New Data Reveals 25 Cities Growing the Most (7 Are in a Popular Retirement State)

If you're planning to maximize your retirement savings by moving to an area with a lower cost of living, you're not alone. 

According to U-Haul's annual assessment of which U.S. metro areas see the most one-way moves, seven cities in the retirement hub of Florida have gained residents year after year.

This aligns with the increasing number of people leaving the workforce as more baby boomers reach full retirement age.

Keep reading to learn more about which metro areas U-Haul's 2.5 million customers flocked to this year, including several low-cost cities where you can build your wealth both before and after retirement.

With median home sales prices just below the national median, a sunny climate, and mild springs and falls, it's easy to see why Dallas was the fastest-growing metro area on U-Haul's 2024 report.

The first of three North Carolina cities to make U-Haul's top 25 list, Charlotte's cost of living is 2% lower than the national average.

While fewer people are retiring to Phoenix than they did a decade ago, Arizona's sunny skies and dry climate ensure the state will always appeal to sun-loving retirees.

Five Florida cities made U-Haul's top 25 list this year, starting with Lakeland, where the median sales price for a home is $310,000.

The second Texas city to score a spot on U-Haul's list, Austin is a multicultural hub where the median rent hovers around $1,656, and that's low enough to stay afloat if you're living on Social Security benefits and nothing else.

Nashville's incredible cultural scene sets it apart as a friendly, vibrant place to work and retire. While housing is a little pricier in Nashville, its below-average food, energy, health care, and transportation costs keep the city affordable.

North Carolina's capital city has a fast-growing tech scene, which helps attract workers to the area — as do its housing costs, which are 5% lower than the national average.

With a median home sales price of just $$325,000 and plenty of opportunities for outdoor exploration, it's no wonder Palm Bay attracted so many U-Haul customers in the last year.

Even though Houston is a major metropolitan area, the city's cost of living is 6% below the national average. While prices in the area are starting to trend upward, housing costs remain at least 19% lower than the national average.

Per Condé Nast Traveler, Greenville is the friendliest city in the U.S. With its tree-lined main street, brilliant waterfalls, and easy access to the Blue Ridge Mountains, it's also a beautiful relocation spot for nature-lovers.

Thanks to growth in low-cost cities like Jacksonville, Florida, ranked as the fourth-fastest growing state in U-Haul's assessment.

Tampa's cost of living is lower than some of its nearest big cities, such as Orlando and Miami. Its location along the Gulf of Mexico means there's no shortage of beautiful beaches to enjoy.

Health care expenses in Charleston are 14% lower than the national average. That's something budget-conscious seniors — who spend more on health care than other segments of the population — should take note of.

Wilmington's median rent is just below $1,700, while its median home sales price is just over $435,000, which could explain the city's appeal to movers in 2024.

U.S. News & World Report named Sarasota the best retirement spot two years in a row, citing the city's low cost of living, incredible beaches, and senior-friendly cultural scene.

Fort Myers is smaller than some of Florida's other metro areas, but it's still within easy driving distance of cities like Tampa, Miami, or Orlando.

Boise's population has grown steadily over the last decade and shows no signs of stopping — and with the city's economic stability, rich outdoor scene, and wage growth, why should it?

Richmond's growing foodie scene isn't hampered by high costs: residents spend 29.1% less on food in Richmond compared to the national average.

Even with above-average housing prices, Bend is still more affordable than northwestern cities like Portland and Seattle. Plus, Central Oregon's dry, sunny climate attracts those Pacific Northwesterners who dislike cloudy skies and rainy days.

Indianapolis's cold winters keep it from being a top travel spot for anyone who hates freezing temperatures, but its cost of living is 10% below the national average, and the city's thriving sports culture ensures you have plenty to cheer for no matter the season.

These two South Texas cities near the Mexican border enjoy a rich cultural history, excellent food, and affordability — Brownsville's cost of living is a full 15% lower than the national average.

As the Rose Capital of America, Tyler is anything but a dry, dusty Texas town. Something beautiful is always in bloom, which makes the city's low housing costs even sweeter.

Although prices are slowly rising in Daytona Beach, the cost of living is still 1% below the national average, and Florida's lack of a state income tax helps just about everyone stretch their budget just a little further.

With a median sales price of $370,000, Spokane has one of the most affordable housing markets in the typically expensive Evergreen State.

Springdale's below-average energy, food, health care, and transportation costs are a powerful draw for families, individuals, and seniors living on a budget.

Sometimes the best way to get help paying your mortgage is to relocate to an area with a better housing market and lower cost of living.

If you're planning a cost-saving move, consider looking into some of these popular relocation spots — but don't be afraid to branch out into other lesser-known areas that could be the perfect place to put down roots.