In 2024, millions of Americans packed up and moved across state lines, seeking better opportunities, cheaper living and a higher quality of life.
According to a study by Atlas Van Lines, which tracked migration from November 1, 2023, to October 31, 2024, Arkansas emerged as the most popular destination for newcomers. This surprising choice reflects changing priorities that are reshaping where Americans choose to live.
Why Arkansas Is the Top Pick
Arkansas stood out as a top choice thanks to its affordability, safety and recent tax breaks. Heather Keenen, a real estate expert from Lincoln, AR, says Northwest Arkansas, especially Bentonville, home to Walmart’s headquarters, is seeing an influx of new residents every day.
“People are flocking to the places that have strong job markets and affordability—but also extra elbow room, fantastic food, and hospitable culture,” she says. “Here in Northwest Arkansas, we certainly have all of that going for us.”
The Draw of Lower Costs and No Income Tax
Money matters influenced many people’s decisions to move. States like Tennessee, Washington and Alaska, which don’t have state income taxes, ranked among the top choices.
Holden Andrews from Helpful Home Group highlighted the benefits, saying that not paying state income tax can really help people save more, given the rising costs of everyday needs like food and fuel.
Reasons People Move
Though affordability is a strong factor, it’s not the only one. Atlas Van Lines found that only 10% of people moved for cost reasons. Job changes (32%) and proximity to friends and family (25%) were more common motivators. Other reasons were weather, relationships, education, safety, retirement and health concerns.
Top 10 States Americans Moved to in 2024
Below are the most popular states with details about housing costs and recommended incomes.
1. Arkansas
- Largest metro: Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway
- Median home price: $285,000
- Monthly house payment: $1,494
- Recommended income: $59,760
2. Rhode Island
- Largest metro: Providence-Warwick
- Median home price: $539,900
- Monthly house payment: $2,830
- Recommended income: $113,208
3. North Carolina
- Largest metro: Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia
- Median home price: $428,750
- Monthly house payment: $2,248
- Recommended income: $89,902
4. Washington, D.C.
- Largest metro: Washington-Arlington-Alexandria
- Median home price: $585,000
- Monthly house payment: $3,067
- Recommended income: $122,665
5. Idaho
- Largest metro: Boise City
- Median home price: $579,900
- Monthly house payment: $3,040
- Recommended income: $121,595
6. Tennessee
- Largest metro: Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin
- Median home price: $539,900
- Monthly house payment: $2,830
- Recommended income: $113,208
7. Maine
- Largest metro: Portland-South Portland
- Median home price: $615,000
- Monthly house payment: $3,224
- Recommended income: $128,955
8. Connecticut
- Largest metro: New Haven-Milford
- Median home price: $399,900
- Monthly house payment: $2,096
- Recommended income: $83,852
9. Washington
- Largest metro: Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue
- Median home price: $740,000
- Monthly house payment: $3,879
- Recommended income: $155,165
10. Alaska
- Largest metro: Anchorage
- Median home price: $450,000
- Monthly house payment: $2,359
- Recommended income: $94,357
Conclusion
The data shows that Americans’ priorities are changing. More people are moving to states that offer a mix of affordable living, good job opportunities and a high quality of life as living costs keep increasing.
