Since the start of the pandemic (and maybe a little before that) migration has changed in the U.S. Many sunbelt states, coastal states and states with major cities have become too expensive in terms of housing costs, taxes and and businesses looking for more tax-friendly incentives.
Migration is influenced by factors like job opportunities, lifestyle choices, and regional trends. States that used to be big hubs are are now seeing their populations and economic strength spread to some surprising places.
The following states are now the places to be, according to Storage Cafe.
Oklahoma
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Population: 4,019,800
Average home price: $199,221
Net migrations per 1,000 residents: 9.63
Bottom line: Oklahoma is no longer just the place where the wind comes sweeping down the plain. With a median home price of around $167,000, it now represents a very attractive destination for home buyers.
Californians have access to homes that are around $478,000 cheaper than in their state, while Texans save an average of $67,000 in housing costs. Oklahoma is also very friendly to remote workers — at least one city, Tulsa, has been actively courting them by paying them to relocate.
Tennessee
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Population: 7,051,339
Average home price: $311,706
Net migrations per 1,000 residents: 9.91
Bottom line: Tennessee is booming with people moving to the state from places like California, Florida, Georgia, Texas and Illinois. In fact, the latter two states sent more than 12,000 new residents to the Volunteer State in 2021.
So, whats the draw? Well, for most of the aforementioned states, a cheaper housing market. Californians who choose Tennessee can find homes that are over $400,000 less expensive than what's on the market in their state. Homes in Tennessee are also 37 percent cheaper on average than what New Yorkers can expect to pay.
North Dakota
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Population: 779,261
Average home price: $254,258
Net migrations per 1,000 residents: 12.32
Bottom line: North Dakota is the most sparsely populated state on this list, but the way things are going, it may not be for long. Minnesota, Texas and Florida are the most common originating states for those who choose the Peace Garden State.
Homes in North Dakota are significantly cheaper than those from the above originating states. For example, Minnesotans find homes in North Dakota to be about 22 percent less expensive than what they can find in their home state.
Arizona
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Population: 7,359,197
Average home price: $423,436
Net migrations per 1,000 residents: 12.49
Bottom line: Gen-Xers are big on Arizona, which boasts a good economy, favorable tax climate and outdoor scenery that cannot be beat. California, Washington and Texas are bringing in the most new residents.
The real estate market in the Grand Canyon State is significantly more affordable for West Coast transplants. However, those from Texas and other states will likely see home prices and being higher compared to what they're used to.
Housing availability is another matter, however — the market was already tight before the wave of new residents. The number of housing units per capita is about 0.43 — one of the lowest rates in the U.S.
Nevada
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Population: 3,177,772
Average home price: $418,856
Net migrations per 1,000 residents: 14.46
Bottom line: About 60,000 residents of the Golden State moved to Nevada in 2021. The draw is, once again, significantly cheaper properties — the average home in Nevada is 42 percent less expensive than in California. People from Arizona, Colorado and Utah are also moving to the Silver State.
Unlike in Arizona, millennials are leading the charge, but Gen-X isn't far behind. Moreover, a significant portion of new residents work remotely.
Maine
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Population: 1,385,340
Average home price: $391,001
Net migrations per 1,000 residents: 15.07
Bottom line: Another state that sees plenty of remote workers is Maine. New residents have make an average of $86,000 and about 45 percent of people have at least a bachelor's degree.
Most new residents come from Massachusetts, New Hampshire, California and Florida, with over 60 percent retired or close to retirement.
Maine is one of a two states (Vermont is the second) with a better supply in terms of housing options than the rest of the U.S.
South Carolina
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Population: 5,282,634
Average home price: $288,342
Net migrations per 1,000 residents: 15.09
Bottom line: North Carolina and Georgia are flocking to South Carolina, as are people from California, Virginia and Florida.
Millennials making up the bulk of those relocating to the Palmetto State. Home are cheap here — by comparison, Georgians will pay about $37,000 less for a home, while Californians will pay a whopping $436,000 less!
Montana
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Population: 1,122,867
Average home price: $453,567
Net migrations per 1,000 residents: 17.91
Bottom line: Montana is known for its beautiful wide open spaces, which makes appealing to residents of Washington, California and Colorado. New residents have an average age of about 38 and move to Big Sky Country not only for its slower pace, but also its affordability.
Washington, California and Colorado transplants earn more than those from any other state — well over six figures — while Montanans average about $95,000 per year.
Vermont
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Population: 647,064
Average home price: $388,868
Net migrations per 1,000 residents: 23.99
Bottom line: Stunning landscapes, safe communities and outdoor recreation options that seem endless are what brings people to the small state of Vermont. New residents are typically well educated, with over 45 percent holding at least a bachelor's degree.
Former residents of New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Connecticut choose Vermont as their destination plan. While the Green Mountain State is not as cheap as some of the other states on this list, it's still inexpensive in terms of cost of living and housing in comparison to the aforementioned states.
Remote work is popular with many new residents, who tend to be on the younger side.
Idaho
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Population: 1,839,092
Average home price: $441,312
Net migrations per 1,000 residents: 24.54
Bottom line: Idaho is a whole lot less private post-pandemic. According US Census data — the state's population went up more 13 percent over five years, which the highest increase among all states. Californians are the biggest new residents and around 35 percent are baby boomers looking to retire, which is relatively easy to do, as 76 percent of homes in the Golden State are more expensive than those in Idaho.
Washington, Oregon, Utah, and Colorado round out the biggest number of transplants next to California, with Gen-X and millenials being the groups that have migrated the most.