NAR Migration Trends

With rapidly changing buyer preferences and abilities, there has been a lot of migration within the United States over the past few years. As seen in the chart to the right, southern states such as Florida, Texas, and the Carolinas have been big winners in these domestic migration patterns, largely led by more affordable conditions and opportunities. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, 42% of these moves were driven by housing reasons, 26% for family reasons, 16% for employment reasons, and only one percent moved due to climate-related reasons.
The available Census Bureau data provides information surrounding where Americans move and in what volumes, but there is less available data surrounding why Americans move to a specific area and what drives those decisions. With this in mind, the National Association of REALTORS® Research Committee decided to conduct a survey of its members to analyze the drivers and motivators of their clients moving to different areas within the country. Throughout the report, the data is also broken down by movers to each of the four regions of the U.S. (Midwest, Northeast, South, and West) to identify any differences in drivers to different regions; regional definitions can be found in the Methodology section of the report.
Here are some of the Key Findings
Millions of Americans move and migrate throughout the nation, and this has been exacerbated by the surge of remote work and current affordability issues in the market. With varying priorities of America's home buyers, let's take a look at what drives individuals to move to specific areas and how that compares regionally:
Migration Patterns
In 2024, nearly half of all movers (46%) headed to the South, while 25% chose the West, 18% went to the Midwest, and 11% moved to the Northeast.
Reasons for Moving
- Closer to Family (30%)
The most common motivation was the desire to live near relatives and friends. - Affordability (21%)
Many sought more reasonably priced housing to better fit their budgets. - Tax Benefits (16%)
Lower tax rates—particularly in the South—played a significant role for some movers. - Safety (16%) & Proximity to Work (15%)
Concern for safer neighborhoods and easier commutes also factored into relocation decisions.
Movement Trends
- In-State vs. Out-of-State
While 36% of movers crossed state lines, 63% chose to stay within their own state, simply relocating to a different city or region. - Returning to Familiar Places
About 18% decided to move back to areas they had lived in before—a trend especially noticeable in the Midwest (24%) and the West (20%).
Home Preferences
- Outdoor Spaces (42%)
Nearly half of homebuyers were drawn to properties with appealing outdoor areas. - More Space (31%)
A substantial group sought larger square footage to accommodate their needs. - Quiet Neighborhoods (24%)
Many buyers prioritized living in areas known for peace and tranquility.
Implications for Real Estate Professionals
- Understanding Clients’ Needs
- Recognizing that proximity to family, affordability, and favorable tax conditions are major motivators helps professionals refine their approach and better meet clients’ goals.
- Regional Knowledge
Staying informed about local trends and attractions—especially those driving migration—allows agents to offer more targeted support and guidance. - Highlighting Features
Showcasing properties with desirable traits such as outdoor living spaces, ample square footage, and quiet neighborhoods aligns with what many buyers currently want.
















