Where people in every state are moving from

Written by:
July 9, 2018
Africa Studio // Shutterstock

Where people in every state are moving from

Moving to a new state can be a disorienting experience, but millions of Americans change home states every year, ditching cosmopolitan cities for country towns, or swapping snowy winters for year-round balmy weather. Why? Many move for career-related reasons, in search of job opportunities or specific industries. Others want to live in a place where they can afford to buy a home. Parents might move to find better schools for their kids; those kids may move again to get away from their parents. And yet others might change states simply to find a different kind of community: youthful or senior-friendly, culturally diverse or homogeneous, musical or sporty, obsessed with politics or obsessed with football.

Using data on state-to-state migration flows from the U.S. Census Bureau, Stacker compiled a list of the top five states where new residents of every state moved from. The numbers in the census come from its 2016 American Community Survey. These numbers are estimates, and the margins of error may vary. More information about the methodology for the American Community Survey can be found here.

Read on to find out where each state is getting its new residents—and why you might consider making a move.

RELATED: Where people in every state are moving to

#51. Alabama

Most new Alabama residents in the past year came from:

#1. Georgia, with 23,008 people moving

#2. Florida, with 16,631 people moving

#3. Tennessee, with 9,960 people moving

#4. Texas, with 7,689 people moving

#5. Mississippi, with 7,602 people moving

Alabama’s passion for the sport might convince football fans to move there. Life practically revolves around the Alabama Crimson Tide, so expect tailgate parties every weekend, which is a great excuse to fill up on Southern barbecue and sip on Conecuh Ridge Alabama Fine Whiskey, the state’s official drink.

#50. Alaska

Most new Alaska residents in the past year came from:

#1. Washington, with 4,888 people moving

#2. California, with 3,593 people moving

#3. Georgia, with 2,208 people moving

#4. Kansas, with 1,831 people moving

#5. Texas, with 1,675 people moving

Most people wish they had more time in the day, which could encourage a move to Alaska, which gets 10 to 17 minutes more daylight hours each day than the rest of the country, averaged out over the course of the year. Move to the far north of Alaska, and the sun won’t set for months during the summer.

#49. Arizona

Most new Arizona residents in the past year came from:

#1. California, with 64,756 people moving

#2. Texas, with 14,923 people moving

#3. Washington, with 13,897 people moving

#4. Illinois, with 13,387 people moving

#5. Colorado, with 11,895 people moving

Visiting the Grand Canyon is on most Americans' bucket list, and living in Arizona makes appreciating this natural splendor much easier. The place is still full of half-hidden wonders. In fact, deep in the canyon is a town called Supai, the only place where mail is still delivered by mule.

#48. Arkansas

Most new Arkansas residents in the past year came from:

#1. Texas, with 13,487 people moving

#2. Missouri, with 6,911 people moving

#3. Oklahoma, with 5,773 people moving

#4. California, with 4,026 people moving

#5. Mississippi, with 3,699 people moving

Love to soak in hot springs? Arkansas boasts Hot Springs National Park, where visitors can submerge themselves in 143-degree Fahrenheit thermal water: either traditional-style in an individual tub or in a pool, spa-style. Move close by and every day could be a relaxing staycation.

#47. California

Most new California residents in the past year came from:

#1. New York, with 40,877 people moving

#2. Texas, with 39,109 people moving

#3. Arizona, with 33,757 people moving

#4. Washington, with 27,973 people moving

#5. Florida, with 25,354 people moving

There’s still no better place to chase movie-making dreams—or stalk favorite Hollywood celebrities—than Los Angeles. California offers many other possibilities too: working for the next big Silicon Valley tech company, climbing the Half Dome at Yosemite, or just road-tripping down the Pacific Coast Highway and enjoying the scenic view.

#46. Colorado

Most new Colorado residents in the past year came from:

#1. California, with 26,909 people moving

#2. Texas, with 20,725 people moving

#3. Florida, with 13,546 people moving

#4. Arizona, with 13,015 people moving

#5. Illinois, with 11,369 people moving

Serious skiers and snowboarders can make the most of each winter by living close to some of the best slopes in the nation. Colorado is home to five of the 10 best ski destinations in the country, according to U.S. News and World Report.

#45. Connecticut

Most new Connecticut residents in the past year came from:

#1. New York, with 22,160 people moving

#2. Massachusetts, with 8,519 people moving

#3. Florida, with 4,629 people moving

#4. New Jersey, with 4,496 people moving

#5. California, with 3,979 people moving

Connecticut is a state that boasts many of life’s small pleasures: cherry blossoms in the spring, gorgeous foliage in the fall, and pretty waterside views year-round. There are the white-picket fences, New England charm, and all the art and culture that comes with an Ivy League university. It’s a place where people can experience the beauty of each season, which may be why residents of Florida and California are flocking to this northeastern state.

#44. Delaware

Most new Delaware residents in the past year came from:

#1. Pennsylvania, with 10,139 people moving

#2. Maryland, with 6,985 people moving

#3. New Jersey, with 5,656 people moving

#4. New York, with 2,218 people moving

#5. Connecticut, with 1,263 people moving

What’s so great about Delaware? “Beaches and tax-free shopping,” according to The New York Times. Rehoboth Beach alone attracts millions of tourists each year, with its sandy shoreline and shopping opportunities. In fact, many visit the state just to buy stuff without paying sales tax. Those who live in Delaware can avoid sales tax all year long without making a trip over state lines.

#43. District of Columbia

Most new District of Columbia residents in the past year came from:

#1. Maryland, with 12,778 people moving

#2. Virginia, with 9,847 people moving

#3. New York, with 4,762 people moving

#4. California, with 3,908 people moving

#5. Florida, with 2,717 people moving

For those who love talking politics, there’s nowhere like Washington D.C. to find like-minded people. Move there for the chance to chat, debate, and argue to the heart’s content about wonky governmental topics most outside the town would rather avoid.

#42. Florida

Most new Florida residents in the past year came from:

#1. New York, with 60,472 people moving

#2. Georgia, with 39,578 people moving

#3. New Jersey, with 33,966 people moving

#4. Texas, with 31,153 people moving

#5. Pennsylvania, with 30,258 people moving

Can’t take one more cold winter in New York or Pennsylvania? Move to Florida and bask in temperate weather year-round while enjoying delicious Cuban sandwiches, tangy key lime pies, and fresh local oranges.

#41. Georgia

Most new Georgia residents in the past year came from:

#1. Florida, with 44,846 people moving

#2. New York, with 24,772 people moving

#3. Tennessee, with 20,161 people moving

#4. Texas, with 19,994 people moving

#5. California, with 18,948 people moving

Peach cobbler and sweet tea may be the first things that come to mind when one thinks of Georgia, but the Empire State of the South is also the home of a vibrant hip-hop scene and actor-musician Donald Glover’s groundbreaking show, “Atlanta.” This might explain why Georgia gains residents from states also known for their music and entertainment opportunities, like Tennessee, New York, and California.

#40. Hawaii

Most new Hawaii residents in the past year came from:

#1. California, with 13,047 people moving

#2. Texas, with 4,485 people moving

#3. Washington, with 4,355 people moving

#4. South Carolina, with 2,528 people moving

#5. Georgia, with 2,487 people moving

Why save up for a Hawaii vacation when one can experience a Hawaii vacation every day? For lovers of sun, surf, and SPAM musubi, move to the Aloha state and mellow out in the low-key vibe. Hawaii also tops U.S. News & World Report’s list of best states for health care.

#39. Idaho

Most new Idaho residents in the past year came from:

#1. California, with 17,019 people moving

#2. Washington, with 9,303 people moving

#3. Utah, with 7,405 people moving

#4. Arizona, with 4,322 people moving

#5. Nevada, with 3,300 people moving

Idaho grows more potatoes than any other state, so there’s no better place to enjoy locally grown hash browns, French fries, or any mashed, baked, or boiled spud dish. Plus, with great beaches, bald eagle sightings, and a popular biking and walking trail, Idaho’s Lake Coeur D’Alene is a fantastic place to visit.

#38. Illinois

Most new Illinois residents in the past year came from:

#1. Missouri, with 16,251 people moving

#2. Wisconsin, with 15,595 people moving

#3. Indiana, with 15,203 people moving

#4. California, with 15,163 people moving

#5. Texas, with 13,290 people moving

For parents who want their kids to get a great education without breaking the bank, Illinois has an impressive 13 public high schools that received gold ranking from the U.S. News and World Reports. When the kids aren’t in school, Chicago-area families can pile in the car to enjoy the beauty of Lake Shore Drive, taking in the stunning lakefront on one side and the sleek cityscape on the other.

#37. Indiana

Most new Indiana residents in the past year came from:

#1. Illinois, with 29,883 people moving

#2. Ohio, with 13,303 people moving

#3. Florida, with 10,994 people moving

#4. Kentucky, with 9,978 people moving

#5. Texas, with 9,403 people moving

The Indy 500 turns Indiana into a mecca for car-racing fans once a year, but aspiring basketball stars have a reason to live in the Hoosier State as well. High school basketball is huge in Indiana, and both the state’s high schools and colleges have a strong presence in the NBA.

#36. Iowa

Most new Iowa residents in the past year came from:

#1. Illinois, with 14,948 people moving

#2. Minnesota, with 7,633 people moving

#3. Nebraska, with 6,812 people moving

#4. Missouri, with 6,509 people moving

#5. Wisconsin, with 3,848 people moving

Policy wonk? Voting enthusiast? Move and be part of the Iowa caucuses, which kick off each U.S. presidential election’s primary season. What happens in Iowa has a huge influence on the rest of the country, so wield power wisely.

#35. Kansas

Most new Kansas residents in the past year came from:

#1. Missouri, with 22,577 people moving

#2. Texas, with 10,102 people moving

#3. Oklahoma, with 5,607 people moving

#4. Colorado, with 5,355 people moving

#5. California, with 4,526 people moving

Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que may be a big draw for tourists and locals alike, but Kansas has countless other claims to fame. For one, scientists have determined that the state is literally flatter than a pancake. Other scientists, however, calculated that Kansas isn’t actually the flattest state. Either way, those who move to this state can start proudly calling themselves a flatlander.

#34. Kentucky

Most new Kentucky residents in the past year came from:

#1. Ohio, with 13,426 people moving

#2. Tennessee, with 12,132 people moving

#3. Indiana, with 10,990 people moving

#4. Florida, with 9,255 people moving

#5. California, with 6,594 people moving

Kentucky produces more bourbon than any other state, and visitors can sample its bounty on a tour of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail to visit 13 distilleries. Get a trail passport stamped at each spot, and trade it in for a commemorative bourbon tasting glass—a cool gift for undertaking an arduous journey.

#33. Louisiana

Most new Louisiana residents in the past year came from:

#1. Texas, with 21,925 people moving

#2. Mississippi, with 8,208 people moving

#3. Alabama, with 5,658 people moving

#4. California, with 4,654 people moving

#5. North Carolina, with 4,565 people moving

For lovers of jazz, Louisiana is an aural paradise, with musicians playing in historic venues all year long. Pair that with mouthwatering Cajun food, and living in Louisiana might feel like Mardi Gras every day.

#32. Maine

Most new Maine residents in the past year came from:

#1. Massachusetts, with 7,799 people moving

#2. New Hampshire, with 5,649 people moving

#3. Florida, with 2,967 people moving

#4. New York, with 1,896 people moving

#5. New Jersey, with 1,888 people moving

Lobster roll, anyone? In Maine one can get fresh lobster on the cheap, or catch their own on a fishing tour. Steam these crustaceans at home, and join the local sea-to-table movement.

#31. Maryland

Most new Maryland residents in the past year came from:

#1. Virginia, with 23,926 people moving

#2. District of Columbia, with 19,754 people moving

#3. Pennsylvania, with 13,462 people moving

#4. New York, with 11,622 people moving

#5. Florida, with 10,887 people moving

Life is comfortable in Maryland, financially speaking. The state boasts the highest median household income for its residents: $78,945 compared to the U.S. median of $58,552.  

#30. Massachusetts

Most new Massachusetts residents in the past year came from:

#1. New York, with 21,876 people moving

#2. California, with 12,831 people moving

#3. Florida, with 11,295 people moving

#4. Connecticut, with 11,229 people moving

#5. New Hampshire, with 10,579 people moving

Massachusetts is considered to be one of the safest states in the country, with the lowest death by shooting rate thanks to tougher gun violence prevention laws and low gun ownership rates.

#29. Michigan

Most new Michigan residents in the past year came from:

#1. Ohio, with 16,222 people moving

#2. Florida, with 14,302 people moving

#3. Illinois, with 13,818 people moving

#4. Indiana, with 10,775 people moving

#5. Texas, with 10,484 people moving

Bordering four of the five Great Lakes, Michigan boasts an enviable 3,288 miles of shoreline. Enjoy beautiful sunsets on the sandy beaches, go searching for Petoskey stones, and learn to sail at many of the state’s nautical clubs and schools.

#28. Minnesota

Most new Minnesota residents in the past year came from:

#1. Wisconsin, with 18,683 people moving

#2. North Dakota, with 10,745 people moving

#3. Illinois, with 9,753 people moving

#4. California, with 6,232 people moving

#5. Iowa, with 5,329 people moving

Though Minnesota actually has 11,842 lakes, the state modestly calls itself the Land of 10,000 Lakes. In cold weather, Minnesota is a great spot for snow sports, but for those who want to escape from the frigid conditions, they can entertain yourself for days in the Twin Cities’ Mall of America.

#27. Mississippi

Most new Mississippi residents in the past year came from:

#1. Tennessee, with 10,017 people moving

#2. Louisiana, with 5,777 people moving

#3. Alabama, with 5,125 people moving

#4. California, with 4,317 people moving

#5. Florida, with 4,046 people moving

The Blues genre was born in Mississippi, and there’s still no better place to experience it. Locals can explore both the underground scene and the touristy fluff at their leisure. For those curious about music history, the most historic sites are marked on the official Mississippi Blues Trail.

#26. Missouri

Most new Missouri residents in the past year came from:

#1. Illinois, with 25,906 people moving

#2. Kansas, with 19,812 people moving

#3. Texas, with 11,488 people moving

#4. Arkansas, with 8,523 people moving

#5. California, with 7,037 people moving

The Show Me State has a lot to show off. It’s known for great barbecue, is the home of Anheuser-Busch, and houses the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. Plus, Lake of the Ozarks, a gigantic man-made reservoir, has been the setting for many memorable movies, as well as the TV show “Ozark.”

#25. Montana

Most new Montana residents in the past year came from:

#1. California, with 5,173 people moving

#2. Washington, with 5,132 people moving

#3. Colorado, with 2,521 people moving

#4. Texas, with 2,177 people moving

#5. Minnesota, with 2,089 people moving

Montana residents are among the most outdoorsy of Americans, with 81% participating in outdoor recreation each year. That’s no surprise when you consider all the fun one can have in Glacier National Park alone, from water sports to hiking to cycling scenic mountain roads.

#24. Nebraska

Most new Nebraska residents in the past year came from:

#1. Iowa, with 5,863 people moving

#2. Colorado, with 5,557 people moving

#3. California, with 3,661 people moving

#4. Kansas, with 3,393 people moving

#5. Texas, with 2,702 people moving

Nebraska famously has a unique nonpartisan legislature, which The Atlantic credits with allowing the state government to move more quickly, thanks to general camaraderie and cooperation between Republicans and Democrats.

#23. Nevada

Most new Nevada residents in the past year came from:

#1. California, with 45,482 people moving

#2. Hawaii, with 6,067 people moving

#3. Arizona, with 5,741 people moving

#4. Florida, with 4,997 people moving

#5. New York, with 4,742 people moving

From gambling without getting on a riverboat to partaking in recreational cannabis, Nevada is known for letting people do things that other states won’t condone. Daily Star puts Las Vegas first on its list of top places for a quickie wedding—though as most know from Britney Spears’ example, not everything that happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

#22. New Hampshire

Most new New Hampshire residents in the past year came from:

#1. Massachusetts, with 21,063 people moving

#2. New York, with 3,869 people moving

#3. Maine, with 3,353 people moving

#4. Vermont, with 2,789 people moving

#5. Connecticut, with 2,435 people moving

Ranked the best state for opportunity by U.S. News & World Report, New Hampshire has a high median household income and the lowest poverty rate in the nation. The state also wins the prize for having the most dramatic motto: Live free or die.

#21. New Jersey

Most new New Jersey residents in the past year came from:

#1. New York, with 48,558 people moving

#2. Pennsylvania, with 23,566 people moving

#3. Florida, with 10,399 people moving

#4. California, with 8,239 people moving

#5. Texas, with 5,554 people moving

The Garden State is home to Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi, and the setting for popular TV shows from “The Sopranos” to “Jersey Shore.” Need more reasons to live here? New Jersey also has the lowest suicide rate in America.

#20. New Mexico

Most new New Mexico residents in the past year came from:

#1. Texas, with 17,155 people moving

#2. Arizona, with 7,350 people moving

#3. California, with 4,939 people moving

#4. Colorado, with 4,293 people moving

#5. Florida, with 2,411 people moving

As the birthplace of the green chile, New Mexico is a haven for spicy food lovers. The state is also known for its hot balloon fiesta, a breathtaking sight for the past 47 years. More recently, tourists have been coming to the state to take part in ”Breaking Bad” tours.

#19. New York

Most new New York residents in the past year came from:

#1. New Jersey, with 33,747 people moving

#2. Florida, with 23,515 people moving

#3. Pennsylvania, with 22,933 people moving

#4. California, with 22,626 people moving

#5. Massachusetts, with 17,877 people moving

Whether one is chasing their dreams on Broadway or Wall Street, the Big Apple is where people from all over the world vie for a chance to “make it.” The state is one of the most welcoming to immigrants: New York is home to more green card holders than any other state.

#18. North Carolina

Most new North Carolina residents in the past year came from:

#1. Virginia, with 35,641 people moving

#2. Florida, with 32,234 people moving

#3. South Carolina, with 32,088 people moving

#4. New York, with 29,702 people moving

#5. Georgia, with 24,882 people moving

Would-be homeowners who don’t want to sacrifice quality of life might consider putting their roots down in Raleigh-Durham, N.C. Business Insider ranks the area as one of the best places to live and own a home, thanks to a robust job market and an average home price of less than $250,000.

#17. North Dakota

Most new North Dakota residents in the past year came from:

#1. Minnesota, with 11,684 people moving

#2. South Dakota, with 2,377 people moving

#3. California, with 1,797 people moving

#4. Texas, with 1,378 people moving

#5. Montana, with 1,307 people moving

North Dakotans enjoy both social connectedness and a healthy environment, which is why the state is ranked the best for quality of life, according to U.S. News & World Report. Residents can also enjoy the wildlife and many natural features of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

#16. Ohio

Most new Ohio residents in the past year came from:

#1. Florida, with 15,087 people moving

#2. Pennsylvania, with 14,425 people moving

#3. Michigan, with 13,107 people moving

#4. Illinois, with 12,463 people moving

#5. California, with 11,777 people moving

Looking for cheap rent? Toledo, Ohio, is the least expensive city in the country for renters, with a median rent of $550 per month. Think of all the extra money that will be left over to enjoy Ohio’s growing craft beer scene.

#15. Oklahoma

Most new Oklahoma residents in the past year came from:

#1. Texas, with 28,060 people moving

#2. California, with 11,302 people moving

#3. Arkansas, with 7,396 people moving

#4. Kansas, with 6,048 people moving

#5. Missouri, with 5,253 people moving

Road-trippers love to visit Oklahoma, as it contains more miles of the Historic Route 66 than any other state. Reasons to make the visit permanent include great barbecue, banjo tunes, and the opportunity to wear cowboy boots on the regular.

#14. Oregon

Most new Oregon residents in the past year came from:

#1. California, with 43,804 people moving

#2. Washington, with 24,207 people moving

#3. Texas, with 5,377 people moving

#4. Arizona, with 4,932 people moving

#5. Idaho, with 4,576 people moving

Oregon has become synonymous with craft beer, ranking first in the amount of money spent on local brews. The state is also known for its thriving bike culture, which means residents can take advantage of the many beer-and-bike events each year!

#13. Pennsylvania

Most new Pennsylvania residents in the past year came from:

#1. New York, with 40,208 people moving

#2. New Jersey, with 40,118 people moving

#3. Maryland, with 19,747 people moving

#4. Florida, with 12,938 people moving

#5. Virginia, with 12,785 people moving

Pennsylvania is where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, and where you can still be inspired by the Liberty Bell today. When one has had their fill of history, they can enjoy one of the state’s famed cheesesteak sandwiches.

#12. Rhode Island

Most new Rhode Island residents in the past year came from:

#1. Massachusetts, with 9,077 people moving

#2. Connecticut, with 4,252 people moving

#3. Florida, with 2,778 people moving

#4. New York, with 2,631 people moving

#5. California, with 1,484 people moving

For those that enjoy visiting mansions—or maybe even aspire to live in one—Rhode Island will provide both envy and inspiration. Newport is home to many stately homes, like the The Breakers, built as summer house for the Vanderbilts in 1895. Prefer more natural sights? Take a walk down the Newport Cliff Walk, and enjoy views of the rocky shoreline.

#11. South Carolina

Most new South Carolina residents in the past year came from:

#1. North Carolina, with 30,447 people moving

#2. Georgia, with 16,234 people moving

#3. Florida, with 13,371 people moving

#4. New York, with 10,230 people moving

#5. Virginia, with 8,081 people moving

Southern hospitality combined with a slower pace of life are good reasons to move to South Carolina. The state also is a great place to immerse one's self in American history. Charleston is full of historic landmarks, with a collection of Federal-era houses and a French Quarter lined with art galleries.

#10. South Dakota

Most new South Dakota residents in the past year came from:

#1. Minnesota, with 4,991 people moving

#2. California, with 2,929 people moving

#3. Iowa, with 2,887 people moving

#4. Wyoming, with 2,047 people moving

#5. Texas, with 1,946 people moving

Running on too little sleep? Move to South Dakota for more shut-eye. Residents of this state enjoy an average of more than seven hours a night. Experts credit the extra zzz’s to the state’s lower population density, and better overall health. 

#9. Tennessee

Most new Tennessee residents in the past year came from:

#1. Georgia, with 16,367 people moving

#2. Florida, with 14,926 people moving

#3. Kentucky, with 12,562 people moving

#4. Texas, with 11,827 people moving

#5. Illinois, with 9,737 people moving

Musicians can enjoy low rents and a vibrant music scene by moving to Tennessee. The state has a long, storied musical history spanning country, rock and roll, and pop. Elvis called Memphis home, Nashville is home to the Grand Ole Opry House, and home-based studios with independent sound engineers are abound in both cities.

#8. Texas

Most new Texas residents in the past year came from:

#1. California, with 69,945 people moving

#2. Florida, with 31,145 people moving

#3. Oklahoma, with 30,532 people moving

#4. Louisiana, with 27,998 people moving

#5. Illinois, with 21,848 people moving

For those who have always wanted to live in the South, but prefer an inclusive environment, Austin, Texas, ranked third on Nerdwallet’s most LGBT-friendly cities in the U.S, with 5.3% of the population identifying as LGBT. For those looking to enhance their careers, Texas boasts two cities—Midland and Odessa—that made it onto MarketWatch’s list of cities adding the most jobs.

#7. Utah

Most new Utah residents in the past year came from:

#1. California, with 23,034 people moving

#2. Idaho, with 9,520 people moving

#3. Arizona, with 9,140 people moving

#4. Texas, with 7,467 people moving

#5. Nevada, with 5,181 people moving

The American Dream is still alive and well in West Valley City, Utah, which according to SmartAsset, is the best place for living the American Dream. Utah as a whole tops U.S. News & World Report’s list of best states for fiscal stability.

#6. Vermont

Most new Vermont residents in the past year came from:

#1. Massachusetts, with 3,731 people moving

#2. New Hampshire, with 3,285 people moving

#3. New York, with 3,186 people moving

#4. Pennsylvania, with 1,449 people moving

#5. New Jersey, with 1,393 people moving

Want a workout buddy? Fitness fanatics will enjoy a health-focused life in Vermont, which has the highest percentage of residents who work out at least three times a week. After sweating it out, athletes can enjoy the state’s famous maple syrup on a hot stack of pancakes, guilt-free.

#5. Virginia

Most new Virginia residents in the past year came from:

#1. Maryland, with 28,394 people moving

#2. North Carolina, with 22,598 people moving

#3. Florida, with 19,439 people moving

#4. California, with 17,473 people moving

#5. Texas, with 15,873 people moving

Those with presidential ambitions might find it inspiring to live in Virginia, home to eight U.S. presidents—more than any other state. George Washington came first, and Woodrow Wilson was the latest.

#4. Washington

Most new Washington residents in the past year came from:

#1. California, with 51,485 people moving

#2. Oregon, with 32,384 people moving

#3. Texas, with 16,005 people moving

#4. Colorado, with 13,012 people moving

#5. Arizona, with 12,801 people moving

If one is planning a move to Washington, they're likely a millennial. Seattle is the city attracting the most millennials these days, beating out both Los Angeles and San Francisco, which didn’t even make the top 15. Perhaps that’s why so many Californians are moving to the Evergreen State. The young residents of of Washington’s thriving metropolis can enjoy the Space Needle, Mount Rainier, and the company of other new-to-town millennials.

#3. West Virginia

Most new West Virginia residents in the past year came from:

#1. Ohio, with 7,281 people moving

#2. Maryland, with 7,100 people moving

#3. Pennsylvania, with 6,226 people moving

#4. Virginia, with 6,114 people moving

#5. North Carolina, with 2,419 people moving

Thanks to low population density and low property prices, a whopping 74.6% of West Virginia residents own their homes—the highest rate of any state. Settle down here and be able to visit the New River Gorge year-round, enjoying its beautiful rock formations and winding river.

#2. Wisconsin

Most new Wisconsin residents in the past year came from:

#1. Illinois, with 31,323 people moving

#2. Minnesota, with 18,036 people moving

#3. California, with 6,830 people moving

#4. Michigan, with 5,433 people moving

#5. Florida, with 5,242 people moving

Want to live in an affordable city with lots of young people and a short commute to work? Madison, Wisc. topped MarketWatch’s list of top cities to live in for entry-level, college-educated workers. Rents are low, goods are inexpensive, and the public transportation system is very strong.

#1. Wyoming

Most new Wyoming residents in the past year came from:

#1. Colorado, with 4,227 people moving

#2. Pennsylvania, with 2,660 people moving

#3. Texas, with 1,914 people moving

#4. California, with 1,586 people moving

#5. Washington, with 1,426 people moving

Seek more quiet and alone time? With fewer than 600,000 residents, Wyoming is the least populous state—despite the fact that it’s home to stunning natural attractions like Yellowstone National Park, a gigantic wilderness recreation area where one might spot bears and bison.

Trending Now