More People Are Moving to Vermont Than Any Other State, Study Says
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Photo by Michal Balog on Unsplash
Americans have been in a moving mood the past few years, as COVID-19 has changed work habits and enabled many workers to do their jobs remote from anywhere in the U.S.
Now, United Van Lines has released the company’s 45th Annual National Movers Study, indicating what states are the most, and lease, desirable for Americans on the move. The study analyzed data for customers’ state-to-state migration patterns to determine where all 50 states fall in popularity.
So, which state is No. 1? Vermont has been named the state with the highest percentage of inbound migration at 74%. Other popular states included South Dakota (69%), South Carolina (63%), West Virginia (63%) and Florida (62%).
From which states are Americans moving away? The No. 1 state on the list of outbound states was New Jersey at 71% for a fourth year in a row. Other states topping the outbound list include Illinois (67%), New York (63%), Connecticut (60%) and California (59%).
“For 45 years now, our annual United Van Lines study, with its data-driven insights, has allowed us to explore a deeper understanding of Americans’ overall migration patterns,” Eily Cummings, director of corporate communications at United Van Lines, said in a statement.
Cummings added, “As the pandemic continues to impact our day-to-day, we’re seeing that lifestyle changes — including the increased ability to work from home — and wanting to be closer to family are key factors in why Americans are moving today.”
According to additional data from United Van Lines, 31.8% of Americans moved to be closer to family, a new trend likely due to the pandemic. Roughly 32.5% of Americans moved for a new job or job transfer, in comparison to 2015, when more than 60% of Americans moved for a job or transfer.
Many Americans also moved due to retirement. According to the study, Gen Xers are retiring earlier than previous generation and heading to smaller cities, such as Punta Gorda (81% inbound), Sarasota (79% inbound) and Fort Myers-Cape Coral (77% inbound). For the full United Van Lines study, go here.
