Americans can be very restless. More people are embracing long-distance moves as they search for places with cheaper housing and high-paying jobs. The more recent growth in remote work has opened new doors as well, helping people consider new places that may not have been on their radar 10—or even five—years ago.
Take a look at the different states welcoming waves of new residents. Perhaps you’ll find your own chance to land a new place to call home.
1. Connecticut
For years, the Nutmeg State’s population stagnated, appearing to be a northeastern state from which people were generally fleeing. In more recent years, Connecticut’s strong economy, great healthcare system, solid public schools, and charming urban areas have lured people back. Despite Connecticut’s housing crunch, it’s still drawing in new residents, primarily from New York and New Jersey.
2. South Carolina
With the combination of strong traditional/in-person job growth and the ever-expanding array of remote work opportunities, the Palmetto State keeps bringing people in with the promise of a more affordable “American Dream.” Despite South Carolina’s enduring popularity as a relocation destination, its housing prices remain far lower than most of the rest of the East Coast, fueling further growth.
3. Delaware
Why on Earth is the First State so near the top of this list? Think about it—Delaware has great transportation infrastructure, a robust supply of relatively affordable housing, low tax rates, and easy access to some of the nation’s most underrated beaches. Delaware is a hidden gem that more Americans are starting to discover, especially those looking for a more affordable and less crowded alternative to other parts of the Philadelphia metro region.
4. Arizona
The Grand Canyon State abounds in phenomenal landscapes, great weather, and good jobs—it’s not surprising that Arizona continues to enjoy its status as one of the nation’s fastest-growing states. As long as housing prices remain well below those next door in California and as long as the Phoenix metro region keeps attracting new tech jobs, Arizona will likely continue its growth streak.
5. Idaho
As West Coast states struggle with sky-high costs of living, some adventurous people in search of cheaper homes and greater room to roam are making their way to the Gem State. While the tech and healthcare sectors drive continuing growth in the Boise region, Idaho’s more rural northern panhandle (particularly in and around Coeur d’Alene) draws in retirees and younger newcomers seeking an escape from the West Coast way of life.
6. Tennessee
It’s become a very poorly kept secret that Nashville is popular, so much so that the Music City metro region’s white-hot growth is the prime factor fueling sustained growth for the Volunteer State overall. In addition, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Johnson City are drawing in new residents thanks to their cheap(er) housing and attractive quality of life.
7. Florida
While the Sunshine State’s notorious lack of COVID health safety rules drew some new residents here in 2020 and 2021, Florida’s combination of low taxes, cheap(er) housing, and near-tropical weather keeps people moving in. While Florida remains a top destination for retirees, its abundance of job opportunities has younger residents moving in as well.
8. Montana
With the growth of remote work alongside growing economic prospects in the college towns of Missoula and Bozeman, Big Sky Country’s population is starting to get bigger. Of course, it also helps that housing prices across Montana are a huge bargain compared to prices for similar homes on the West Coast and even in more populated states across the Mountain West.
9. Georgia
Not only do a whole lot of people have Georgia on their minds, but they’re also leaving on that Midnight Train to Georgia. The Peach State continues to grow, thanks to Atlanta’s evolution into a key economic hub, offering much cheaper housing than other major East Coast metro regions. Even as smaller cities like Columbus and Macon suffer population declines, ongoing growth in and around the ATL buoys the state’s overall growth.
10. Colorado
The Centennial State not only keeps it 100, but it also keeps earning top scores in economic strength, great outdoor spaces, and most vibrant cities—hence why Colorado’s population keeps growing. While rising housing costs and falling immigration rates threaten to hamper future growth, for now, at least, the abundance of job opportunities across the Front Range keeps Colorado on this list.
11. North Carolina
The Tar Heel State’s seemingly idyllic blend of great outdoors, mild weather, plentiful jobs, and cheap housing really works. Especially with the continuing growth of the tech sector in Raleigh-Durham, the financial sector in Charlotte, and tourism along the coast, North Carolina’s future looks as bright as ever.
12. Oklahoma
Oklahoma, where cheap homes bring people to the plains! Yes, really—low housing costs are a major factor in the Sooner State’s growth. New job opportunities in and around Oklahoma City have also helped bring in new residents, though it remains to be seen whether slowing immigration will hold back future growth.
13. Nevada
California’s loss is Nevada’s gain—literally. Even as housing costs surge in and around Las Vegas and Reno, the Silver State’s relative affordability compared to the Golden State next door keeps Californians moving here. In particular, Northern Nevada’s growing tech sector helps the state continue growing overall, even as the wave of Californians rushing into Vegas appears to be slowing.
14. Maine
For a while, the future didn’t look very bright in the Pine Tree State due to its aging population and relative lack of economic prospects. But in recent years, Maine has turned things around. Not only have remote workers found cheaper housing there, but they’re also discovering a great quality of life with ample outdoor recreational spaces and lively urban renewal in Portland.
15. Texas
With its famously low taxes and warm weather, it’s easy to see why people flock to the Lone Star State. But really, Texas’s lower housing costs (especially when compared to California and New York) and ample jobs are the key factors in the decision to move there. Austin’s booming tech sector continues to lead the way, but the more diverse economic opportunities in Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth also help.