Best cities for investment properties
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South Carolina took the top spot. U-Haul’s 2024 Growth Indexsurpassing Texas and Florida as the most popular migration destination in the United States. This data, based on more than 2.5 million one-way U-Haul trips, shows increased migration to Southeastern states as Americans seek more affordable living, better job opportunities, and improved quality of life. reflects trends.
While Texas and Florida remain popular, ranking second and fourth respectively, South Carolina’s rise highlights a change in the direction moving companies are heading. Meanwhile, California continues to have the highest rate of outmigration, ranking last in the index for the fifth year in a row.
How U-Haul measures migration trends
In terms of numbers:
U-Haul tracks growth trends by analyzing the net income from more than 2.5 million one-way truck and trailer rentals across the United States. Although the U-Haul Growth Index is not directly related to population growth, it serves as a unique barometer of migration trends.
2024:
- biggest gainer: South Carolina, Oklahoma (+30 spot), Indiana (+19 spot), Maine (+18 spot).
- biggest decline: Colorado (-31 ranking), Nevada (-24 ranking), Wyoming (-22 ranking), New Mexico (-21 ranking).
What is the current situation in Texas and Florida?
Opposite side:
Texas remains a strong contender, ranking second and remaining a top-two state since 2016. Although Florida has fallen to fourth place, it still attracts significant numbers of migrants due to its warm climate and lack of a state income tax.
FILE – Front view of a U-Haul moving truck in an apartment complex parking lot. (Photo courtesy of Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)
What does this mean for California?
Big picture:
The fact that California remains at the bottom of the list confirms that the population exodus continues. High housing costs, taxes, and concerns about quality of life are often cited as reasons why residents leave the state. This trend reflects broader migration patterns from the West Coast and Northeast.
What’s next for migration trends?
What’s next:
U-Haul expects migration patterns to remain consistent into 2025, as states in the Southeast continue to attract migrants. These trends are likely to remain stable as the focus continues to be on affordability and lifestyle improvements.
