In 2024, a noticeable trend emerged: Americans are increasingly relocating to the Southern Appalachian region, which encompasses states such as North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama. According to PODS long-distance moving data, this shift marks a departure from previous favorites like Florida and Texas.
According to PODS moving data, more than 60% of the top moved-to cities are located in three southern states, reflecting a pronounced preference for the Southern Appalachian region. In a PODS moving trends “first,” the Myrtle Beach, SC/Wilmington, NC, area holds onto its crown as the number one most moved-to city for the second year in a row.
Top PODS Cities for Relocation in 2024
Here is a detailed breakdown of the top 10 cities experiencing the highest number of move-ins (all ages) in 2024, according to PODS:
1. Myrtle Beach, SC/Wilmington, NC
2. Ocala, FL
3. Houston, TX
4. Greenville-Spartanburg, SC
5. Charlotte, NC
6. Raleigh, NC
7. Phoenix, AZ
8. Knoxville, TN
9. Jacksonville, FL
10. Asheville, NC
Related: Go West, Young Man (or North, South or East…?)
Age and Income Play a Role
Some relocation preferences vary by age but overall reflect the top cities and states. Younger movers who may be relocating for employment opportunities or job transfers, will follow growing employment centers. Iron Mountain data from 2024 shows employers are moving operations to Texas, Georgia, Arizona, North Carolina and Tennessee. Popular cities for company relocations include Austin, Atlanta, Phoenix, Raleigh and Nashville.
Retirees, on the other hand, may be seeking a change in lifestyle and scenery. Cities where retirees are moving in 2024 include Mesa, AZ, San Antonio, TX, Henderson, NV, St. Petersburg, FL, Murfreesboro, TN — locations without frigid winters where they can “stretch their retirement savings further and enjoy their free time,” says SmartAsset, an online investment group.
Related: AMS Branch Locations
What’s the Draw?
The Carolinas, along with cities in Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama, offer a combination of affordable living costs, quality of life and access to nature. North Carolina, in particular, has emerged as a favorite, thanks to its vibrant metropolitan areas, a thriving food scene and scenic beauty, especially along the coast. The rise in the popularity of these states is also linked to broader trends favoring more affordable, high-quality living environments away from the higher costs associated with major urban centers. The top three destination cities in PODS’s survey offer a coastal lifestyle at an affordable price in terms of their housing markets. Myrtle Beach has an average home value of $307,395, a 1.2% increase from the previous year. The average home value in Ocala, FL is $273,984, up 0.3% over the past year. The average Houston, TX home value is $272,144, up 2.1% over the past year and goes to pending in around 19 days.
Related: Locking in a Low Rate and Making a Final Move to Florida
Impact of Military Presence on Relocation Trends
As you might expect, military bases and installations play a significant role in shaping the demographics and economies of these regions. The presence of military installations often stimulates local economies and influences population movement due to associated job opportunities and community support systems.
Here’s a closer look at military presence in some of the key moving destinations:
North Carolina
• Fort Liberty: Located near Fayetteville, Fort Liberty (p/k/a Fort Bragg) is one of the largest military installations in the world and a major influence on the region’s population. It houses the U.S. Army's XVIII Airborne Corps and Special Operations Command, with thousands of active-duty soldiers. The base contributes significantly to the local economy and drives population growth in surrounding areas.
• Camp Lejeune: Situated in Jacksonville, Camp Lejeune is a large Marine Corps base that also affects local demographics. The base hosts over 40,000 Marines and their families, contributing to the area's robust housing market and community services.
South Carolina
• Fort Jackson: This Army installation in Columbia is a key training facility and a significant driver of population and economic activity in the area. Fort Jackson is the largest and most active initial entry training center in the Army, impacting local housing and service industries.
• Joint Base Charleston: This base, which combines Charleston Air Force Base and the Naval Weapons Station Charleston, contributes to the local economy and influences the population dynamics in the Charleston area.
Tennessee
• Fort Campbell: Located on the border between Tennessee and Kentucky, Fort Campbell is home to the 101st Airborne Division and a substantial number of active-duty personnel. This base supports a large military community, impacting local housing and economic conditions.
• Naval Support Activity Mid-South: Based in Millington, this installation supports a range of naval operations and contributes to local population and economic trends.
Georgia
• Fort Stewart: Located near Hinesville, Fort Stewart is a major Army base with a significant number of soldiers stationed there. The base's presence impacts local demographics and drives housing demand in the area.
• Hunter Army Airfield: Situated in Savannah, Hunter Army Airfield supports various Army aviation operations and contributes to the region's military community.
Alabama
• Redstone Arsenal: Located in Huntsville, Redstone Arsenal is a major Army base that focuses on research, development, and acquisition. The base attracts a significant number of defense contractors and military personnel, influencing local population trends.
Related: Members Switch to AMS to Pay Off Their Construction Loan
Of course, the best state or city for you to live in will depend on your personal preferences, career aspirations and budget. We’ve found many servicemembers will return to a favorite place they discovered while on active duty for local amenities and to live in a military community where they feel welcomed and supported.
We’re Here to Help
Whether you’re thinking about buying, ready to start home-shopping in earnest, or considering a refinance, an AAFMAA Mortgage Services LLC (AMS) Military Mortgage Advisor, a licensed mortgage loan originator, will be happy to provide you with an honest and fair comparison of your mortgage options, including a wide range of affordable mortgages designed to meet your needs.
Ensuring AAFMAA Members obtain the best mortgage possible is our mission. Get your free mortgage assessment today or give us a call at 844-422-3622!