2025 Moving Trends: Family Remains the #1 Priority
United Van Lines has released its 49th Annual National Movers Study, giving us a fresh look at where Americans moved in 2025, and more importantly, why.
Last year, “moving closer to family” pulled ahead of “job transfers” as the biggest reason people were relocating. Turns out, that change wasn’t a fluke. More people are choosing family connections and lifestyle over corporate moves, and that’s sending a lot of folks to the Southeast.
As an agent for United Van Lines, ADSI Moving Systems sees these patterns firsthand. Here’s a look at trends from 2025, and how our home states of Georgia and South Carolina stack up.
Top Inbound States
Americans are continuing to leave the Northeast and West Coast for the Mountain West and the Southeast. Here are the top states that saw the most inbound moves in 2025:
- Oregon (65%)
- West Virginia (62%)
- South Carolina (61%)
- Delaware
- Minnesota
- Idaho
- North Carolina
- Arkansas
- Alabama
- Nevada
The Outbound List
On the flip side, the states seeing the most people leave were:
- New Jersey (62% outbound)
- New York
- California
- North Dakota
- Colorado
Spotlight on South Carolina
South Carolina is holding strong, coming in at #3 for inbound moves with a solid 61%. This marks the Palmetto State’s sixth straight year as a top moving destination!
People choosing South Carolina often have some clear priorities. Yes, family leads the pack, but the state is also a big draw for those thinking about retirement or craving a new kind of lifestyle (more so than in nearby Georgia.)
Top Reasons for Moving to South Carolina (2025):
- Family: 28.1%
- Retirement: 25.1%
- Job: 15.8%
- Lifestyle: 13.1%
- Cost: 6%
- Health: 1.9%
You can see why South Carolina has a reputation as a great spot for the “second chapter.” With over 25% moving for retirement and another 13% for lifestyle (compared to just 8.9% in GA), it’s clear that movers are choosing the Palmetto State for its amenities, coastlines, and pace of life.
Pro Tip: Check out our guide to moving to South Carolina to learn more about how to plan your move.
Spotlight on Georgia
Georgia continues to attract a balanced mix of professionals and families. While family reasons have taken the top spot here as well, Georgia’s corporate scene is still a big driver.
Top Reasons for Moving to Georgia (2025):
- Family: 30.6%
- Job: 28.5%
- Retirement: 8.9%
- Lifestyle: 8.9%
- Health: 3.8%
- Cost: 2.4%
Georgia offers a “best of both worlds” scenario. The fact that family (30.6% moved for family) has edged out jobs (28.5%) as the top reason to move here shows that people want to build roots, not just punch a clock.
Pro Tip: Check out our guide to moving to Georgia and South Carolina for more.
What’s Driving Moving Trends in 2026?
Family being the main motivator (nearly a third in both states) lines up with a bigger trend nationwide. After years of career-driven moves, Americans are putting more value on their support systems. Whether it’s grandparents wanting to be closer to grandkids or young professionals heading back to their hometowns, the data shows that “home” is increasingly defined by who is there, rather than what job is there.
That said, affordability is still a silent driver. With cost and lifestyle playing a role in both states, the Southeast continues drawing people looking to escape the high cost of living in places like New Jersey (the #1 outbound state) and California.
Make Your Move in 2026 with ADSI
Whether you’re hoping to be closer to family, chasing a new job, or ready for a fresh start in the Southeast sunshine, ADSI is here to make your move smoother. The trends from 2025 make it clear: moving is a personal journey. We’re here to help you get where you need to go, with solutions that fit your plans.
Have a move on your mind for 2026? Reach out to ADSI for a free quote today.