Migration 2025: Where Americans are moving to — and why

Americans are still drawn to major cities — despite rising living costs and urban congestion.

U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 migration trends report shows the popularity of migration pathways such as New York City to Los Angeles, San Francisco to Austin, Texas, and Charlotte to Chicago — highlighting persistent interest in urban living, despite financial and climate considerations.

Austin, Dallas, Houston and Seattle stood out in the report as particularly attractive landing spots.

South still dominates

The South remains the most sought-after region, capturing 19 of the top 50 migration paths. Texas cities like Austin, Dallas and Houston continue to attract movers for their relative affordability, job growth and warm weather.

Austin — a tech, music and cultural hub — was the destination in six top routes but also appeared five times as an origin city. Its rising home prices (averaging $449,000 in July 2025) may be pushing some residents to reconsider.

Inventory conditions in Southern metros (2.8-3.4 months of supply) versus tighter Western markets are supporting sustainable growth patterns, according to HousingWire data.

Dallas and Houston also draw interest for their business-friendly environments and lack of state income tax.

HousingWire data confirms Texas leading the nation with +85,267 net domestic migration in 2024 — backing up conclusions on the South being the most appealing region.

The West sees movement — in and out

The West was another hotbed of migration, with 13 pathways leading into cities like Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Phoenix.

While many sought these metro areas for tech jobs, milder climates or lifestyle reasons, there was also significant out-migration — particularly from Los Angeles and San Francisco.

One standout route — West Des Moines, Iowa, to Phoenix — is likely spurred by retirees seeking sun and warmth.

Intra-state California moves and shifts from Austin, Texas to Portland, Oregon, or San Diego to Seattle also suggest lifestyle preferences are key drivers.

Still, some of these routes offer little cost-of-living relief. For example, New York City to San Francisco remains a pricey switch.

California lost 239,575 residents in 2024 — the largest outmigration of any state — supporting claims of the state serving as a multi-faceted first step in relocation paths, according to Altos.

Year-over-year HousingWire data shows California median home prices declining (Los Angeles -6.25%, San Francisco -5.88%) while remaining unaffordable, versus Southern markets showing modest adjustments (Austin -1.82%, Atlanta +1.16%).

The affordability gap between California coastal metros and popular Southern destinations remains stark, according to the HousingWire data. Atlanta’s median price sat at $445,000 as of mid-July compared to $1.499 million in Los Angeles and $1.2 million in San Fransisco.

Houston and Dallas came in at $385,000 and $455,000, respectively, HousingWire data shows.

New York City, Chicago maintain destination status

Despite its high costs, New York City is America’s top migration magnet. Origin points for moves into New York included cities across all regions — from Los Angeles to Miami.

But affordability remains an issue. “These attributes should be balanced with the city’s high cost of living,” the report stated, noting that NYC also appeared seven times as a city people were looking to leave.

Chicago was the most popular Midwestern destination — attracting movers from cities like Dallas, Atlanta, Austin, Seattle and Los Angeles.

Its central location, diverse industries and solid public transit make it an appealing option. However, Chicago also has a higher-than-average unemployment rate (5%) and high rental costs compared to other Midwest cities.

Seattle and the West Coast

Seattle topped the list for Western destinations, drawing new residents from across the country. Its economy — centered on global trade, clean energy and tech — offers high wages, but those are offset by high housing costs.

As of mid-2025, the median home price hit $850,000, and rentals averaged $2,300 monthly.

Climate, however, remains a major draw. U.S. News noted that Seattle’s natural setting appeals to those seeking a balance between urban and outdoor life.