Americans on the Move: 2015 Trends in Residential Relocation

As the year draws to a close, many people look back and analyze past milestones. One interesting area to explore is trends in moving patterns. Why did people move in 2015? Where did they relocate to? How much did Americans pay for their moves, on average?

Here’s a look at some revealing data about relocation.

Reasons to move

In November 2015, the U.S. Bureau published a detailed release with mobility related data indicating the reasons behind American moves from 2014 to 2015.

It turns out that the highest number of moves were related to housing. Most of the people who undertook relocation wanted a new home, either to secure cheaper housing, or to buy a home of their own.

The second most common cause for moving is family-related. Many respondents moved to establish their own household, or because they got married.

Relocating for work ranked third among reasons for moving. Many people moved to find work, take a new job, transfer with their current job, or reduce their commute time.

Other, less common reasons to move included attending college, or seeking climate or health-related changes.

Popular destinations

According to a moving industry survey by MyMovingReviews, in 2015, more people moved to the West and the South than other parts of the country. Three of the five busiest routes for moves ended in California. The other two routes were to Florida and Texas.

Most moved-to states:

1. Florida
2. Texas
3. Washington
4. North Carolina
5. Colorado
6. Oregon
7. Arizona
8. Georgia
9. South Carolina
10. Nevada

Most moved-from states:

1. New York
2. Illinois
3. New Jersey
4. Massachusetts
5. Pennsylvania
6. Connecticut
7. Maryland
8. Michigan
9. Virginia
10. Ohio

Most moved-within states:

1. California
2. Florida
3. Texas
4. New Jersey
5. New York
6. Illinois
7. Michigan
8. Georgia
9. Massachusetts
10. Ohio

Most moved-to cities:

1. Denver
2. Seattle
3. Portland, Oregon
4. Houston
5. San Francisco
6. Dallas
7. Atlanta
8. Austin
9. Las Vegas
10. Los Angeles

Most moved-from cities:

1. New York City
2. Chicago
3. Washington, D.C.
4. Pittsburgh
5. Milwaukee
6. Baltimore
7. Philadelphia
8. Arlington, Virginia
9. Minneapolis
10. Columbus, Ohio

Fast facts

• Depending on the particular route, the average moving cost varied from about $2,600 to $4,400.
• 60.6 percent of the moves in 2015 were to another state.
• 9.6 percent of the people who moved in 2015 shipped a vehicle.
• Americans living in one- and two-bedroom homes were the ones who moved the most.
• The South was the only U.S. region gaining population through moves.
• The Midwest was the most moved-from region.
• Friday and Saturday were the preferred days to relocate.
• The busiest day in the moving industry was July 31.
• June was the single busiest month in the moving industry.
• Americans working in professional and business services, wholesale and retail trade, educational and health services, and the Armed Forces moved the most.

Related:

• Checklist: Everybody You Need to Notify When You’re Moving
• A 3-Step Downsizing Plan for Seniors
• 5 Common Moving Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

from Zillow Porchlight | Real Estate News, Advice and Inspiration http://www.zillow.com/blog/2015-trends-in-relocation-190128/
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