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South Carolina is again the top moving destination for Americans in 2026
According to the MoveBuddha platform's report analyzing 98,000 moving queries, South Carolina remained the most preferred state for Americans to move to in 2026. Interest in Florida surged by 35 percent, while Idaho took second place.
The online platform moveBuddha, which examines Americans' moving trends, released its 2026 Moving Trends Report. The analysis, evaluating about 98,000 moving queries, revealed that South Carolina is on track to be the most popular moving destination for the seventh consecutive time.
The report, cited by Travel & Leisure magazine, calculated a ratio by comparing move-in and move-out requests for states. South Carolina topped the list with a move-in to move-out ratio of 2.02, meaning the number of people wanting to move to the state was more than double those wishing to leave.
South Carolina, with a population of over 5.5 million, owes its appeal to various factors. Charleston's historic beauty, coastal areas like Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach, and Greenville's burgeoning culinary scene — highlighted by restaurants featured in the Michelin Guide — make the state a hub catering to different lifestyles.
Idaho and Mountain West states increase in popularity
Idaho, ranking second with a ratio of 1.65, had briefly held the top spot before. Boise, the largest city in the state of over 2 million people, remains a major draw for those planning to move.
Idaho's popularity also reflects Americans' growing interest in the Mountain West region. According to the report, interest in Arizona rose 21 percent, Montana 15 percent, and New Mexico 24 percent.
Moving demand for Florida surges
Florida was the state where moving demand increased the fastest. The Sunshine State's move-in to move-out ratio surged by 35 percent. The most popular moving destination within the state was The Villages, a retirement community for residents aged 55 and older located about 130 kilometers north of Tampa.
With a move-in to move-out ratio of 3.58, The Villages is home to over 83,000 residents. A 2024 study by Northwestern Mutual named The Villages the best destination in the U.S. for middle-income retirees.
Top 10 most popular states of 2026
According to the MoveBuddha report, the 10 states Americans most preferred to move to in 2026 are ranked as follows:
- South Carolina
- Idaho
- Florida
- South Dakota
- North Carolina
- Arkansas
- Montana
- Tennessee
- Alabama
- Maine
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