Where Are People Moving to in 2026?

PODS' 2026 Moving Trends Report found that affordability has overtaken career opportunities as the top reason Americans move, cited by 58% of respondents. Community and connection ranked second at 41%, and nearly half of movers said they would decline a higher-paying job that required relocating in favor of staying close to their support network. The report also found continued migration toward Sun Belt markets, with Florida and Tennessee tying as the most popular move-in states.

These findings suggest consumers are prioritizing affordability, quality of life and community over traditional career-driven relocation decisions, creating relevance for housing, financial services, healthcare, home improvement and local businesses that can help new residents establish roots and build connections in growing markets.