career opportunities in research, health care, and education.
Best Places to Move in the U.S. for Families
When families think about relocating, the focus usually comes down to good schools, comfortable neighborhoods, and family-friendly things to do close to home. The following cities continue to rank among the best places to move in the U.S. for raising kids and putting down roots.
- Plano, Texas, is a popular choice for families who want strong public schools, easy access to jobs, and plenty of parks, shopping, and family-friendly neighborhoods.
- Cary, North Carolina, is a well-planned community close to major job hubs in Raleigh, with excellent schools and green spaces.
- Overland Park, Kansas, is filled with beautiful, affordable neighborhoods, excellent schools, and plenty of great bars and restaurants.
Best Places to Move in the U.S. for Retirees
For retirees, the ideal move is often about comfort, access to health care, and a pace of life that feels relaxed, but still engaging. These cities consistently rank among the best places to live in 2026 for retirement.
- Sarasota, Florida, offers a coastal lifestyle with warm weather and a big arts and culture scene.
- Scottsdale, Arizona, boasts more than 330 days of sunshine every year as well as access to great health care and a number of shopping centers, hiking trails, and golf courses to keep you entertained.
- Asheville, North Carolina, is a stunning, scenic mountain town with a strong art, music, and food culture.
Where Are People Moving to in 2026? Predictions for the Coming Year
Looking ahead, it’s fair to ask: where are people moving to in 2026? Most likely, the trends will follow familiar patterns. Texas cities should continue to dominate lists of the top cities people are moving to, while Florida will likely remain popular with retirees and remote workers. Large metros like New York and Los Angeles will always have strong appeal but may continue to deter future residents due to their high living costs.
At the same time, smaller and mid-sized cities, particularly in the South, could see continued and growing interest. As long as they remain affordable, places with thoughtful city planning, expanding housing options, and growing local economies are well-positioned to attract newcomers.
Your Next Move Starts with the Right Support
Wherever your 2026 move takes you, whether it’s to a bustling city like NYC or a growing small town in North Carolina, CubeSmart can help you get organized with the right storage solutions when you arrive.
From everyday storage needs to options for things that need climate-controlled storage,* flexible solutions at CubeSmart can help make moving easier.* Find a CubeSmart storage facility near you.
*Storage unit sizes are approximate and subject to availability. Temperature and humidity levels within any storage space, including climate-controlled spaces, may vary.
